Positive Psychology: Strength-Based Approaches to Serious Mental Illness

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Virginia Goldrick, PhD CRSS773-794-5680virginia.goldrick@illinois.gov

Objectives/Future Trends: Wellbeing, not freedom from symptoms, is

likely to become the new focus of Treatment and Support

Cultivating wellbeing creates enduring internal (neural) resources for ongoing wellness

Wellbeing arises from 1) mutually supportive, respectful

relationships; 2) practices that enhance personal

happiness;

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Recovery = Wellness

Empowerment

Self-Management/Self-Determination

Disability Rights

Social Inclusion

Rehabilitation

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Wellbeing is a Spectrum

Each of us is from Low to High on a variety of dimensions

Calls for a spectrum of treatment options

Must include peer supports as part of that spectrum!

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Our Treatment System is also on a Spectrum

Traditional model:

- documents deficits, weaknesses

- No meaningful leadership roles for peers

Positive psychology or recovery approach:

- documents strengths, assets, virtues, abilities, as well as challenges

- Provides peer leadership opportunities

Focuses on practices for wellbeing

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‘Treatment as usual’• A hodgepodge of programs relying

primarily on medications

• Symptom control is central focus

• ‘expert’-driven

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The R.A.I.S.E. Study (Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode, 2015-16)

Collaborative Specialty Care Team

One to one therapy, Family Education

Shared Decision-Making = Medications

Central focus = Work & Study

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Traditional treatment goals target ‘clinical recovery’ = symptomatology

Alternative/contemporary treatment approaches target ‘personal recovery’ - - -defined by the individual as meaningful

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Prof. Mike Slade recommends:

• Change your focus! = Personal Recovery, not clinical recovery

• Highlight the individual’s own perspective

• Use scientific knowledge from positive psychology in routine clinical practice

• Focus on tasks which support personal recovery

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“Recovery is about having joy in living, participating in life, feeling good about who I am and how I am connected to my community. It’s the ups and downs. It’s creating my own path. Its about feeling whole, well and loved.” Cherie Bledsoe

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What does a Positive Psychology Intervention NOT look like?

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Positive Psychology Interventions

Gratitude exercises –Journaling, reflections upon waking or at bedtime, counting blessings etc

Forgiveness exercises -6 Steps to Forgiveness, Forgiveness Prayer etc

Savouring & Flow exercises – Mindfully valuing past & present positive experiences, enjoying activities

Strengths exercises – Acknowledging ones personal growth and abilities, often in ones recovery story

Meaning Oriented exercises – Constructing and Editing ones personal narrative; Affirming a purpose in life

Creativity exercises –art, music, dance etc.

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Positive Psychology, cont. Empathy Related exercises -Telling and hearing

recovery stories, peer sharing

Patience exercises –Mindfully persevering with goals

Courage exercises – Self-Advocacy training, recovery story telling, “stepping up” when challenged

Positive Distraction & Engagement exercises –‘Hanging out’ at the Drop-In, field trips, creative activities, journaling etc

Mindfulness & Meditative exercises – Being present, listening to others, taking turns (esp. exchange listening)

Leadership Opportunities – facilitating groups, proposing programming, offering support to others, advocacy

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Where Can I Find More Info?1. 12 Positive Psychology Interventions + 3 Ways

to Find the One You need-https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/

2. Positive Psychology for Psychosis–Mike Slade,3. T Brownell, T Rashid, & B Shrank. Routlege NY

2017.

3. Mental Illness & Wellbeing: The central importance of positive psychology and recovery approaches. Mike Slade, 2010.

4. Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence. RickHanson, 2013.

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