positive psychology: strength-based approaches to serious ...€¦ · positive psychology:...
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Positive Psychology: Strength-Based Approaches to Serious Mental Illness
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Virginia Goldrick, PhD [email protected]
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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