Positive psychology interventions

Domain II · Behavioural & cognitive · Seligman, Steen, Park · 2005

What it is

Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are a family of brief, structured exercises, not one therapy with one manual. A PPI is a training, exercise or therapy whose main aim is to build positive feelings, positive thoughts or positive behaviours, rather than to fix a deficit, and which rests…

Format

• PPIs have no fixed phase model; this is stated plainly in the sources, which describe single exercises, programmes and one therapy package. The delivery formats the sources actually describe are:
• Recommended dose. Run PPIs for at least 4 weeks, and preferably 8 or more, delivered individually where possible. They can be used alongside problem-focused treatment (for example after remission, to build resilience) or as a low-intensity first step in stepped care. Longer interventions give…

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• What it is. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are a family of brief, structured exercises, not one therapy with one manual. A PPI is a training, exercise or therapy whose main aim is to build positive feelings, positive thoughts or positive behaviours, rather than to fix a deficit, and which rests explicitly on positive-psychology theory. Typical examples are gratitude letters, counting blessings, acts of…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• How do you and the practitioner understand what is happening, in spiritual or cultural terms? Is that a source of comfort, worry, or both?
• Does it use a device, heat, cold, water or a physical procedure? Has a medical professional checked that it is safe for you?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• estranged or abusive families. Offer a 'chosen family' version instead.
• relationships with high conflict or abuse, where this exercise is not appropriate.
• 'time flies' turning into poignant sadness, or downward comparison turning into guilt. Respect cultural norms around self-praise.
• recent or traumatic losses where 'silver linings' feel invalidating. Use older, resolved setbacks, and never push meaning onto grief.
• satisficing read as lowering standards in areas the client truly cares about. Keep high standards where they serve the client's values.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.