Positive Psychology Therapist in Chicago

Are you looking for a Chicago therapist who uses positive psychology? Hoping to find a counselor in Chicago who leans into positive psychology as part of treating anxiety, depression, negative thinking, and procrastination?

If so, you have come to the right place. Our Chicago therapy specialists call upon the essentials of this strength-based approach to help clients create meaningful change.

Positive psychology is a relatively new field of psychology that focuses on studying happiness, well-being, and positive emotions. At our 2^nd Story Counseling, we use this form of therapy to help individuals overcome mental health challenges and achieve greater overall well-being.

What Is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is an evidence-based approach to therapy that is grounded in research. Over the years, multiple studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of these types of interventions in improving mental health and overall well-being.

Here are some key research findings associated with this kind of therapy:

Increased happiness: One of the primary goals of positive psychology is to increase happiness. Multiple studies have shown that these kinds of interventions, such as gratitude exercises and acts of kindness, can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
Decreased depression: Positive psych has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. A study conducted by Seligman et al. (2005) found that positive psych interventions were effective in reducing symptoms of depression in individuals who had previously been diagnosed with depression.
Improved resilience: Positive psychology interventions can help individuals build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Research has shown that individuals who engage in these types interventions are better able to cope with stress and are more resilient in the face of challenges.
Improved physical health: Positive psychology interventions have been shown to have positive effects on physical health. For example, a study conducted by Moskowitz et al. (2012) found that individuals who engaged in positive emotion regulation techniques had lower levels of inflammation, which is associated with a wide range of health problems.
Improved work performance: Positive psychology interventions can also have meaningful effects on work performance. A study conducted by Lyubomirsky et al. (2005) found that individuals who engaged in positive psychology interventions, such as expressing gratitude and performing acts of kindness, were more productive and had higher job satisfaction.

Overall, research has shown that positive psychology interventions can have a wide range of positive effects on mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

At our Chicago therapy organization in Lakeview, we use evidence-based approaches, including positive psychology, to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being

Benefits of Positive Psychology

Here are some of the key benefits:

Strength-based approach: Positive psychology emphasizes an individual’s strengths and resources, rather than their weaknesses and problems. This approach can lead to increased confidence and self-efficacy, which can help individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Evidence-based: Positive psych is an evidence-based approach that is grounded in research and has been proven effective in multiple studies. This means that individuals can trust that the strategies and techniques used in this modality have been thoroughly tested and are backed by scientific evidence.
Collaborative: Positive psych is a collaborative approach, which means the therapist works with the individual to identify their strengths and develop solutions that work for them. This approach can help individuals to feel heard and validated, which can lead to a more meaningful therapeutic experience.
Gratitude exercises: Positive psychology often uses gratitude exercises, which ask individuals to focus on the good aspects of their life and express gratitude for them. This approach helps individuals to cultivate a focused mindset and can lead to increased feelings of well-being and happiness.
Improves mental health: Positive psychology can be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. It helps individuals build resilience and find meaning in their lives, which can lead to improved mental health. [see our therapist in Chicago for anxiety page].
Improves overall well-being: In addition to improving mental health and treating specific mental health issues, positive psych has been shown to improve overall well-being. This means that individuals who engage in positive psychology may see improvements in multiple areas of their life, including their relationships, career, and physical health.

Wrap Up

At 2^nd Story Counseling Chicago, we believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy. Positive psychology is one of the tools we use to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.

Our Chicago therapists are dedicated to helping individuals build resilience, cultivate positive emotions, and find meaning in their lives. If you are looking for a therapy that is focused on strengths and improving overall well-being, positive psychology may be the right choice for you.

Reach out to us using our secure online contact form to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 773.528.1777

References:

Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of general psychology, 9(2), 111-131.

Moskowitz, J. T., Carrico, A. W., Duncan, L. G., Cohn, M. A., Cheung, E. O., Batchelder, A., … & Folkman, S. (2012). Randomized controlled trial of a positive affect intervention for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 80(2), 257-264.

Seligman, M. E., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions. American psychologist, 60(5), 410.

Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). (2009). Oxford handbook of positive psychology. Oxford University Press.