Techniques of Positive Psychotherapy Module V PDF

**Module V: Techniques of Positive Psychotherapy** Six Exercises: Three Good Things, Using Your Strengths, The Gratitude Visit, Active-Constructive Responding, Savoring, and Life Summary Session by Session of Positive Psychotherapy (Orientation, Engagement, Pleasure, Meaning, Integration) Importa...

**Module V: Techniques of Positive Psychotherapy** Six Exercises: Three Good Things, Using Your Strengths, The Gratitude Visit, Active-Constructive Responding, Savoring, and Life Summary Session by Session of Positive Psychotherapy (Orientation, Engagement, Pleasure, Meaning, Integration) Importance of Home work **[Six Exercises ]** **[Three Good Things]** **NAME:**  The Three Good Things (also known as \"The Three Blessings\") **PURPOSE/EFFECTS: ** The Three Good Things exercise is intended to increase happiness and a sense of wellbeing. \ It does this by a simple method of redirecting attention towards positive thoughts and away from negative thoughts. Human beings have evolved to spend much more time thinking about negative experiences than positive ones. We spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong and how to fix it, or how to do it differently next time. In the past there may have been an evolutionary advantage to this way of thinking, since it seems to be innate. However, for modern humans this negative bias is the source of a lot of anxiety, depression, and general lack of wellbeing. \ Luckily, by re-directing our thoughts on purpose towards positive events, we can do a lot to correct this negative bias.  **METHOD:** Summary Each night before you go to sleep:\ 1. Think of three good things that happened today.\ 2. Write them down.\ 3. Reflect on why they happened.  **Long Version** This exercise is to be done each night before going to sleep. \ [Step 1:] Think about anything good that happened to you today. It can be anything at all that seems positive to you. It need not be anything big or important. For example, you might recall the fact that you enjoyed the oatmeal you had for breakfast. On the other hand, you might also recall that your child took its first step today. Anything from the most mundane to the most exalted works, as long as it seems to you like a good, positive, happy thing.\ [Step 2:] Write down these three positive things. \ [Step 3:] Reflect on why each good thing happened. Determining the \"why\" of the event is the most important part of the exercise. For example, you might say that your oatmeal tasted really good this morning because your partner took the time to go shopping at the local farmer\'s market, where they have fresh, organic oatmeal. Or you might say that your child took its first step today because God was pouring blessings down upon your family, or because it really wanted to get to some cookies on the table. You get to decide reasons for each event that make sense to you.\ **HISTORY:** This method was created by psychologist[ Martin Seligman](http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMartin_Seligman&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFrqEzeE_cxtBY1ItR49-SViuRVoQCfK5A). He is considered to be an expert on depression and happiness, has been called the \"father of Positive Psychology,\" and is one of the prominent.3 psychologists of the 20th century. He is also the director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. \ The Three Good Things Exercise has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective. Using double-blind testing methods (RH, do you have access to a short summary of this research?).  **TIME REQUIRED** 10 minutes/day for at least one week. **HOW TO DO IT** Each day for at least one week, write down three things that went well for you that day, and provide an explanation for why they went well. It is important to create a physical record of your items by writing them down; it is not enough simply to do this exercise in your head. The items can be relatively small in importance (e.g., "my co-worker made the coffee today") or relatively large (e.g., "I earned a big promotion"). To make this exercise part of your daily routine, some find that writing before bed is helpful. As you write, follow these instructions: 1. Give the event a title (e.g., "co-worker complimented my work on a project") 2. Write down exactly what happened in as much detail as possible, including what you did or said and, if others were involved, what they did or said. 3. Include how this event made you feel at the time and how this event made you feel later (including now, as you remember it). 4. Explain what you think caused this event---why it came to pass. 5. Use whatever writing style you please, and do not worry about perfect grammar and spelling. Use as much detail as you\'d like. 6. If you find yourself focusing on negative feelings, refocus your mind on the good event and the positive feelings that came with it. This can take effort but gets easier with practice and can make a real difference in how you feel. 7. Three Good Things, A Small Gratitude Exercise for a Large Boost of Happiness 8. In a study of exercise's effectiveness by Martin Seligman, participants were asked to follow those exact instructions for just one week. 9. After one week they were 2% happier than before, but in follow-up tests, their happiness kept on increasing, from 5% at one month, to 9% at six months. All this, even though they were only instructed to journal for one week. Participants enjoyed the exercise so much, that they just kept on doing it on their own. 10. I tried it for myself -- I set a goal of doing it for just one week. 11. It's addictively effective. - Because of [hedonic adaptation](http://happierhuman.com/hedonic-treadmill/), we get use to the good things in our life. It makes sense that we get tired of our old car and grow out of our old relationship. From an evolutionary perspective, it's good to upgrade to a new thing. But it does not work for our happiness. - Remember the last time you bought yourself a nice toy? It could be a game, a car, a TV, a piece of clothing... anything that you bought because you expected it to give you happiness. It probably made you happy, but for how long? More specifically, when did it make you happy? - Your material good made you happy when you were consciously thinking about it. Taking the example of a TV, the first few times you sat down to watch it, you actually thought about the features of the TV. You might have thought, "the quality is so much better than that old piece of junk I had" or, "I'm so glad I bought it, the size is great." Whatever it was you thought, there was some form of appreciation.  Appreciation creates happiness. It happened automatically. - And then it stopped. There was no more recognition -- no more conscious thoughts. It became a part of your reality, undeserving of your mental time. With that change, you lost its happiness, forcing you to seek out the next toy. - We already have all the toys we need. 12. This exercise, called 'Three Good Things", fights that loss and counteracts adaption. By taking the time to consciously express gratitude, we remember that we already have in our lives things we should be grateful and happy for. Doing this exercise actually feels good. 13. A counter study published in April suggests that there is nothing special about the 'Three Good Things' exercise. It hypothesizes that any exercise which involves positive thoughts can increase happiness. 14. It may not be scientifically clear why it works, but it is clear that is does, having been proven several times to increase long-term happiness. Unfortunately, the longest time period measured was six-months. Is it possible that happiness levels would have continued increasing? 15. Yes -- it is. On the one hand, it's possible that the exercise was getting more effective the more it was practiced. Generating gratitude is an undeveloped skill. Mastering it is much like loving-kindness meditation. At first you're halfway decent, generating a slight bump of happiness. As you progress, that bump slowly transforms into a sustained rise. 16. On the other hand, happiness triggers positive feedback loops. My gratitude journal usually focuses on other people. Because I am generating gratitude for them, when I actually meet them in person I tend to be especially kind. They in turn are nicer to me, which then makes me even happier! 17. Give it a go -- just set a goal to do it for one week. You won't regret it, and it will definitely take less willpower than your other goals! **The Gratitude Visit** **Gratitude Letter** **PURPOSE/EFFECTS: ** Practicing gratitude can yield a variety of physical and emotional benefits, including increased happiness, optimism, and determination.  Being grateful can also reduce stress and improve sleep and immune functioning. By writing someone a letter of gratitude and reading it aloud to him or her, you can experience firsthand the benefits of being grateful.  Studies by positive psychologist Martin Seligman have even reported that the effects of doing this just once can last for weeks! **METHOD:** **Summary: ** Write a letter to someone you appreciate - typically, a person who has made a difference in your life, and to whom you feel grateful. Then if possible, meet with this person and read the letter to him or her.  **Long Version:** - Choose someone who has contributed to you in one way or another (e.g., emotionally, financially, with support) - perhaps a person you haven't yet fully thanked. - Brainstorm ways that he or she has contributed to you, and had positive effects on your life. - Write down both general and specific things this person has done for you and how his or her actions have made you feel.  - Take as long as you need to write this letter (some people take several weeks). - Compose a letter that is roughly one page in length, and then ask this person if you two can meet.  Make sure not to tell him or her about the letter beforehand.  - When you meet, read your letter to its recipient aloud and give this person time to let it sink in.  - Pay attention to how reading this letter makes you feel. - Spend time reflecting with this person on the effects of the letter and what he or she has done for you. **HISTORY:** This method was adapted from an exercise created by psychologist Martin Seligman called the Gratitude Visit.  Seligman describes this practice in further detail in his books *Authentic Happiness -- Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Happiness,* and *Flourish -- A Visionary Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. *  **CAUTIONS:** Try to do this practice with an open mind and withhold expectations about how you think the recipient will respond.  Remember that you can feel and express gratitude to someone while also asserting yourself with this person; for example, you can be grateful to an intimate partner while also wanting more help with housework, or more lovemaking. **NOTES:** Reading the letter aloud to its recipient is an important part of this method.  Try to make sure you choose someone with whom you can meet in person.  **Active-Constructive Responding** Active and constructive responding (ACR) refers to one of four ways in which we respond to good news; it is part of a theoretical framework proposed by psychologist Shelly Gable. Active and constructive responding is the most effective way to respond, giving both the deliverer of good news and the listener a positive outcome. (The other three ways include passive and constructive, active and destructive, and passive and destructive.) ACR takes practice. The other three typical forms of response include a passive and constructive reaction. One might say, "That's good news." This response includes positive feedback but does not include an active, elaborative component. An active and destructive responder may say, "I never get to see you as it is. If you take this promotion, you're going to be at the office at all hours of the night and even more stressed than you are now." Although you have actively elaborated in response to the news, the content is destructive. Then there is the least effective response which is passive and destructive -- "Okay. Are you ready for dinner?" This response is passive and contains no positive, affirming information. Essentially, it's a blow off to the good news. Keep in mind that active and constructive responding extends to nonverbal communication. An active and constructive response includes eye contact and smiles, while an active and destructive response features frowning or glares. Both types of passive response include little or no emotional expression. A passive and destructive response may also include a lack of eye contact or leaving the room. Active Passive -------------- ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------- Constructive Greatt!! I already knew it, You actually deserve it! That is fine!! Destructive Have not they got someone really deserving? Hmm,.. you know we went to play badminton today. **Savoring** 1. Past a. Thinking about positive events: Positive reminiscence b. Recalling three positive daily events (recent) c. Basking in achievement/acknowledging the role of others d. Reflecting on recent acts of personal kindness (done by self) 2. Present focussed e. Adapting a positive attentional focus f. Taking mindful photographs g. Engaging in daily savouring exercises h. Enhancing active constructive communications 3. Future focussed i. The power of positive imagination **Life Summary** This is a technique of positive psychotherapy in which the client is supposed to imagine that if someone writes a book on his/ her life (focusing specifically on the positive aspects, how satisfying, joyful and productive the life remained till date), what would be the things/events/ incidences included in that. Then he or she is asked to write a few pages to summarize her life positively, mentioning the most memorable events and most beautiful feelings and also the thing for which he or he likes to be remembered as a person. This can be helpful in savoring the good experiences of life as well as getting aware of the priorities and meaning of life. **Session by Session of Positive Psychotherapy** [**(***Acronyms used- T-Therapist, P-Patient***)**] **[CASE]** Person codenamed "A' lost his job one month ago and. He is married and having two kids-twins, each 10 years old. He is only earning member in the family as his wife is not working. He reported the feelings of pervasive sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt and also reported symptoms of hypersomnia and weight-loss, since he lost his job. **Therapeutic session---** 1. Rapport-formation & Case-history 2. Positive-Introduction 3. Signature-Strengths 4. Three good --things 5. Gratitude --Journal 6. Active-constructive Responding **[Orientation]** **First Session: [Orientation to PPT]** - T- *As the referral is done for working with you through few techniques of Positive Psychotherapy, I have already gone through the details in file forwarded to me, but It is always preferable if you yourself share with me, what exactly made you to come here?* - P- I lost my job one month ago and it is making me feel really terrible, and when I met my Clinical Psychologist , he diagnosed that I am having Mild depression for which I am already taking CBT sessions, which helped to identify my cognitive-errors as also to make me feel that the situation is not completely out of control, because it also depends on my perspective, how I take it. - T-*that sounds great!!* - *So now we both are supposed work through PPT, I would like to tell you that Positive psychotherapy is based on the tents of positive Psychology. It is a 14 session therapeutic-program, it does not just deal with the problem in hand, but also helps you to explore **identify, and build up your strengths -- and what's going right in your life. It helps in identify present-moment happiness.*** - P- that something really interesting, but is it really possible to present-moment happiness? - T-*that we'll see, how it works, once you start following the simple techniques, you can yourself see, how well it is working, if you don't find it fruitful, you can quit anytime,...is that fine ?* - P- yeah sure!! - T- *so as you said it is all about perspective, so could we say regarding your diagnosis of mild depression for which you are already taking CBT sessions, is in a way absence of positive-emotions, could we see that in that manner?* - P- Yes Of course! Because since the day I am having symptoms of depression, I am not able to feel happy, even when something I really used to enjoy is going on, I feel as if I am covered with a black cloud and not able to come out of it. - T- *hmm..true, so for now what will be focusing upon is to make you experience the positive emotions..is that fine?* - P-hmm..ok...so what I am supposed to do exactly? - T- *not much...what I want you to do is to tell a story -- a thoughtful narrative with a beginning, middle and end -- that illustrates what is best about you. So all you need to do is to write about yourself in a positive-manner, as if you are telling your life-story in a positive --perspective or tone, this is a practice called "Positive --Introduction", and this will be your home work, which we'll be discussing next week, when we are meeting.* - P- ok..it seems to be a bit tricky, as I have never did anything as such, but yes I would like to try it... - **T-** Greatt!.. so see you next week! - Have a nice day! - **P**- Sure!..Thanks Doctor!! **[Engagement ]** **Second Session (signature strengths)** - **P-** Good afternoon Doctor**!** - **T-***very good afternoon Mr. A!* - **T**-*So how was the week,*? - **P-** It was fine, thanks... - T- Good!\...*were you able to complete the homework?* - P- yes I did try...could not write much...would you like to see that...? - T-Sure!\... - (Client hands over the sheet and Therapist reads it carefully) - T-*Nice!!..you did it really well, so which part you found most difficult?* - P- it was about the time of life, when I faced really difficult time ,because of the loss of the job, so it was difficult to see any positivity there.. - T*- but now you know the positives that time gave you as you wrote that it made you to realize the value of savings you did before, because of that good habit of yours, you and your family is able to survive today*... - P- yeah...true! - *T- good...so now what we need to do is to set an agenda for the therapy.. as we should be very much about the therapeutic-goals we are aiming for ,...Right.?* - P- When I came here, my aim was to feel better, be more optimistic, to have better social skills , so that I can maintain my Job, by knowing well how to interact with people outside there in workplace, so people have to think twice before terminating me. - T- *hmm..makes sense...so can we say this is our agenda for the therapy?* - P-hmm..I think so... - T- *Now the time for homework... so as we have enough evidences to believe today that when we are aware of signature --strengths, we are better able enjoy our life, by engaging in the kind of activities, which are really meaningful for us, so this time , you can take Values in Action questionnaire, which is available online and I am sharing the link with you for that, kindly go through it and kindly let me know if anything you find confusing*... - P- yes I'll doing it tomorrow with a calm and composed mind, so that I can do it properly.. - T- *yes..that's a good idea..* - P- so now I take your leave...Thanks Doctor! **Third Session (signature strengths)** - **P-**Good Morning Doctor**!** - **T-***Good Morning Mr A.. nice to see you! So how was the week, how did it go?* - P- It was good, I came to know about my signature-strengths, which are like - Kindness - Sense of Humor - Love - Curiosity - Creativity - **T-** *So how are you feelings about it?* - P- I am actually feeling good about as now I can see I have positives, I am not a bad person at all... - T- so if you think it is good to have these strengths and it makes you a good person, would you like to devise few new ways to utilize these strengths in your life a bit more? - P-hmm..so I need to do this practice now? - T*-not exactly... this you can take your time...after going back you can sit comfortably and contemplate about it..so that when we meet next time , you can come up with at least one creative new way to use every signature-strength you have..* - P-ok..will try..thanks Doctor! **[Positive emotions (originally pleasure)]** **Sixth Session (good vs bad memories)** In this session the technique of **Good versus Bad memories** was used after discussing with him the significance of it and as a homework , he was supposed to **write bad memories** and about feelings of anger and bitterness and **their impact in perpetuating emotional distress.** **Eighth Session (optimism)** The focus for this session was to make the person more optimistic, so the relevance of it was discussed in detail while also taking into consideration various obstacles, Mr A thought he could feel, in the homework he was required to pactice One-door closes, other opens. **Twelfth Session (savoring)** Savoring was the target activity for this session and homework was to plan a savoring-activity and implement it and record it. **[Meaning ]** **Thirteenth Session (altruism)** Relevance of altruism was discussed and homework was to practice the technique of Gift of time. **Tenth Session (life summary)** **[Relationships]** **Fourth Session (Gratitude)** - T-*Good! So now is the time to talk about today' s homework...so what I want you to practice for this week is to count your blessings for which you need to develop a Gratitude-Journal , as I already discussed with you what that is exactly, if any doubt about that, feel free to ask me...* - P- I think I am supposed to write the things for which I am really grateful for \.... - T- *yes..that exactly what gratitude-journal is...I wish you a happy week ahead..see you next time...* - P-Thanks Doctor! **Fifth Session (forgiveness)** - P-Good afternoon Doctor**!** - **T-***very good afternoon Mr. A!* - P- This time I really tried new ways to utilize my strengths more...which I would love to share with you... - T- *Oh that sounds really great!! So what exactly you did?* - P- I visited the orphanage , I usually visit , but this time I spent one hour with the kids and told them a funny story so used sense of humor, I started reading a new book on mythology (curiosity), for creativity I tried to decorate our room on my wife's birthday, which was two days before and I made sure that I'll shower kindness and love on the plants, so start spending some time in gardening. - **T-** *that's really a great progress, I am really happy to see that!!* - P- Thanks Doctor! It really means a lot, because I starting feeling that I am just a useless guy. - T- that definitely not true.. - P-yes..i know... the perspective... - *T-yes... so..today I would like to bring your attention to one thing that is really not tricky to do something good...or to use positives a bit more in our life...but what exactly about feeling good about bad things*... - P- what that exactly mean..how could someone feel good about bad things... - *T-only when someone is able to forgive the other..may be people who did something really hurting..* - P-how could that be possible...when you feel so bad about it... - *T-..yes..not easy...but not impossible as well...many humans have done that to bring peace to themselves..* - P- hmm..yes I know..people do that at times...not for others but for themselves... - T*- so now for this week, I would like you to forgive someone, who really hurt you in your past, write a forgiveness-letter to him... do you have anyone in your life with whom you are really angry..?* - P- yes...it is my Boss, who terminated me from the job - *T- would you like to practice this ?* - P-ok.. I hope I don't need to deliver this forgiveness letter to him.. - *T-not at all..just keep it with you...* - P-hmm..ok..then..i'll..Thanks Doctor! **Ninth Session (active- constructive responding)** Active-constructive ways of responding were discussed with the client, and as the homework he needs to practice it in day-today life and make a record of it in the workbook. **Eleventh Session (signature strength of the family)** Focus was on finding the signature strengths of the family --members and drawing a family strength-tree was the homework for the client. **[Integration]** **Fourteenth Session: integration** It was the terminating-session - **P-**Good Morning Doctor**!** - **T-***Good Morning Mr A.. nice to see you! So how are you feeling now?* - P-I am feeling really confident and positive, and I am sure I'll get what I exactly deserve in my life. - T*- that really fantastic thought!\...so as you are already aware that this is our last interaction, and you showed really great improvement and that is just because you always had this inside you and only thing which was required just to facilitate that for you...I am really very happy for you and today would like to discuss one very important technique with you to maintain all these positives in life, the technique is called **full-life**, which is just the integration of positive emotions , positive relationships, meaning and accomplishment.* - *So what you need to do make few of these practices the part of your life, so that the effect could be maintained for life, I wish you good luck for your future !!* - P- Thanks Doctor!! It was really a blissful experience to work with you and feel empowered. **Seventh Session (mid therapy feedback)** Mid --therapy feedback was taken, and new action-plan was development for the character-strengths which are underused, like social Intelligence. For homework he was asked to devise the methods use this character-strength more. ***Session by session Tayyab Rashid*** +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **Exercise & Home | **Description** | | | Work** | | | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | 1. | Orientation to PPT | Confidentiality and | | | | its limits; | | | | | | | | rules, roles and | | | | responsibilities are | | | | discussed; | | | | | | | | importance of | | | | completing homework | | | | is also underscored. | | | | | | | | Presenting problems | | | | are discussed in the | | | | context of a lack of | | | | positive resources | | | | like positive | | | | emotions, engagement, | | | | positive | | | | relationship, | | | | meaning, character | | | | strengths, positive | | | | relationships, and | | | | meaning. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Positive | Client writes one | | | Introduction | page (about 300 | | | | words) \"positive | | | | introduction\" in | | | | which she tells a | | | | concrete story | | | | showing her at her | | | | best. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 2. | Character Strengths | Client identifies his | | | | character strengths, | | | Dynamic Strengths | also those | | | Assessment | illustrated in his | | | | Positive | | | | Introduction; | | | | character strengths | | | | are discussed | | | | cultivate engagement | | | | and flow. | | | | | | | | Client completes an | | | | online 72-item | | | | character strengths | | | | inventory; two | | | | significant others (a | | | | family member and a | | | | friend identifies his | | | | top character | | | | strengths, also known | | | | as *Signature | | | | Strengths. | | | | (optional)* | | | | | | | | Benefits of positive | | | | emotions are | | | | discussed. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Blessing Journal | The client starts a | | | | journal to record | | | | three good things | | | | every night (big or | | | | small). Each | | | | subsequent session | | | | begins with | | | | processing of weekly | | | | blessing journal, | | | | identifying benefits, | | | | patterns and | | | | challenges. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 3. | Signature Strengths | Signature strengths | | | | are identified | | | | integrating various | | | | perspectives. | | | | | | | | The client and | | | | therapist discus | | | | specific, measurable | | | | and achievable goals | | | | targeting specific | | | | problems or to | | | | cultivate more | | | | engagement. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Signature | Client completes | | | Strength Action Plan | frames goals into a | | | | concrete Signature | | | | Strengths Action Plan | | | | (SSAP). | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 4. | Good vs. Bad Memories | The role of bad and | | | | bitter memories is | | | | discussed in terms of | | | | how they perpetuate | | | | psychological | | | | distress. | | | | | | | | Positive Cognitive | | | | Reappraisal | | | | Strategies are | | | | discussed to rewrite | | | | and repack bad and | | | | bitter memories The | | | | benefits of good | | | | memories is also | | | | highlighted. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Writing Memories | The client writes bad | | | | memories and about | | | | feelings of anger and | | | | bitterness and their | | | | impact in | | | | perpetuating | | | | emotional distress. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 5. | Forgiveness | Forgiveness is | | | | explored as a | | | | potential option to | | | | transform feelings of | | | | anger and bitterness | | | | associated with a | | | | specific | | | | transgression into | | | | neutrality or even, | | | | if possible, into | | | | positive emotions. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Forgiveness | The client describes | | | Letter | a transgression, its | | | | related emotions and | | | | pledges to forgive | | | | the transgressor. | | | | Does not necessarily | | | | deliver the letter. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 6. | Gratitude | Gratitude is | | | | discussed as an | | | | enduring | | | | thankfulness. The | | | | roles of good and bad | | | | memories are | | | | discussed again, with | | | | an emphasis on | | | | gratitude. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Gratitude Letter | The client writes and | | | & Visit | delivers in person a | | | | gratitude letter to | | | | someone he never | | | | properly thanked. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 7. | Mid-therapy Feedback | Signature Strengths | | | Session | Action Plan, the | | | | forgiveness and | | | | gratitude assignments | | | | are followed up. | | | | | | | | Therapeutic progress | | | | is discussed. | | | | Feedback to and from | | | | client is discussed | | | | and necessary changes | | | | are made. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 8. | Satisficing vs. | Concepts of | | | maximizing | satisficing (settling | | | | for good enough) & | | | | maximizing are | | | | discussed. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Satisficing | Client identifies and | | | | plans areas where he | | | | could benefit from | | | | satisficing. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 9. | Hope, Optimism & | Optimism and hope are | | | | discussed in detail. | | | Posttraumatic Growth | The client is helped | | | | to think of times | | | | when important things | | | | were lost but other | | | | opportunities opened | | | | up. Potential growth | | | | from trauma is also | | | | explored | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: One Door Close, | Client writes about | | | One Door Opened: | the three doors that | | | | closed and then asks: | | | | What doors opened? | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 10. | Positive | Discussion about | | | Communication | Active-Constructive - | | | | a technique of | | | | positive | | | | communication. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: ACR Practice | The client | | | | self-monitor for | | | | active-constructive | | | | opportunities | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 11. | Signature Strengths | The significance of | | | of Others | recognizing and | | | | associating through | | | | character strengths | | | | of family members is | | | | discussed. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Family Strengths | Client asks family | | | Tree | members to take the | | | | signature strengths | | | | online measure and | | | | draws a family tree | | | | of strengths and | | | | arranges an in-person | | | | or virtual gathering | | | | to discuss family | | | | member\'s signature | | | | strengths. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 12. | Savouring | Savouring is | | | | discussed, along with | | | | techniques and | | | | strategies to | | | | safeguard against | | | | adaptation. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Planned Savouring | Client plans a | | | Activity | savouring activity | | | | using specific | | | | techniques. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 13. | Altruism | The therapeutic | | | | benefits of helping | | | | others are discussed. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | HW: Gift of Time | Client plans to give | | | | the gift of time | | | | doing something that | | | | also uses her | | | | signature strengths. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 14. | The Full Life | Full life is | | | | discussed as the | | | | integration of | | | | positive emotions, | | | | engagement, positive | | | | relationships, | | | | meaning and | | | | accomplishment. | | | | | | | | Therapeutic gains and | | | | experiences are | | | | discussed and ways to | | | | sustain positive | | | | changes are devised | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+   **[Importance of Home work]** Homework is important so clients **are able to apply the skills learned during sessions to multiple different situations that arise in everyday life**. Learning coping skills at this practical level is strongly related to improved emotional processing. Homework is also important **because it fosters independent use by the client of newly acquired skills**. Clients learn coping skills during sessions. **Their ability to use these skills on their own is a crucial determinant of their long term emotional health.** The homework-response is never quite the same with everyone, but those that actively engage can gain some benefit.   Homework has some benefits to the therapeutic process. Some examples of homework are: \* Developing a Journal \* Creating a schedule \*Developing a plan for an event \*Identifying hobbies/personal interests \*Completing worksheets \*Reaching out to someone - Practicing social skills - Those are just a few things/activities that can be given as homework, **one can add to that list based on the sessions with the client** (s) and the **treatment goals he or she identified.**  When giving homework, it is important to think about the relevance, the **client's ability to do the task and also consider the client's safety** (emotional and physical).  Homework can pave the way for personal growth in the client. **[Significance of Home-Work-]** - \* **Clients have something to look forward to:**  The time in-between each session can vary, depending on clinician availability and scheduling.  Some clients engage in therapy **weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, etc.**  No matter what the time frame, it is important to keep the client engaged in-between sessions.  Having something to work on until they show up next can be of great benefit. - \*** It allows time for processing:**  Sometimes, we end sessions, knowing that we did not get "everything out" in processing.  Writing in a journal, for example, is a great way to continue that processing until the client meets with us next. - \***Empowering**:  If the therapist has been processing skills in the session, the client can get practice in applying them in real situations.  It can be a very scary thing but also empowering.  It is important to have a back-up plan or safety plan for clients depending on the situation. - \***Accountability**:  It can be difficult to follow through at times.  Homework can provide the client with the tools to practice accountability and responsibility.  It gives them an opportunity to say "hey! I can do this!" Homework **does not only apply to clients.  At times the clinician may also have some work to do in order to adequately prepare for upcoming sessions**.  For example, when giving clients a chapter from a book, or other reading assignments to complete for the next session, therapist also ought to be familiar with the material as it encourages a better discussion and processing of the information Not everyone will agree with or be willing to complete homework as part of their therapy or treatment.  It is always a good idea to be sure that the clients are open and willing to engage in the activities and if not, processing what is behind the resistance can also give a better understanding of the client.