1st Edition

The Therapist's Notebook on Positive Psychology Activities, Exercises, and Handouts

By Bill O'Hanlon, Bob Bertolino Copyright 2012
    228 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    228 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    How can psychotherapists apply the wealth of recent research in Positive Psychology to their clinical work to help their clients change in positive directions?

    Bill O’Hanlon, who originated Solution-Oriented Therapy in the early 1980s, and Bob Bertolino, an experienced clinician, build the bridge between positive psychology and psychotherapy in this book that allows readers to focus on the mental, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual health of their clients. Following the highly readable and user-friendly approach of the Therapist Notebooks, this book contains 75 activities, exercises, and handouts throughout seven chapters that therapists can implement both in sessions and as activities outside the therapeutic milieu.

    Among the many attractive features included are:

    • exercises that follow a standard format for ease of use and implementation
    • research findings that underscore the importance of focusing on strengths and well-being
    • overviews and suggestions for use that flank each exercise and contextualize them.

    Readers appreciate the breadth of research and literature covered, the interactive exercises that both clients and clinicians can use, and devices presented to help translate research into practice, such as the P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Framework and The Happiness Hypothesis. For mental health practitioners who are interested in building resilience and strength, both within their clients and within themselves, this book is indispensable.

    Introduction to Positive Psychology: Provides readers with an overview of the book, including topics and issues explored, the structure of the exercises, and further ways to use the Notebook clinically and as a training and consultation tool.
    Chapter 1: The P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Framework: From Research to Practice: Offers exercises that orient practitioners and clients to the world of Positive Psychology. Contains exercises for helping people identify their “signature strengths” as an alternative to the current DSM.
    Chapter 2: Purpose and Meaning: Provides exercises and activities to help others find a sense of purpose greater than oneself, make meaning from trauma and tragedy, and draw on their resilience.
    Chapter 3: Optimism and Orientation: Focuses on helping both practitioners and clients develop their sense of optimism.
    Chapter 4: Social Connections and Networks: Helps people explore avenues of social connection that foster happiness and can prevent future relationship problems. Activities focus on the role of social support in quality of life, elements of enduring relationships, couples, and rituals of connection and continuity.
    Chapter 5: Increase Gratitude and Appreciation: Introduces readers to how expressions of gratitude and appreciation can lead to greater levels of happiness and better relationships.
    Chapter 6: Talk Positively: Numerous exercises are provided to help clients change their use of language with self and others. Activities explore how self-talk, compliments, praise, and a focus on what works can offer a pathway to improved quality of life and happiness.
    Chapter 7: Income, Volunteerism, and Exercise: Readers are invited to explore the influence of money on happiness and common myths surrounding varying degrees on income. In addition, there are activities offered that encourage engagement through services, and the influence of exercise on the brain, depression and anxiety, attention, learning, and overall well-being.
    Chapter 8: Summary of Empirically-Supported Exercises and Activities: Details all empirically-validated exercises and activities that are not the authors’ original ideas, as well as references for readers.
    Appendix 1: Complete reference list on Positive Psychology
    Appendix 2: Websites and other resources for further exploration

    Biography

    Bill O’Hanlon, MS, LMFT, is the author of 33 books, 59 articles and book chapters, and has had his writing translated into 16 languages. He is a licensed mental health professional, counselor, and marriage and family therapist.

    Bob Bertolino, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri and Senior Clinical Advisor at Youth In Need, Inc. He is a licensed marital and family therapist, professional counselor, and clinical social worker in the state of Missouri, a National Certified Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, National Board Certified Hypnotherapist, and a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.