1. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND GOAL-ACHIEVING PSYCHOTHERAPY (GAP)
Ronald S. Kaiser, Ph.D., ABPP
Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Neurology,
Thomas Jefferson University
Jefferson Headache Center

2. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DEFINED
Positive psychology is that branch of psychology that involves the study and promotion of well-being.
The gold standard for measuring well-being is flourishing.
The goal of positive psychology is the increase of flourishing.
Seligman, 2011

3. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DEFINED (2)
Psychology is not just the study of pathology, weakness, and damage. It is also the study of strength and virtue.
Treatment is not just fixing what is broken. It is nurturing what is best.
Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi (2000)
Positive Psychology can be incorporated into other approaches to treatment.

4. WHAT DETERMINES HAPPINESS? Lyubomirsky, 2007

5. PSYCHOTHERAPY COMES FROM A DISEASE REDUCTION MODEL
Historical definition of health = Absence of disease.
Psychoanalytic goal of tension-reduction.
CBT focuses on irrational beliefs, automatic negative thoughts, etc.
DSM gold standard is “No Diagnosis”.
Reportable scales on the MMPI are the elevated ones.
NIMH funding is granted for disease research.

6. WHO DEFINITIONS OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH HAVE CHANGED
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Mental Health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

7. PSYCHOLGY’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEARNING HAVE IMPACTED ON
Schools
Parenting
Sports
Industry
But not necessarily on the conduct of psychotherapy
For many of us it was too mechanistic without enough focus upon disease.

8. PSYCHOLOGY AND INDUSTRY
Often co-opted by other disciplines
Effectiveness trumps credentials
Laid the groundwork for the coaching profession
Are you familiar with?
Seth Godin
Brian Tracey
Jim Rohm
Stephen Hovey
Napoleon Hill
Tony Robbins
Hill was advisor to 2 presidents; Robbins spoke at Harvard

9. MORE MOTIVATING THAN MONEY (AFTER A CERTAIN POINT)
Autonomy
Mastery
Purpose

10. LET’S START WITH A BIT OF SELF-DISCLOSURE
The influence of Jim Murray
The influence of Don Meredith
The influence of Dr. Benjamin Shimberg
The influence of the gym
The role of context
The arrival of positive psychology
The internet

11. SOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS THAT AFFECT THEORY BUILDING
Brain Plasticity
Mindfulness
The role of physical exercise
The role of mental exercise
Health Psychology
Biofeedback/Neurofeedback
The early work in positive psychology
The internet

12. THE SPECIAL ROLE OF BRAIN PLASTICITY
The historical belief was that after childhood the brain could only change in one direction – Decline.
Hardwiring: the concept that the brain was more like a computer than a muscle.
Research has dramatically changed this thinking

13. RESEARCH ON THE CHANGING BRAIN
Taub’s Constraint Induced (CI) Movement Therapy.
Competitive plasticity and Merzenich’s brain mapping.
The role of mental rehearsal (Pascal-Leone’s piano students; Sharansky’s imprisonment).
Maguire’s research on the posterior hippocampuses of London taxi drivers (Maguire, Current Biology, 2011).
Mirror neurons (Iacoboni, 2009)

14. THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE
What did Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, etc. have to say about exercise?
What have Seligman, Achor, and other positive psychologists said about exercise?
MacArthur Foundation studies demonstrate 3 ways of reducing cognitive decline (normal weight, lifelong learning, exercise)
Studies demonstrate that if you are middle-age and sedentary and you start a regular exercise program, you can delay the onset of cognitive decline by years (Ratey; Kramer).
Naperville, IL, 8th graders finished #1 in the world in science & 6th in math after being involved in a comprehensive daily PE program.

15. THE BRAIN AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

16. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY EMERGES IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE
Commitment to research
Criticisms of humanistic psychology for insufficient research base.
Unlike Freud, Rogers, Ellis, Positive Psychology was largely developed by academics rather than clinicians

17. THE SEMINAL ARTICLE
Seligman, M., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55 (1), 5-14.

18. PIONEERS OF THE POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY MOVEMENT
Ed Diener (“Dr Happiness; Subjective well-being)
George Vaillant (longitudinal study of successful aging)
MIHALYI CSIKSZENTMIHALYI
MARTIN SELIGMAN
Barbara Fredrickson (Broaden and Build; Positivity Ratio)
Christopher Peterson* (Values in Action project)

19. THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Sonja Lyubomirsky (Happiness)
Todd Kashian (Curiosity)
Karen Reivich (Resilience)
Angela Duckworth (Grit)
Robert Vallarand (Passion)
Tal Ben-Shahar (General student body teaching)
Shawn Achor (Consulting)

20. THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CAROL DWECK
Mindset: The view that you adopt for yourself.
Fixed Mindset: The belief that your qualities are unchangeable – and you have to keep proving yourself over and over.
Related to being praised for your attributes.
Growth Mindset: The belief that your basic qualities can be changed by your efforts.
Related to being praised for your efforts.
Substantial research supports the benefits of the growth mindset.

21. CSIKSZENTMIHALY
As World War II approached in Europe, he observed how some adults became helpless as social supports decayed while others maintained their integrity.
His work in the U.S. led to his development of the concept of Flow and its role in the development of Positive Psychology.

22. FLOW The optimal experience.
It does not “just happen” passively, but you can’t force yourself into flow.
It involves being fully focused, motivated, energized, and involved in an activity.
You can’t be depressed or anxious and able to be in a state of flow.
Contrary to popular belief, life’s best moments are when we are stretched to physical and/or mental limits rather than relaxed.
Our best moments may not necessarily be pleasant at the time.
Experiences that result in flow for us are not universal.

23. THE CONDITIONS OF FLOW Goals are clear Feedback is immediate
There is a balance between opportunity and capacity
Concentration is deep
The sense of time is altered

24. TRAITS OF THE AUTOTELIC PERSONALITY
Curiosity
Persistence
Low self-centeredness
Oriented toward performing activities for intrinsic reasons only.

25. SELIGMAN
His journey went from Learned Helplessness to Learned Optimism to Authentic Happiness to Flourish - and the psychology of well-being.
Developed the MAPP program at Penn.
Instrumental in developing major positive psychology concepts – including Signature Strengths and PERMA.
Collaborated with Chris Peterson in researching and writing Character Strengths and Virtues.

26. PERMA
Positive Emotion
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Accomplishment

27. CHARACTER STRENGTHS AND VIRTUES
Positive Psychology’s answer to the DSM and ICD – “A Manual for the Sanities”.
The focus is on what is right about people rather than what is wrong.
Based on substantial research across cultures.
6 Virtues encompass 24 Character Strengths.

28. STRENGTHS OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
Creativity (Originality, Ingenuity)
Curiosity (Interest, Novelty-seeking, Openness to Experience)
Open-mindedness (Judgment, Critical Thinking)
Love of Learning
Perspective (Wisdom)

29. STRENGTHS OF HUMANITY Love
Kindness (Generosity, Nurturance, Care Compassion, Altruistic Love, “Niceness)
Social Intelligence (Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence)

30. STRENGTHS OF JUSTICE
Citizenship (Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork)
Fairness
Leadership

31. STRENGTHS OF TEMPERANCE
Forgiveness and Mercy
Humility and Modesty
Prudence
Self-Regulation (Self-Control)

32. STRENGTHS OF TRANSCENDENCE
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence (Awe, Wonder, Elevation)
Gratitude
Hope (Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation)
Humor (Playfulness)
Spirituality (Religiousness, Faith, Purpose)

33. STRENGTHS OF COURAGE Bravery
Persistence (Perseverance, Industriousness)
Integrity (Authenticity, Honesty)
Vitality (Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy)

34. ASSESSING SIGNATURE STRENGTHS
Go to
VIA Survey of Character strengths (240 items)
Brief Strengths Test (24 items)
Several other tests
Test results are used for research as well as your own benefit/

35. OTHER INDICATORS OF STRENGTHS
Resilience
Savoring
Grit
Posttraumatic Growth

36. FREDRICKSON’S 10 TOP POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Joy
Gratitude
Serenity
Interest
Hope
Pride
Amusement
Inspiration
Awe
Love

37. MEASURES OF POSITIVE INTERACTIONS
The Losada Line and Ratio
The Fredrickson Positivity Ratio

38. RESEARCH SUPPORTIVE OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY CONCEPTS
Education
Health
Aging
Work-related
The Military

39. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND HEALTH
Positive psychological well-being is associated with:
Fewer colds
Reduced mortality in both healthy & ill populations
Reduced cardio-vascular disease
Reduced mortality from CVD , renal failure, & HIV
Findings with respect to cancer are more equivocal
No study has demonstrated a relationship between pessimism and better health or reduced mortality.

40. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Strength of social relationships is the major distinguishing characteristic of the happiest 10 % of the population.
(Diener & Seligman, 2002)
There are “70 years of evidence that our relationships with others matter, and matter more than anything else in the world (Vaillant, 2009)
The concepts of social capital and reciprocity

41. THE IMPORTANCE OF A SOCIAL NETWORK
You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise they won’t come to yours.
Yogi Berra

42. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY EXERCISES
The What-Went-Well (or 3 Good Things or 3 Blessings) Exercise
The Gratitude Visit
The 21 day rule for positive behavior change
The 20 second rule
The Reverse 20 second rule
The Modified Presidential Campaign Assessment

43. SELIGMAN’S ABCD EXERCISE
Adversity
Belief
Consequences
Disputation
Energization

44. CRITICISMS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
The scientists and philosophers
The generalizers and over-simplifiers
The anti-military
Barbara Ehrenreich

45. INTERNATIONAL POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATION
For information or to join
3rd Annual World Congress was held in Los Angeles on June 23-27, 2013

46. GOAL-ACHIEVING PSYCHOTHERAPY: A MODEL FOR POSITIVE PRACTICE
GAP builds upon the research orientation and philosophy of positive psychology.
GAP builds upon effective techniques of practice from several approaches, primarily CBT.
GAP introduces unique concepts involving the role of the therapist, the purpose of psychotherapy, history, the goals of treatment, and the process.

47. GOAL-ACHIEVING PSYCHOTHERAPY (GAP)
Bridges the GAPs between:
Thinking and doing
Gaining and maintaining
The past and the future
Science and practice

48. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF GAP (1)
The approach is forward looking and positive.
The approach is geared toward building personal strengths to manage change and growth.
The focus is primarily on the solution, not the problem.
The past is meaningful – especially as it relates to character strengths and achievements.
The therapist is active, directive, supportive and a cheerleader for growth and change.

49. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF GAP (2)
The patient/client is active in preparing a Mission Statement and setting an achieving goals.
Goal setting is designed to ensure maximum success by utilizing small and measureable forward steps.
Wallowing is avoided.
Activity is the default.
Once positive commitment and direction is implemented, other forms of therapy can be incorporated.
Positive personality change can take place throughout the life span.

50. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF GAP (3)
The Type P Personality is the model of the healthy personality.
Emotional health is always a work in progress.
GAP principles can be pursued on a do-it-yourself basis, in therapy, or through coaching – depending upon your needs at any specific time.
GAP-specific materials are available to aid in the implementation and maintenance of progress.
is the ongoing source of GAP resources and information.

51. THE GYM AS A MODEL Wellness is a central concept
Open to all shapes and sizes
Individual measureable goals
Diagnosis is descriptive, not prescriptive.

52. GAP ASSESSMENT ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL DIAGNOSIS
Competent Person’s Disease – “the addiction to 2nd place”
The “Too Excuse”
Over-thinking
Under-rating (A/Fail thinking: Ascribing unimportance to achievements; Luck)
Waiting for an A

53. THE TYPE P PERSONALITY The ultimate goal
Assessment is done throughout the process
Roughly comparable to PERMA

54. TYPE P PERSONALITY Personal goal-directed Proactive Positive
Persistent
Playful

55. THE INTRODUCTORY SESSION
Understanding the reason for treatment
Expression of therapist gratitude as part of informed consent
Explanation of process and philosophy
History-taking within the context of strength-building
Introduction to the role of activity level and homework

56. THE ROLE OF HISTORY
Establish early the importance of moving forward to develop strengths.
Identify unhappy aspects of history – to primarily use in the future.
Identify positive aspects of history.
“When was the best time in your life?”
“What things do you like most about yourself?”
“What makes you so resilient?”
Be prepared to revisit history from a position of strength.

57. GETTING UNSTUCK: THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS
Are you a fortune teller?
What can go right?
What does this have to do with you?
How is this getting you where you want to go?
What will you do now to maintain your success?

58. THE TECHNIQUES OF GAP (1)
Vision without execution is hallucination.
Thomas Edison

59. THE TECHNIQUES OF GAP (2)
The Mission Statement
The current goals
Benefits
Impediments
Strengths to overcome impediments
Areas for change and growth
Health and fitness
Cognitive functioning
Social

60. THE TECHNIQUES OF GAP (3)
Exercise Cards
Create Your Proactive Positive Explosion Form
Type P Personality Development Form
DEFAULTS ARE ACTIVE

61. THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS
The therapist as a role model
Phone calls
No shows
Suicidal ideation or threats
Patient sabotage
Session intensity

62. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE DONE?
Does the person conform to the mission statement?
How well does s/he meet the criteria for Type P Personality?
Has the personal tipping point (Proactive Positive Explosion) been achieved?
Has a maintenance program been put in place?
Are conditions right for continued flourishing?

63. SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS OF GAP TO SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Some Axis II populations
Habit control
Depression
PTSD
Headache patients

64. WHY DOESN’T IT WORK FOR EVERYONE?
Nothing does.
Expectancy of therapy as a place to wallow may not be met.
Using the gym as a model, it is notable that people who drop out may successfully return in the future.
Intensity and/or homework turn some people off.
It’s still a work in progress without a lot of external input.

65. THE CHALLENGE
The incidence of depression has risen every year since the early 20th century.
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for individuals between the ages of
The average age of initial diagnosis is getting younger.
Depression is the most costly disease in he world although up to half of the cases that meet the criteria for depression at any one time go untreated.
IT IS HARD TO BE POSITIVE AND DEPRESSED AT THE SAME TIME.

66. THANK YOU! Your comments are important to me.
Please feel free to contact me at Or