From cosmetics to compassion: A case study of goal focused positive psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (Chic). 2020 Sep;57(3):414-425. doi: 10.1037/pst0000287. Epub 2020 Jan 30.

Abstract

This case study describes the progress of a client receiving goal focused positive psychotherapy over 34 sessions, capturing the subtlety and responsiveness of the theory in action. The client self-identified as a Mexican American heterosexual female in her early 20s who had experienced intense anxiety and recurring bouts of depression since elementary school. The primary therapeutic principles of goal focused positive psychotherapy- including hope, strengths, virtuous approach goals, incremental change, and culture- are described alongside germane interventions (one good thing, capitalization, and self-compassion). The client experienced reduction of the initial symptoms (anxiety, pessimism and low self-worth, and deficits in time management and organization). Beyond symptom diminishment, the client achieved increased agency, clarity of virtuous values, genuine caring for others, engagement with a broader range of feelings, and self-compassion. The client's cultural strengths served as a central resource for growth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Depression / therapy
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Psychology, Positive / methods*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Young Adult