Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
8-1-2017
Embargo Date
8-1-2017
Abstract
Therapist self-care is mandated by counseling and psychological associations’ codes of ethics in order to maintain professional competencies. Current emphasis in therapist self-care is primarily negatively oriented, with a focus on mitigating, ameliorating, and preventing negative outcomes, including negligence and other negative professional behaviors, which are associated with stress, distress, and burnout. Also, most recommendations are solitary endeavors, which can contribute to and exacerbate therapist isolation, and are not promoted within a structured or focused program. Evidence-based interventions derived from the study of positive psychology, a strengths-based approach to cultivating wellbeing, have the potential to fill these unmet needs in therapist self-care. PSYCH is a formalized seven-component program of positive-psychology-based activities that incorporates positive-psychology interventions and is designed to be engaged within a facilitator-led, peer-supported group environment. The goal of this self-care program is to cultivate flourishing, thriving, and enhanced wellbeing in order that the therapist can sustain the personal and professional vitality necessary for his/her life-giving work.
Keywords
positive psychology, therapist wellbeing, self-care
Topic
Well-being/flourishing, counseling/coaching, health/wellness
Format
Thesis
Date Posted: 03 May 2018