Infusing Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology in Psychotherapy

Abstract

Research on applications of positive psychology to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy has proliferated over the past decade. Indeed, there may be no better fit for positive psychology than within the therapy room. More specifically, research supports the notion that client conceptualizations and the incorporation of therapeutic models and exercises informed by positive psychology can provide lasting positive outcomes for therapy clients (Duckworth et al. 2005; Seligman et al. 2005, 2006). However, a major criticism of therapeutic applications of positive psychology is the lack of consistent focus upon cultural considerations, with many scholars seemingly promoting more of a one-size-fits-all approach to positive psychological applications. Indeed, Lopez and colleagues (2002) note that most positive psychology research has studied predominantly White populations versus understanding positive psychology within a multicultural context in which diverse meanings of the good life and optimal functioning are valued (Pedrotti et al. 2009). In this chapter, a brief history of the lack of focus on culture within therapeutic applications of positive psychology is explored, followed by information on how to incorporate existing positive psychological theories and therapies in a multiculturally informed manner. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)