My approach to psychotherapy is based on techniques rooted in positive psychology which utilizes cognitive behavioral methods of therapy to find solutions to increase clients’ happiness and well-being. Too often, an inability to resolve issues and move forward can make it seem impossible to overcome the feeling of being “stuck.” To combat this, my clients and I collaboratively search for solutions to problems, both individual and family-related. Throughout the process, we work on specific skills and methods for identifying and improving belief systems that may be contributing to the client’s overall lack of wellness. Traditional psychology mostly focuses on problems, such as mental illness and symptoms. Positive psychology, however, explores how an individual can lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Here at Sanctuary Centers, individuals often seek therapy because they feel depressed, anxious, hopeless, and unable to help themselves. Our solution-focused approach employs an interviewing process in which the participant answers a series of questions. We begin with the recollection of a time in the client’s life when they did not feel depressed. Attention is paid to the patterns of solution rather than on the origin of the underlying issues. While it is important to both acknowledge and validate individuals by respecting and empathizing with their pain, positive psychology also seeks to guide participants toward hopeful solutions.
As a hypothetical example, a client might say “I didn’t feel depressed when I was playing the guitar and writing music.” In response, as the therapist, I might say “How might you recreate that time in your life today?” As the interview continues, the client is encouraged toward practical, implementable solutions. Potential answers could include asking a guitar-playing friend if they want to practice together or enrolling in a music class at a local community college. The ultimate goal is to recall times in their past when the client experienced true joy. It can be quite powerful for an individual to simply realize that they remember times when they haven’t felt depressed. Once we begin focusing on remedies rather than problems, many participants report their mood lifting, their outlook becoming more hopeful, and an overall increase in self-confidence and self-worth.
In our positive psychology groups at Sanctuary Centers, individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds are taught to begin changing their belief system from negative self-talk to positive solution-seeking. Some clients are trying to move from co-dependence and instability toward independence and financial security, while others are searching for their sense of purpose in life. These groups provide a supportive environment where participants can listen to others’ stories and learn that they are not alone, and that we all have struggles. With permission, group members are also invited to provide feedback to each other.
In my years as a therapist, I have been privileged to witness the journeys of my clients and their successes—both big and small—along the way. I’ve seen individuals build their self-confidence and manage their anxiety. With determination and perseverance, many participants have obtained paid employment after years of volunteering. Time and again I have seen clients master the skills practiced in therapy to achieve the very goals we discussed in our first sessions together. I believe everyone has the capacity to overcome adversity and reach their personal “light at the end of the tunnel.” The tireless work that our clients put into improving their lives is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
About the Author
Dale Ferer, MFT
Dale Ferer, MFT has been an Mental Health Outpatient Care therapist and case manager for Sanctuary Centers since 2009. Previously, Dale served individuals, couples, families, and children in her San Fernando Valley private practice for over 16 years. Dale co-created and facilitated a counseling program called Pathfinders P.A.C.T.T. (Parents and Children and Teachers Together) for “at risk” children in six elementary schools for the Los Angeles City School District.
