2300 Washtenaw, Suite 203
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 995-5181
Affiliates:
Brian Ashin, MSW
Fernando Colón, Ph.D.
Kate Drinkwater, MSW
Douglas Ensor, Ph.D.
Paul Estenson, Ph.D.
Manal Assi Houmani, MD
Moira Hubbard, Psy.D.
Emily Jernberg, Ph.D.
Judith Kleinman, MD
Lori Lichtman, Psy.D.
Andrew Orosan-Weine, Ph.D.
Ellen Barahal Taylor, Ph.D.
Mary Whiteside, Ph.D.
Administrative Staff:
Chris Wozniak
Nancy Yonkman
Marcie Komanecky
Editor:
Patricia Pasick, Ph.D.
In this Issue:
More Positive Psychology
Eight Ways to Practice Positive Psychology
Divorce Mediation:
A Strength Based Alternative
Ann Arbor Center for the Family Current Events
Home
- Make a list of your strengths and talents on an index card and keep it visible.
- Make a list of stories that suggest that you are capable of coping with difficult things (e.g. I survived a difficult year at college, I was able to pull myself out of a tailspin last year). Then, for each story, ask yourself: "How was I able to do that? What does that mean about me?"
- When something bad happens in one area of life, remind yourself about other areas of life where things are going well. (Even though I was just fired from my job, I am still a good partner, good parent, good son or daughter, good worker.)
- Ask a family member or friend to remind you, when you're feeling low, of positive qualities within your character and personality.
- When you find yourself focusing on what's wrong (with yourself and others, or with situations), train your mind to also focus on what's right.
- If you become very angry at someone or some situation, a quick dose of self-reassurance is helpful: "I'm a good person" or "I have choices."
- For every 1 negative complaint you make to a family member or employee, be sure you make 5 positives.
- Separate doing from being. Congratulate your children not just on their achievements, but on their positive qualities.