|
By Kelly Romirowsky, PsyD 
Psychologists have made great strides in the assessment and treatment of all types of psychological disorders that cause distress and impair normal functioning. But what about those of you who are still functioning – you’re going to work, doing the laundry, taking the kids to soccer practice – but you’re just not as happy as you would like to be, or you’re not on top of your game at work. You might not qualify for a diagnosis of a psychological disorder and probably wouldn’t even think you should talk to a professional. After all, you’re not in crisis – you’re dealing with LIFE.
Although the field of psychology will always be researching and discovering ways to treat the usual distressing stuff that brings someone into a therapist’s office, some psychologists are really switching their focus. They’re turning their attention to improving quality of life, satisfaction, productivity, and what it takes to make people happy. This is great news for those of you who think going to a therapist would be overkill. After all, you don’t have a serious problem, you’re handling things pretty well, despite the usual stress, of course. Psychologists who are well-versed in the positive psychology approach and the study of happiness will not hurry to find something wrong with you. Instead they will help you to discover your strengths, what works for you, what your ideal life is, and share with you what research tells us about what makes people happy. It’s okay to focus on staying well or even thriving. After all, why not live your best life possible and be as happy as you can be? About the Author...
Dr. Kelly Romirowsky is a clinical psychologist with a therapy practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Last Update: 10/3/2009
|
