Christy R. Simpson, LCSW

Some subjects in the field of psychotherapy speak to me more than others.  As such, I'll be reflecting and posting to  my site on an ongoing basis.  Please feel free to read my musings and provide feedback, as needed.

Happiness:  What makes us want to get out of the bed in the morning?

For a while now, I’ve found myself thumbing through the professional journals and perusing the library stacks for information on the subject of happiness and my efforts have not been in vain.  There is an abundance of new research coming out of a promising new “school of thought” in the field of psychology called Positive Psychology.  This professional movement has made a dramatic shift from pathologizing human nature and its focus on mental illness to examining the resiliency of the human spirit and states of joy.  This new found interest of mine is largely driven by two motives:   improving my own mental health and staying abreast of new developments in psychotherapy to assist my clients in achieving their best life.  I invite you to pause in your daily grind to assess your own state of “subjective well being” and consider making positive changes in your own life.  You’re worth it.

Happiness levels can be manipulated

Martin Seligman, a leading expert in the field of happiness research who wrote the seminal book “Authentic Happiness”, professes that we all have a happiness “set range” but that through the application of the proven tenets of Positive Psychology, we can raise our “set range” by 10-15% and dramatically improve our lives.  Further, Dr. Seligman advises that if we mindfully challenge negative thoughts, identify and build upon our (signature) strengths, actively seek out meaning in life, and count our blessings we will be markedly healthier, live longer and be more productive.  Our relationships will improve as well. 

Gratitude

Gratitude is a recurring theme in my readings on happiness.  Folks that choose to focus on the good instead of dwelling on the bad (e.g., self-pity and regrets) are happier people bottom-line.  Its common sense but the hard science backs it up. We have a choice.

Mindfulness

Improving mindfulness thru efforts like meditation yields all sorts of good stuff:  better relationships, life satisfaction and a sense of meaning in the “bigger picture.”  Religion helps but there are many avenues to gaining a sense of spiritual connection to a higher power.

Metaphorically speaking, happiness is the outcome of three main ingredients:  good social relationships, goal setting and meaning in life.  Mix, stir and bake.  It’s bound to be delicious.

Call today to make a therapy appointment to begin your journey toward more happiness and less pain.