Providing Positive Psychology Interventions in Group Counseling

This chapter focuses on positive psychology interventions in a cognitive-behavior group therapy (CBGT) format, with subjective well-being as the primary outcome addressed most often in positive psychology. A review of a cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) conceptualization of well-being is highlighted, with consideration of how positive psychology can enhance this conceptualization. CBGT interventions and programs are reviewed with a positive psychology lens, advocating for the focus to be centered on gratitude, hope, and optimism, thereby enhancing and promoting positive feelings and actions, which reflect the reciprocal interactions between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the CBT model. These interventions can be used in CBGT and serve to engage youth in purposeful activities, strengthen relationships, and therefore improve youth’s subjective well-being.