Gratitude in psychotherapy

Many studies prove the high relevance of gratitude for mental health. Positive psychology in particular emphasizes the health-promoting potential of a grateful and appreciative basic attitude in life. This book is the first in the German-speaking area to summarize the current state of knowledge about gratitude. It presents diagnostic procedures for assessing gratitude and describes how gratitude can be promoted in the context of psychotherapy. The Internet-based gratitude training developed by the authors has been shown in several studies to be effective in reducing worry, rumination, and depression. All work materials are available for the first time in this book as work and information sheets that can be used in excerpts or as a structured program. Copy-friendly work materials including three audio tracks with imagination exercises are included on the accompanying CD-ROM. However, the topic of gratitude also has its downsides and challenges. For example, it is important for psychotherapists to respond appropriately to gratitude-related situations in the therapeutic relationship (e.g., gifts, farewells, transference). Likewise, it is important to know the indication limits and "side effects" of gratitude interventions. The authors use numerous case examples to show how psychotherapists can deal with the topic of gratitude in a reflective way and expand their options for action in a very practical way.