Conclusion and Future Directions

Abstract

The final chapter presents empirical support for Goal Focused Positive Psychotherapy (GFPP) in comparison to cognitive-behavioral therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy. Topics for future research and development are addressed. The GFPP orientation toward the client and skills to enact the orientation are discussed. The three primary pathways of the Contextual Model, a meta-theory of psychotherapy, are used to outline future research. Pathway 1 describes the importance of forming a real relationship between the therapist and client. Pathway 2 consists of the client’s expectations of benefit that are created through therapeutic techniques. The final pathway is the client’s change through participating in the therapy interventions. Treatment model validity issues are reviewed by examining therapists’ therapy model allegiance versus treatment integrity. Assessing the therapist’s competence as an ability to facilitate GFPP experiences for the client is examined. Finally, areas of growth for GFPP are discussed, including a better integration of systems theory.