The flow experience in clinical settings: Applications in psychotherapy and mental health rehabilitation

Abstract

In mental health care settings, the positive psychology approach has been widely incorporated in traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy aiming to foster change in individuals’ behavior and approach to life. The aim of this chapter is to integrate findings stemming from three lines of research focusing on the use of flow in psychotherapy and mental health rehabilitation. We will present studies in which the ability to find flow in everyday life was connected with individuals’ wellbeing and reduced symptomatology. Results also suggested a relationship between flow and psychotherapeutic intervention: finding flow fosters positive and meaningful changes both inside and outside the therapeutic and rehabilitation processes. Finally, we will present a new psychotherapeutic model in which flow is part and parcel in facing daily life challenges and in promoting clients’ integration and active involvement in society.