Why Focusing Only on Problems in Therapy Isn’t Enough

As my counselling practice has grown, I’ve been noticing the impact of bringing an appreciative mindset into therapy.

This perspective comes from my background in Positive Psychology, which highlights the need to deliberately take note of what is working, not just what is lacking. This is particularly important given our negativity bias, the natural inclination to focus on our problems and deficits.

Of course, people don’t come to therapy to talk about what is going well in their lives. They seek help when they need a non-judgemental space to process overwhelming emotions, make sense of their thoughts, and heal. When they feel stuck, lost, or depleted.

So where does an appreciative mindset fit in?

Initially, I thought its value was improving self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. By paying attention to what was working, clients would develop a more balanced and realistic view of themselves and their circumstances. While this remains true, I’ve observed that the impact goes further.

For example, a client might begin a session highlighting a negative event they experienced during the week. After exploring that, I often ask how they have progressed towards their goals since our last session. Surprisingly, they frequently report meaningful progress. In those moments, there is a visible shift: their energy changes, their voice becomes more enthusiastic, and they become more confident.

The deeper shift, however, is the restoration of hope. Not blind optimism, but a grounded recognition of their capacity to move forward based on the steps they are already taking.

When we consciously track progress, we change the narrative we operate from. We move from deficit to development, from stagnation to movement. This shift reinforces healthier behaviours and builds momentum, creating an upward spiral. The result is not just a more fulfilling experience of the present, but also a more exciting outlook for the future.