How can positive psychology interventions improve clients' relationships with friends?

Expressing gratitude is indeed a powerful way improve relationships. According to Positive Psychology the act of focusing on positives is both rewarding to the person as well training the focus away from negative biases. When we Express gratitude to specific acts and not just giving complements to others, they feel seen, heart and appreciated. Gratitude improves relationships as well as increases positive feelings between people. Let’s remember “Emotions are contagious” 🤍🧠

Techniques such as gratitude exercises encourage individuals to appreciate and express gratitude for their friends, strengthening bonds. Acts of kindness and social engagement promote empathy, trust, and reciprocity within friendships. Additionally, identifying and utilizing one’s strengths through interventions like the VIA Survey can lead to increased self-awareness and better interpersonal communication. Overall, positive psychology interventions enhance clients’ emotional well-being and help them build more satisfying, supportive, and resilient friendships, contributing to overall life satisfaction and happiness.

Although I do not align much on the use of “positive, negative emptions” labeling, maybe +- feelings, I have seen how joy for example affects relationships. According to Plutchick’s wheel of emotions, Love is the combination of Joy and Trust. This explains why people who experience Joy with each other while trusting each other, are unconsciously connecting with Love.

Listening with presence is the best exercise to be with client's and to support them to strengthen their “listening muscle”. Increasing the awareness of the moments we are into ourselves versus the moments we are into the other person is a great exercise of listening. With this awareness individuals can decide to manage their listening direction moving from “inside out, to outside in!”

Positive psychology interventions give valuable insights to improve clients' relationships with friends. Through gratitude practices, clients can cultivate appreciation for their friends' qualities and actions, fostering deeper connections and well-being. Alongside, a strengths-based approach helps clients identify and use their own and their friends' strengths, leading to more supportive and resilient relationships. Additionally, mindfulness techniques can improve present-moment awareness and communication skills, allowing clients to better understand their friends' perspectives and respond empathetically, strengthening the bond between them.