What You Focus on Expands: How to Grow the Good

For many folks coming to therapy, there can be a tendency to hyper-focus on what they are NOT doing well or on what is NOT working in their lives. This makes sense, as our brain’s “negativity bias” makes us more sensitive to unpleasant thoughts, emotions, and events. Psychologist Rick Hanson explains that “the brain is like Teflon for the positive and Velcro for the negative.” Our ancestors’ brains developed this adaptation in order to avoid danger and survive; however, it no longer serves us in the same way.

Coping Tools, Personal GrowthJessica YouseffiJuly 29, 2019Trauma, Positive Psychology, Strengths Based Therapy