Development and characteristics of a well-being enhancing psychotherapeutic strategy: well-being therapy

This article describes the main characteristics and technical features of a novel psychotherapeutic strategy, well-being therapy. This paper Outlines the background of its development, the structure of well-being therapy, its key concepts and technical aspects. Wellbeing therapy is based on Ryff's multidimensional model of psychological well-being, encompassing six dimensions: autonomy, personal growth, environmental mastery, purpose in life, positive relations and self-acceptance. The goal of this therapy is improving the Patients' levels of psychological well-being according to these dimensions, using cognitive-behavioral techniques. It may be applied as a relapse-preventive strategy in the residual phase of affective (mood and anxiety) disorders, as an additional ingredient of cognitive-behavioral packages, in patients with affective disorders who failed to respond to standard pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatments and in body image disturbances. The clinical studies supporting its efficacy are illustrated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.