Nicole Geschwind (Maastrict University) - Psychotherapy against depression: Towards a focus on positive emotions

Depression is characterized by an excess of negative emotions, and a lack of positive emotions. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) the most thoroughly researched and evidence-based form of psychotherapy for depression. Traditional CBT protocols against depression focus mainly on the reduction of negative emotions. I will present research on the importance of positive emotions in resilience against and recovery from depression. Also, I will discuss how a focus on positive emotions in CBT against depression may improve efficacy of treatment, and present preliminary findings on positive CBT.