The Possibilities OF Transcultural Positive Psychotherapy in Supporting the Development of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)

Technological and sociocultural changes taking place over the last decades have, on the one hand, increased the probability of experiencing trauma during human life, and on the other, contributed to the development of neuroscience, and thus to expanding knowledge about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related disorders. Attention began to be drawn to the fact that experiencing trauma can not only lead to negative consequences, but also can be a source of positive changes in an individual. This phenomenon is defined as post-traumatic growth, which may manifest itself in one (or more) of the four areas of human life. As a result of a traumatic experience, some people may increase the sense of self-confidence and trust in their own abilities, may become convinced of their personal strength and effectiveness, may improve relationships with other people, or begin to appreciate life and have hope for the future’s changes. Post-traumatic growth is more than an adaptive strategy to a post-traumatic situation. Growth means development, i.e. achieving a better level of functioning of the individual than before experiencing the trauma. The development of an individual is part of the Transcultural Positive Psychotherapy (PPT after Peseschkian) objective, which focuses on developing human potential by changing the perspective, enhancing hope, differentiating capabilities, discovering coping skills and finding a sense of meaning even in the most extreme life events. This article aims to show the usefulness of Positive Psychotherapy after Peseschkian in supporting post-traumatic growth. Starting with the characteristics of the post-traumatic growth phenomenon, will discuss the factors correlating with the emergence of positive post-traumatic changes and will finally show how the main principles and tools of this method can be helpful in reinforcing post-traumatic growth.