The method of Positive Psychotherapy belongs to the humanistic, transcultural and psychodynamic psychotherapeutic methods. This conflict-centered and capability-oriented method has been developed by Nossrat Peseschkian since 1968 in Germany.

Positive Psychotherapy features specific methods which generate developments in the theory of psychotherapy, demonstrate new aspects in the understanding of human nature, and lead to the ways of treatment and intervention.

Positive Psychotherapy's new Positive Image of Man
The method is based on the new positive image of man that man is good by nature and endowed with four kinds of capabilities: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Illnesses and disorders are therefore interpreted in a new and positive way, and through the use of stories, anecdotes and examples from other cultures the patient is encouraged to play a more active role in his own healing process. Positive Psychotherapy believes that every human being is an entity of body, mind, emotions and spirit. The aim of the therapeutic process is to help the client to develop his inborn capabilities and to find the balance in his daily-life. The patient is encouraged to become a therapist for his own family and environment. Elements of other psychotherapeutic methods are used in order to be flexible in the treatment of the patient: Positive Psychotherapy is an interdisciplinary approach. 

Through starting with the so-called "basic capabilities" (the capacity to love - representing emotion and the capacity to know - representing cognition), Positive Psychotherapy is in a good position to speak to peoples of all languages and social strata, as well as coping effectively with transcultural issues. Through the positive interpretations of symptoms used in Positive Psychotherapy, the patient should be enabled to find and assess his basic capacities. 

Head Offices: 
International Academy of Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy,
Langgasse 38 - 40, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany,                        
Tel. +49-611-3411674/ +49-611-3411675, Fax: +49-611-3411676   
E-mail: peseschkian.foundation@positivepsychotherapy.org 
website: www.positum.org and www.peseschkian-stiftung.de

Wiesbaden Academy of Psychotherapy, Langgasse 36, 
65183 Wiesbaden, Germany, Tel. +49-611-373707, Fax: +49-611-39990
E-mail: info@wiap.de  
website: www.wiap.de