Paul T. P. Wong & Lilian C. J. Wong
An edited version will appear in Emmy van Deuzen and Susan Iacovou (Eds). Existential Perspectives on Relationship Therapy. Palgrave Publisher 

Introduction

All the evidence on effective psychotherapy has confirmed that relationship heals regardless of what therapeutic approach is employed (Duncan, Miller, Wampold & Hubbel, 2009). However, from a humanistic-existential framework, relationship goes beyond building rapport and therapeutic alliance; the curative effect of relationship can only be fully understood in terms of Rogers’s (1951) preconditions for effective therapy: empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard as personal qualities of the therapist. These preconditions create a positive and safe environment in which clients are free to share their deepest fears as well as explore risky new options.

Paul T. P. Wong

Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology (Campbell, 1971). His influence continues to grow in many areas, such as psychological types, dream work, play therapy, and the role of spirituality and religion (Aziz, 1990; Johnson, 1989; Jung, 1933, 1964). This brief essay focuses on his contributions to positive psychology.

The importance of meaning

The positive psychology of Viktor Frankl (Wong, 2007) and Jung can be classified as depth positive psychology, because both of them emphasize the need to integrate the unconscious realm. Both can be considered fathers of contemporary positive psychology because of their focus on the innate human potential for growth through meaning and spirituality.

Paul T. P. Wong

A review of
Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being
by Martin E. P. Seligman
New York, NY: Free Press, 2011. 349 pp. ISBN 978-1-4391-9075-3. $26.00

Overall Impression of the Book

Love him or hate him, Martin Seligman is arguably the most famous positive psychologist on earth. No other psychologist has ever achieved the kind of dominant presence as Seligman has in positive psychology. It is difficult to evaluate the work of such a legendary figure without being affected by the halo effect. I have only two modest objectives in this review: (1) Assess the scholarly merits of Flourish; and (2) Critique the role of big money that contributes to Seligman’s extraordinary accomplishments.