The idea that a traumatic experience potentially leads to personal growth and flourishing is widely spread in the field of positive psychology. It is less known that our most positive experiences can lead to enhanced personal development, increased self-esteem, deeper relationships, more meaning in life, and a deeper sense of spirituality just as well. Finding one’s calling, falling in love, the birth of a child or a major life success can stimulate growth in a very comparable way critical life events can.

However, while it is common to view and to build on life challenges as opportunities to grow, a highly positive experience is rarely actively used as a possible catalyst for personal development. Our research on posttraumatic and postecstatic growth suggests that both concepts are based on the same key mechanisms and have the capacity to transform not only the lives we lead, but who we are. The workshop will highlight the potential of building a positive identity based on peak experiences to strengthen the clients’ ability to deal with life challenges yet to come.

Participants will be provided with scientific insights on the mechanisms and effects of postecstatic growth as well as interventions that will help clients to draw meaning, belonging, and authentic self-esteem from the best moments of their lives. On the basis of these interventions – using positive narration, autobiographical work, as well as psychodramatical formats - clients can revisit their lives’ best experiences in order to consciously integrate them in a way that supports transformation and meaningful personal development.