a) A strength energizes. It is measured by its effect rather than by its content. This definition may seem tautological, but isn’t that because we are “locked” in to an XY model? If we think in phase states, we see the difficulty lies in our own reductionism?

b) Deficit’s seem to be conflated with deficiencies. A deficit is having less than what is needed. Who defines what is needed? It is the impulse to define what is “right” by people who are somehow privileged that leads to the negativity in psychology. Take away the political right to define without discussion, and deficit’s go away.

c) Do people need to change? I know I need to “grow” a positive, poetic vocabulary. But I see that as no more of a change than exploring an interesting street in a new city.

A positive approach is scary when we used a deficit model and we become like a rabbit staring at headlights - focused on threat to the point of paralysis.

If only we would keep on hopping, we would get to the other side of the road. I think our job as psychologists is to represent the other side of the road and keep the rabbit’s focus on us - if they could just keep on hopping!