The right question can change our brain chemistry by increasing possibility, control and motivation. The right question at the right time can open us up to fresh ways of seeing a situation. A question can stop our tired and negative thought patterns in their tracks. Suddenly, we see possibilities that we simply did not think of before.
Yes, questions can boost our levels of optimism.
Sometimes the right question might be a surprising one, such as 'What story am I telling myself about this?' Or it might be a quirky one such as 'What are the humorous aspects of this situation?' Or it might be a challenging one such as 'What is my part in creating this situation?'
Practising psychologist Selina Byrne has drawn on the power of questions to create Optimism Boosters. Each of the 30 cards in this elegant, full-colour set creates a window into change by asking a key question. There are three suits - goals, possibilities and strategies - and ten question cards in each suit. The set comes with a booklet.
This tool has been used extensively for career guidance and professional development as well other counselling settings.
The Growing Well cards are for mental health professionals, clients, students, and anyone interested in monitoring their own mental wellbeing. These 50 cards with a booklet are built around key statements that research has shown are important indicators of mental health and balance. Accompanying each statement is a scale using simple illustrations of a seed growing into a tree. A user checks the box that is relevant to them - every day or every week, perhaps. In this way the scale can be used to notice change and describe... More info
The strengths-approach is characterised by a genuine collaboration between people, or 'power-with' as it is known. 'Doing' power-with challenges us to address power imbalances and structures that constrain, discriminate and disadvantage. It also challenges us to create conditions that build hope, respect and fairness. Following the success of The Strengths Approach book by Wayne McCashen, here is a set of 30 small format cards that act as reminders for doing respect and justice. Each card features a phrase followed by a question. For example: Keeping optimism alive How do we... More info
Most of us have at least one friend. Many of us have many friends. But how often do we stop and wonder what makes a friendship? It can be easy to take friendships for granted and not wonder about the chemistry that makes them work. Sometimes it is only when friendships go badly wrong that we question what it is to be truly good friends with someone. And sometimes it is in times of loneliness or when we are being bullied that we wonder how we can... More info
