Counseling and Positive Psychology in dialogue: Encounters, narratives and challenges: A tribute to Professor Anastassios Stalikas

Abstract

The present introduction of the special issue “Counseling and Positive Psychology in dialogue: Encounters, narratives and challenges” acts as a tribute to the memory of Professor Anastassios Stalikas and presents papers from the 8th Panhellenic Conference of Counseling Psychology and the 3rd Panhellenic Conference of Positive Psychology titled “Encounters, Narratives, Challenges” (Athens, November 2023). The introduction focuses on Stalikas’ scientific contribution and his pivotal role in establishing positive psychology in Greece. At the same time, it highlights Stalikas’ commitment to a strength-based, meaning-oriented, and non-pathologizing vision of psychotherapy. Moreover, this paper is an introduction to the articles presented in the issue and their theoretical background and focuses on contemporary developments in counselling psychology and positive psychology. The issue brings together 21 research studies and two discussion papers that depict current trends in counselling and positive psychology and address developmental transitions, interpersonal relationships, vulnerability and resilience, and wellbeing across diverse populations and contexts, including students, families, refugees, people with disabilities, patients with chronic illness, and mental health professionals. These studies depict current trends toward strenghth-based, narrative and relational approaches, social advocacy and empowerment and the recent shift in positive psychology from an individual focus on happiness to a more systems-informed perspective of flourishing. Overall, the contributions bring together  counselling and positive psychology, reflecting and extending the dialogical legacy of Anastassios Stalikas.