ABSTRACT
Melbourne Australia, as with many cities across the globe, experienced increased mental health challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially where there have been extended periods of lockdown. Although the pandemic has been devastating for many people, some positive outcomes have emerged and gained momentum. This chapter presents the appreciative dialogue (ApDi) therapy program and its use on 23 clients, all of whom, despite the anxiety they were experiencing, sought psychotherapy to explore ways of living more meaningfully than their pre-pandemic lives. An offshoot of appreciative inquiry, the ApDi program promotes and supports a cocreative experience that builds resilience and fosters a growth mindset. It works through the challenges that come with pursuing what matters most to a person. At the completion of the program for each client, their anxiety decreased, their attitude toward and outlook for the future became more positive, and they were reassured within themselves that they have what it takes to achieve their goals. The results provide an opportunity for further development and implementation of programs specifically designed to increase a person’s resilience and cultivate a growth mindset during difficult times.
