Cite as (APA style): Omelianenko, I. & Chechetkina, K. (2026). Transformation of self-image through verbal self-expression in Positive Psychotherapy: Case study. The Global Psychotherapist, 6(2), 220-228 http://doi.org/10.52982/lkj329
Abstract: This longitudinal study employs Fishman’s pragmatic single-case design to examine self-image transformation through verbal self-expression in Positive Psychotherapy (PPT after N. Peseschkian). Using material from 126 psychotherapy sessions conducted over three years, a theory-informed qualitative analysis examines longitudinal changes in the client’s self-referential language, tracing a shift from rigid self-criticism toward flexible, agentic self-language. The framework incorporates Vygotsky’s language internalization, Bruner’s narrative identity construction, White and Epston’s alternative narratives, and Schafer’s narrative reconstruction. The findings suggest that changes in client speech were associated with the gradual internalization of therapeutic dialogue. These verbal transformations coincided with the development of actual primary capacities and positive changes in self-image. Organizing the analysis via Peseschkian’s five-stage model demonstrated its usefulness for observing language dynamics across psychotherapy.
Keywords: Positive Psychotherapy, self-image, language internalization, five-stage model, actual capabilities