What comes to mind when we hear the term "generation gap"? Parents and children of any age are likely to experience at least some degree of frustration and conflict in their everyday interactions because we are not always going to want the same thing. It is normal and healthy for parents and children to have different wants or interests. There are likely to be extra tensions in the household where those children are of teenage years. It might be then considered to be in their "job description" to test the limits and push the boundaries as it were. It is during these years, often in the relative safety of the home, that teenagers will be testing out their range of ways of having an impact on others and their world in general, and seeking to establish an identity separate from their parents.

Many people find it very difficult to make a decision to see a psychologist. Often when they do so, this has already started a process of turning a bigger problem into a lesser one. Because commonly when people see a psychologist for the first time, they have two problems, or layers of problems. The first problem is what they are seeking help for, perhaps a panic or anxiety reaction, a depressive condition, an anger or behavioural problem, or perhaps a relationship issue or a life adjustment problem. But in addition to that, people commonly have a second problem which relates to their reaction to the first - commonly in the form of non-acceptance or shame. And it is this non-acceptance of the first problem which is the bigger stumbling block, or at least a significant barrier to progress. Reactions to the original problem can also include feeling very anxious about having panic reactions, feeling helpless about one's relationship problem, or even being depressed about being depressed.

This is a particularly interesting time in the development of the psychology field. People are only just beginning to understand the potential power of positive or optimistic thinking. Dr Martin Seligman has done some wonderful work over many years which demonstrates that people can develop more optimistic ways of thinking which helps them to win football competitions, win presidential elections, better survive potentially fatal illnesses and generally feel happier. He has extended his work on learned optimism to highlight ways in which people can have more happy and fulfilling lives by drawing on their signature character strengths. His recent book, Authentic Happiness, outlines ways in which people can reliably seek to experience a greater sense of gratification, as opposed to mere pleasure, in their everyday lives. His website can also be accessed on www.authentichappiness.org.