R+ is the recognized symbol for positive reinforcement.

R+ is often used in the animal community to describe a training method that uses rewards to achieve desired behaviors.

As I became more involved in learning and using positive reinforcement for dog training I realized how similar it was to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy! With CBT we focus on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Positive Reinforcement training focuses on looking for and rewarding the behaviors you DO want and ignoring the behaviors you do NOT want.

R+ energy and attention.

Think of a child sitting quietly coloring a picture. As a parent we see this and typically tip toe away so as not to disrupt this rare moment of peace and quiet. Then when the child does something we don’t want, like coloring all over the living room walls, we give them tons of attention.

What would happen if we gave our attention and energy to the behaviors we DO want? Then just gave a bored, neutral response to behaviors we didn’t? I can confidently say you would see an increase in the desired behaviors, and a decrease in undesirable behaviors.

Positive reinforcement can easily be applied to your interactions with your spouse, kids, coworkers, the waitress at your favorite restaurant, and especially YOURSELF.

R+ as a way of life.

Let’s take this idea even further and choose to look for the positive in our day to day lives, while ignoring the negatives. It may not always seem like it, but there are equal amounts of both positive and negative happening around us.

We are actually hard wired to focus on the negative. This is a survival skill left over from when we were cave people and assessing the dangers all around us was how we stayed alive. We no longer need to focus on the negative all the time. Frankly, it’s exhausting and depressing. To change this we need to teach our brains to look for the positives. This just takes practice.

So for me, R+ stands for a way of life, the constant decision to focus on the positives, in my work, my relationships, and myself.

I encourage you to challenge yourself to do the same. One way to do this is to practice “3 good things”. Soon you will notice an improvement in your mood, energy level, and overall happiness.

A funny side note.

When I came up with the name R+ therapy, I shared it with my family. BOTH my children came to me individually and said I really shouldn’t name it C+ (the initial of my first name) because that stood for slightly above average, which really wasn’t all that good. Didn’t I want to go for A+?

Glad they’re looking out for me…

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Carrie Raap at R+ Therapy is in Tucson, AZ. Carrie is an online therapist with more than 20 years experience. Her therapeutic specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, coping, and making positive changes. She has numerous credentials, including a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and a license in clinical social work (LCSW). She is also a Certified Service Dog Trainer and loves blending these passions to help people improve their mental health with Canine Assisted Therapy .