Learn how altruism based therapy can improve mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and boost well being in Canada. Focusing on others through acts of kindness can support emotional recovery and strengthen social connection.

What is Altruism Based Therapy?

Altruism based therapy encourages clients to practice empathy, kindness, and supportive behaviors toward others. By shifting focus from self to community, clients can reduce self focused rumination and enhance their sense of purpose. This idea aligns with Martin Seligman’s positive psychology framework, which identifies altruism as a core component of well being.

Related topics: therapy in Canada, mental health support

Benefits of Altruism for Mental Health

Acts of kindness can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and foster resilience. Research shows that helping others creates a positive feedback loop where each act of compassion enhances overall well being. Studies such as the 2018 Pepperdine University dissertation on altruism and mental health demonstrate how intentional helping behaviors strengthen social connection and promote healing.

Altruism Complements Emotional Healing

While altruism supports mental health, it is not a replacement for emotional processing, self care, or setting boundaries. Used alongside traditional therapy, altruism strengthens social bonds and enhances recovery from trauma, grief, or addiction. Group therapy settings, for example, often include shared acts of empathy and support among participants. For more on this, see Group Therapy in StatPearls (2025).

Who Can Benefit from Altruism Based Therapy

Clients experiencing loneliness, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, or existential distress can benefit. Engaging in supportive acts helps reduce isolation and encourages meaningful connection.

Practical Ways to Practice Altruism

  • Volunteer locally or support community initiatives
  • Perform daily acts of kindness toward friends, family, or strangers
  • Practice active listening and empathy in social interactions
  • Join group therapy sessions focused on supportive behaviors

Even small intentional actions can enhance well being and reinforce connections.

Conclusion

Altruism based therapy offers a powerful way to improve mental health and build social connection in Canada. When combined with self care and emotional processing, acts of kindness can create lasting benefits for individuals and communities.

References

  1. Rashid, Tayyab, and Martin Seligman. "Session Fourteen: Altruism." Positive Psychotherapy: Workbook. Oxford Academic, 2018.
  2. Malhotra, A., Mars, J.A., & Baker, J. "Group Therapy." In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
  3. Pepperdine University Dissertation on Altruism and Mental Health. 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

Altruism based therapy encourages clients to practice empathy, kindness, and supportive behaviors toward others. By shifting focus from the self to helping others, it promotes purpose and emotional well being.

Acts of kindness can boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and strengthen resilience. Research shows that helping others creates a positive feedback loop that supports long term mental health.

No. Altruism complements therapy but does not replace emotional processing, self care, or setting healthy boundaries. It works best when used alongside traditional psychotherapy approaches.

People experiencing loneliness, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, or existential distress may benefit. Helping others can reduce isolation and foster social connection.

Examples include volunteering locally, performing daily acts of kindness, practicing empathy and active listening, and joining group therapy sessions focused on supportive behaviors.

Evidence comes from Martin Seligman’s positive psychology framework, the StatPearls publication on Group Therapy, and a 2018 Pepperdine University dissertation on altruism and mental health.

Martin Seligman’s theory of positive psychology identifies altruism as a core element of well being, emphasizing the importance of empathy and contribution to others.

Practicing altruism in Canada can improve personal mental health, reduce stress, and build stronger community connections, contributing to collective resilience and well being.