SafeTex (asker) Jul 25, 2020:

@ Nikki and all It's personal growth and it is not a very methodical approach. It dips VERY briefly into a number of theories and cites poets, writers and analysts but is not some deep study of the human condition. More a hotch-potch of ideas.

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Jul 25, 2020:

Writeaway's reference post The references provided by Writeaway are probably highly relevant here. It's worth checking with the client. I'm a clinical psychologist and trained in what is known as the integrative approach. In simple terms, it involves not just sticking to one approach, not one philosophy but being open to a number of approaches depending on what you are most at ease within a particular set of circumstances with a particular person or group of people. It's the opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach. Some of the training in cognitive psychology included an introduction into positive psychology (origins, methods and applications). I have also studied it further this past year. Happiness comes into it. Before studying psychology, I obtained a master's research degree in biology and neuroscience.
Some of the self-help stuff is evidence-based psychology made accessible. Some of it is pseudo-science and basically crap. There is also a lot in between. I always read and make up my own mind, easier with evidence-based approaches.
An accurate translation of this expression will require seeing where this actually sits in your context. Without it, you might be off-track.
My advice? Ask the client. ;-

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Jul 25, 2020:

Context Could you provide what field of psychology is involved? It's a vast field.

Verginia Ophof Jul 25, 2020:

@all Yes, I agree with Nicky and Suzie. I feel It's about staying in your comfort zone.

philgoddard Jul 25, 2020:

This sounds like a self-help text If so, I think you should be saying "you", not "we". Other languages (well, French and German at least) tend to avoid confronting the reader head on, but not English.

SafeTex (asker) Jul 25, 2020:

@ Thomas and all Funny you should approach it like this as I have a friend helping me and together, we tried "good" with three verbs (same approach but with the verbs)

We came up with

"otherwise, we remain with what looks, feels and seem right but..."

Thomas Miles Jul 25, 2020:

beau (n.) = aesthetics I have seen 'beau' used as a noun with the sense of 'aesthetics'. If one of the others is 'morality' you might be able to find something with three English nouns that works!

writeaway Jul 25, 2020:

What sort of document is this text in? A blog, a philosophical text or what? There has to be some sort of context or is it just those words on a page? Why is it a bit negative?

SafeTex (asker) Jul 25, 2020:

@ all Hello

I currently have "(right), prim and proper" which is often used for people and has the idea of looking okay on the outside but that is just the surface.