Positive Psychology Science of Happiness
NEW! The Happiness Training Plan
Creative Direction & Communications
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY is the science of happiness, strengths and optimal human functioning. The discipline includes the study of positive emotions, positive character traits and positive institutions.
Instead of basing itself on the "disease model" as psychology traditionally does, positive psychology focuses on factors that enable people to flourish and feel good by drawing on their natural strengths to bring out the best in themselves and in the organisations they find themselves in.
The focus of most therapy is to get an individual from a minus point to 0 on a scale of well-being. However helping someone to overcome depression is not the same as helping them develop happiness. There is little evidence to suggest that psychotherapy - which encourages the exploration of past pain - leads to well-being. Many people find themselves stuck in the trauma rather than transcending it. The objective of positive psychology is to help individuals beyond that point into the plus scale of well-being. Positive psychology coaching helps you identify what makes you happy, find out what your natural talents are and build on those strengths so that you operate at your best creating an "upwards spiral" of happiness and success.
HOW TO BE HAPPY?
I've been asking this question all my life and began investigating the subject in earnest when I produced the BBC Radio 4 programme "Don't Worry Be Happy" on the science of happiness. I realised later that this must have been one of the first programmes on "positive psychology". It marked the start of over a decade's exploration of techniques - both scientific and spiritual - to increase psychological well-being. My life purpose is to help people to happiness by communicating this knowledge.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY COACHING
I use these techniques in coaching and training and also write about the subject for the website Positive Psychology News. I am a founder member of the Centre for Applied Positive Psychology, a member of the International Positive Psychology Association and one of the first postgraduates of Europe's only degree in the science of happiness, the Masters in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of East London. This is based on Professor Martin Seligman's original programme at the University of Pennsylvania.
THE HAPPINESS ZONE
In 2008 I ran a programme applying positive psychology to vulnerable alcohol-misusing adolescents in Bath, a first in the world of positive psychology. I am currently writing up the results of the research which have been incredible - the subjects have gone from binge-drinking and lacking a purpose in life and turned into dynamic young people with a plan for the future. Happiness and optimism are up, drinking and drug-taking are down. The majority are experiencing 'upwards spirals' where happiness leads to success and vice-versa.
This programme will soon be available to other organisations in the education and health sectors.
The Happiness Zones
- Feel Good Zone (positive emotions, savouring, flow)
- Future Zone (optimism, gratitude)
- Me Zone (strengths)
- Chill Zone (relaxation, meditation)
- Body Zone (physical activity, nutrition)
- Me to You Zone (relationships)
- Bounceback Zone (resilience, growth mindsets)
THE HAPPINESS TRAINING PLAN
The Happiness Training Plan, Practical Strategies for a Happier Life from the New Science of Positive Psychology.
This self-help training programme was launched as a CD at the University of Bristol Happiness Lectures in 2008. It is a co-production with Dr Chris Johnstone, author of Find Your Power.
The CD is available from www.happinesstrainingplan.com.