Positive Psychology

Understanding Positive Psychology: Beyond Positive Thinking

The moment I first heard the term ‘positive psychology’ my interest was aroused even though I didn’t know much about it. Not to be confused with ‘positive thinking’, positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the scientific theory and research of ‘what makes a life worth living’. This contrasts with traditional psychology’s focus on the challenges and disorders affecting those who suffer.  Positive psychology then, can be regarded as a way of balancing things out. Positive psychology aims to balance the scale: if we can understand what leads to sadness and depression, shouldn’t we also explore what brings happiness and helps individuals to flourish?

 

From Inspiration to Education

Positive psychology has had a profound and positive experience in my life since the moment I picked up my first book on the subject, (Positivity – Barbara Fredrickson). I was so inspired and later I enrolled on the very first Masters of Applied Positive Psychology course (MAPP) at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), eager to learn all I could. 

This course had a profound and positive effect on all aspects of my life, it was like a 2-year course of personal development. After graduating with the MSc qualification I became an Associate Lecturer on the MAPP course at BNU  I formed the company Positive Psychology Online Courses. Along with Dr Piers Worth who was the creator and Director of the MAPP programme, we developed a course ‘Introduction to Positive Psychology’ which is run in association with BNU. This course provides an overview of key topics from the MAPP curriculum and is suitable for coaches, counsellors, healthcare workers, teachers, HR professionals, or anyone keen on learning how to enrich their personal and professional life. Those who subsequently enrol on the MAPP programme at BNU qualify to receive a full 10% discount on their university fees. 

 

From One Extreme to the Other

I have a solid background in the clinical application of hypnosis to help individuals overcome stress, anxiety and undesired habits and behaviours. However, the greatest reward in my work is helping clients not only resolve their issues but develop new habits that enable them to thrive and enhance their total wellbeing. It was once said as a joke, “Lesley spent 4 years at university exploring the range of emotions from utter despair to total euphoria” but it is true. Unlike traditional therapy that concludes once problems are resolved, my use of positive psychology extends support until clients are truly flourishing, well beyond ‘the norm.’ Happiness is not merely the absence of unhappiness, and physical and mental health are not simply the absence of illness. 

 

Positive Psychology Coaching

Positive Psychology Coaching

I offer positive psychology coaching sessions for both individuals and groups, available face-to-face or online. These sessions are designed to provide practical support across a wide variety of needs. Consider if any of the following applies to you:

• You are motivated to make a positive change but struggle to find the right approach.

• You need to develop resilience and character traits to persevere through challenging situations.

• You aim to improve your relationships, boost your confidence, and enhance your sense of purpose and overall happiness.

• You feel something is missing and want to explore science-based interventions proven to enhance positive emotions, social connections, health, and well-being.

• You are curious about positive psychology and want to integrate the ‘science of happiness’ into your daily life.

 

Fees

New Forest Consultations (50 – 60 minutes) Positive Psychology coaching £80 per session

Telephone Consultations   (Enquiry and initial consultation – free) Positive Psychology coaching – £70 per session (45-60 minutes)

Note: I am not currently practicing in Harley Street

For details of Positive Psychology courses please visit Positive Psychology Online Courses 

Or contact me for further information.