In this training, we will explore the basics of Positive Psychology, which focuses on how to best live an optimal life. You’ll learn key concepts and discover how to best introduce Positive Psychology to clients. We will also be sharing a number of practical Positive Psychology interventions that you can begin using with clients immediately. This will be an experiential training, with writing exercises and breakout rooms, so be sure to have a notebook on hand!
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the differences between Positive Psychology and other therapeutic schools
- Articulate the key concepts upon which Positive Psychology is based
- Practice at least five Positive Psychology interventions
Syllabus:
Introduction to Positive Psychology
- Emphasizes building the best qualities in life, not just treating dysfunction
- Promotes flourishing, well-being, and strength-based interventions
- Scientific exploration of positive experiences, emotions, and traits
- Focuses on happiness, gratitude, resilience, compassion, and life satisfaction
Objective #1: Foundational Concepts and Theorists
- William James: Posed questions about human thriving
- Abraham Maslow: Introduced the term “positive psychology” in 1954
- Martin Seligman: Developed the concept of “learned optimism” and PERMA model
- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Introduced “flow” as a state of optimal experience
- Barbara Fredrickson and Christopher Peterson: Researched positive emotions and character strengths
Objective #2: Goals and Frameworks
- Increase positive emotions and meaningful life engagement
- Help clients identify and cultivate their strengths
- Foster relationships, hope, and self-confidence
- Build optimism and satisfaction through daily experiences
- Seligman’s PERMA Model: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment
Objective #3: Interventions in Positive Psychology
- Flow: Facilitate client engagement in rewarding and focused activities
- Savoring: Use all five senses to heighten awareness and appreciation of positive experiences
- Gratitude: Encourage journaling, letters, and acts of appreciation
- Kindness: Engage in prosocial actions and spontaneous giving
- Self-Compassion: Replace self-criticism with understanding and acceptance
- Learned Optimism: Use the ABCDE model to shift from pessimism to hope
- Optimistic Explanatory Style: Reframe life events using empowering interpretations
Objective #4: Exploring Strengths and Virtues
- VIA Classification includes 24 character strengths across 6 categories:
- Wisdom & Knowledge: Creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective
- Courage: Bravery, perseverance, honesty, zest
- Humanity: Love, kindness, social intelligence
- Justice: Teamwork, fairness, leadership
- Temperance: Forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation
- Transcendence: Appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, spirituality
- Utilize the VIA Character Strengths Assessment to identify and discuss “signature strengths”
Objective #5: Meaning and Purpose
- Explore clients’ life purpose through reflective journal prompts
- Consider life direction, personal values, and intrinsic motivations
- Identify passions and areas of authentic engagement
- Journal topics include: Ideal day, Most meaningful accomplishments, Sources of pride and love, Life’s guiding advice and energizing experiences
Objective #6: Application and Reflection
- Encourage clients to consider what makes life worth living
- Support “flourishing” through conscious alignment with personal strengths and values
- End with “Looking Back” exercise to explore life satisfaction and meaning
Resources and Continued Learning
- Recommended reading and suggested video content for review and client support
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: October 15, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com