There are many approaches to coaching, each with its own theoretical foundation.
My coaching draws on the research and wisdom of positive psychology and energy psychology.
Positive psychology is both a field of research and a specialized practice. This means that, when I work with my clients in general life coaching I draw on positive psychology theories and research, and their applications. I also apply this expertise in my specialities in ADD and retirement coaching.
Since positive psychology forms the foundation of my coaching and will frame what I plan to write about here, I want to launch this blog with a brief description about this leading edge of modern psychology.
What is Positive Psychology?
Christopher Peterson (2008), one of the early leaders of the positive psychology movement, offered this definition: “. . . the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. . . It focuses on individual strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of just repairing the bad, and discovering how to take the lives of average people up to ‘great’ instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to ‘normal’”. Positive psychology does not ignore the importance of real psychological problems addressed by clinical psychologists. Instead, it complements the problem-focused approach to psychology which dominated the field since the era of Freud until the early 2000s (Peterson, 2008)
This field focuses on the positive events and influences in our lives. Positive psychologists explore a wide range of topics, such as character strengths, optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, wellbeing, gratitude, compassion (including self-compassion), self-esteem and self-confidence, hope, and inspiration. They investigate how we express these attitudes and personality characteristics within a variety of contexts, as individual experiences, emotional states and traits, and within organizations and institutions.
How Can I Apply Positive Psychology Principles to My Life?
If you were my client, I would help you identify your values and goals. Then I would help you get and stay motivated to pursue those goals, and find ways to to enrich your life as you make progress toward them. For example, one of the findings of positive psychology research is that generally most people are happy (even if they don’t admit it), but they can be happier as they work toward their goals, IF they pause to notice when they are feeling good.
I will be blogging about the many other aspects of positive psychology. As a starting point, take a few moments to download and complete this Strengths Exploration Worksheet. By doing this you claim your psychological strengths, recall where you have used them in the past, and plan for new ways to use them in the future. Doing this exercise is not bragging! It doesn’t imply that you are perfect—no one is–but your answers will reveal to you the many ways that you ARE an intrinsically a capable and worthy human being.