Positive Psychology Courses, Coaching, Consultancy, Communication
Welcome to Positive Psychology Training, a collaboration between qualified positive psychologists who hold the Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP), established by Prof Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania and now at the University of East London. All our practitioners are experienced in applying positive psychology in a variety of settings – spreading the knowledge to help people flourish.
Out now. Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression: Self-help Strategies for Happiness, Inner Strength & Well-being (Watkins 2012) is the first self-help guide to apply practical tools from the science of happiness to overcome persistent low mood. 12 scientifically-proven strategies to build positivity, alleviate depressive symptoms, support the journey to recovery and protect from future episodes of depression. It is a long title but this is intentional as the book works both ways and is also a collection of evidence-based strategies for those of you interested in the psychological techniques which build happiness, positivity, resilience & well-being and lead to flourishing.The book is available from the usual outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Cygnus Books & Waterstones.
Praise for the book: “Miriam Akhtar introduces a major breakthrough in the treatment of depression.” Dr Chris Johnstone, Psychologist & Physician
“My advice is to give this book a go. If I was going to buy one book on positive psychology to treat depression, I’d choose an author who’d been properly trained as a positive psychologist, who knows how to write in an engaging and accessible way, and who understands, first-hand, the challenges of depression. In short, I’d choose Miriam.” Dr Phil Hammond, GP & Comedian
“A wonderful set of ideas and techniques that can help reduce depression and build happiness. They’re simple, engaging, practical and – most importantly – they’re all based on evidence from the latest positive psychology research, so we know they really work.” Mark Williamson, Director, Action for Happiness
“This is the first book I’ve read about depression that hasn’t made me feel depressed. It’s uplifting, inspiring, hopeful, often amusing and of course – positive… the Positive Psychology aspect of this book isn’t just about getting out of depression, its about moving into a positive emotional state – happiness! There are lots of simple and practical suggestions and exercises to do and Miriam shares her own personal experience and journey from a downward spiral of depression to an upward spiral of positivity. I read this book in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down! Although there is lots of research evidence to support Miriam’s suggestions, this does not read like a dreary textbook and each concept is explained in simple and easily understood terms. Reading this book will cheer and encourage you, whether you have depression or not!” Reader’s review, Amazon
“For many years I have recommended “Mind Over Mood,” to my clinical psychology trainees as the psychological treatment manual of choice. Miriam Akhtar has now written a very credible depression treatment manual, based on the principles of positive psychology. I am sure that this book will go on to become one of the few other classics in this field, along with Beck and Wolpert. Highly recommended!” Dr Jerome Carson, Clinical Psychologist
Interested in other ways of mastering the tools? Book a block of one-to-one coaching sessions tailored to your needs, there’s the Happiness Training Plan CD/download or come to one of the Positive Psychology Masterclasses for your personal and professional development. For the latest news on the book please like the Facebook page and you can follow Miriam on Twitter for other nuggets from positive psychology.
Providers of Professional Positive Psychology Training & Coaching
We run a variety of short courses in positive psychology for personal and professional development as well as training for coaches, psychologists and other professionals in the practice of positive psychology. We also develop and deliver well-being programmes and offer interactive 'taster' sessions suitable for events, 'lunch & learn' and away-days. The 2-day Positive Psychology Masterclass is a general introduction with dates throughout the year.
Positive Youth Development is about using positive psychology interventions to encourage and support the development and well-being of young people, in particular those that are vulnerable or disaffected. Positive Psychology Training works with charities, schools and local authorities to develop training programmes for young people and curricula for schoolchildren as well as training education professionals in positive psychology tools.
Coaching is a way for you to experience the personal & professional benefits of positive psychology, tailored to meet your needs, enhance your well-being and promote your success. Whether you're stressed, depressed or suspect that you might be languishing, coaching will take you from floundering to flourishing by harnessing your strengths to flourish on all fronts - psychological, emotional, spiritual, physical & financial. UK & elsewhere in person, by telephone or Skype.
Positive Psychology's evidence-based techniques boost your mood naturally and build a sustainable form of happiness that helps you to overcome depression and protect you from it. You can learn more about these scientifically-proven strategies in personal coaching sessions, through the audio Happiness Training Plan and in the new book – Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression (see right).
Summer of Speaking
A summer of talks and festivals beckons. Kicking off Miriam will be giving a talk at Penny Brohn Cancer Care on Thursday May 31st and the season concludes with the Interrogate Festival at Dartington from September 23-25.
Independent on Sunday’s Happy List 2012
The Independent on Sunday have just published their annual Happy List. This year they’ve concentrated on people doing inspirational work at grassroots level – true practitioners of positive psychology. It’s fantastic to see these heroes of happiness recognised in a national newspaper. Miriam’s thoughts on happiness have also made this special issue. Read more here.
Book makes it to no3 in Amazon bestsellers!
The word is spreading on what positive psychology has to offer to the recovery from mild-to-moderate depression – evidence-based self-help which doesn’t involve picking over your emotional scabs! And as they are all tried and tested techniques from the science of happiness we know that they really do work. Chapter 5 is all about gratitude.
Read More…
Overcoming Depression with the Science of Happiness: New article for Action for Happiness
As if receiving a visit from the black dog wasn’t bad enough, one of the most depressing things about depression is the narrow choice of treatment available to you if and when you recognise what’s ailing you. Depression is the common cold of mental health, affecting 1 in 10 people in the UK at any.
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Positive Psychology for Depression – www.mentalhealthy.co.uk
One of the most depressing things about having depression is the limited choice of treatment available once you recognise what’s ailing you. It’s the no1 threat to well-being in the 21st century, the leading cause of disability according to the World Health Organisation. 1 in 2 people in the West will have an episode of.
Read More…
Positive Psychology Masterclass: Part 1
Thurs & Fri 24-25th May; Weds & Thurs 20-21st June 2012
Engineers House Clifton Down The Promenade Bristol BS8 3NB
Standard (inc Early Bird & Concessions): £349 + VAT(£418.80) FFI: miriam@positivepsychologytraining.co.uk
Book the Masterclass online now
Seven Highly Effective Habits of Happy People, May 19th, Bristol
Join two of the UK's leading practitioners of positive psychology for an inspiring, uplifting and fun day of discovery as we explore the science of happiness. In this wholly practical day you will have the opportunity to try for yourself some of the highly effective habits which science shows us lead to sustainable happiness. Sample the evidence-based tools to boost your positivity, develop your capacity for happiness and build your well-being, making a significant difference to your personal development and with practice to your life.
This approach is based on the scientific evidence that you can increase your own happiness, and that the skills to do this, such as optimistic thinking, finding flow and playing to your strengths, can be learned. You will come away with your personal toolbox, being handed the keys to a happy and flourishing life. More info in the 7habitsbookingform.
Positive psychology interventions to :-
- Feel good, function well and flourish
- Increase happiness & well-being
- Develop strengths for success
- Build your positivity ratio
- Find meaning & purpose in life
- Protect against depression
- Learn optimism, 'self defence' for the mind
- Develop resilience & bounce back from adversity
- Realise your potential to perform at your best
- Find a positive direction based on your strengths
- Set and achieve goals
- Increase intrinsic motivation
- Create your ideal future
- Manage change positively
- Energise your work
- Increase engagement
- Improve your quality of life