Positive Psychology Masterclass

The Positive Psychology Masterclass trained up hundreds of positive psychology practitioners between 2010 and 2024. 

It is no longer offered as an open course but you can book a 1-day or 2-day masterclass for your organisation face-to-face or online. The masterclass focuses on the key elements and applications of positive psychology like happiness, wellbeing, strengths, optimism, resilience and mindsets. The aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to put positive psychology into practice. Please email Miriam to find out more. 

The Positive Psychology Masterclass 1.0

Miriam Akhtar and Bridget Grenville Cleave came together to launch the Positive Psychology Masterclass, drawing on their expertise as positive psychology practitioners, master trainers, lecturers, speakers and authors of books in the field. The foundations workshop explored the PERMA Model of Wellbeing for coaching, therapy and personal wellbeing. The advanced workshop focused on Wellbeing at Work. Each workshop combines the essential knowledge and tools to start using positive psychology straightaway.

The workshops suit HR/OD/L&D Professionals, Coaches, Health Professionals, Counsellors and Therapists, Mental Health First Aiders, Business Trainers, Management Consultants, Leaders, Managers, Academics, Psychologists, Social Workers, Youth Workers and Wellbeing Champions. The Positive Psychology Masterclass was accredited by the Association for Coaching for CPD.

‘The Positive Psychology Masterclass was devised by two of our first MAPP graduates who’ve gone on to flourish as positive psychology experts. Both Miriam and Bridget are renowned for their applied work within the science of well-being. The Masterclass has been attended by hundreds of people since it started, many of whom have now joined us on the UEL MAPP.  It’s one of the best introductions to the science of Positive Psychology that you can get.’  Dr Kate Hefferon, University of East London

The Foundations Workshop introduces you to the key principles and evidence-based practices in positive psychology, giving you a thorough grounding in the PERMA model of wellbeing plus other core concepts in the science. With hands-on experience of the practices this highly-engaging course will show you how to apply positive psychology for personal growth and positive change. We show you how to master the essential tools to use in your coaching practice or professional setting.

  • The Science of Happiness & Wellbeing
  • Positive Emotions & Practices
  • Engagement & Flow
  • Identifying & Applying Strengths
  • Finding Meaning & Purpose
  • Mindsets, Motivation & Goals
  • Optimism & Resilience
  • Building Positive Relationships

“Brilliant. Seamless flow and incorporation of discussion leading in to the material presented. Seamless presentation and well evidenced.” GP, Devon. 

“I loved the online version as I could do it from the comfort of my home and it involved less planning with childcare etc. I learnt just as much online as I did in person. In fact I would say I got to engage on a deeper level with the other participants in the breakout rooms.” Executive Coach, London.

“This was such a literally positive experience – there was no post-lunch dip! I’m so glad I came.” Coach, Worcs

ADVANCED – WELLBEING at WORK 

The advanced course builds on the foundations workshop, showing you how you can apply Positive Psychology with confidence in the workplace and other professional settings. The Masterclass introduces the 2nd and 3rd waves of Positive Psychology and takes a strengths approach as the pathway to more effective performance and success. We give you the practical tools to use Positive Psychology in coaching, training and education, showing you how to apply the science for greater success, wellbeing at work and resilience.

This course assumes a working knowledge of the elements in the foundations course.

  • The Science of Flourishing
  • Positive Leadership & Positive Deviance
  • Workplace Wellbeing
  • Meaning at Work
  • Strengths in Coaching
  • Strengths at Work
  • Strengths across Life
  • Appreciative Inquiry
  • Advanced Resilience
  • High Quality Connections

 

“Really well presented it worked extremely well via an online platform and exceeded my expectations. Both presenters were extremely knowledgeable and had a very warm and engaging style. ” 

“The advanced Positive Psychology Masterclass is a brilliant 2 days for people who want to develop their knowledge and plan how to use positive psychology in their work.”  Psychologist & Coach   

“This was an excellent mix of research and the latest evidence mixed with  excellent practical tools all delivered with energy and warmth.” 

“Excellent. Covered a lot of ground and all of it was practical and usable. Highly recommended for both personal and professional use. Lots of tools to take this knowledge forward. Love the practicality.” Executive Coach, Cornwall

Our Alumni

We have trained hundreds of participants from around the world with consistently high praise over ten years. The Masterclass also acts as a springboard to working in the field and we now have a collection of books written by past delegates. We’re immensely proud of giving them such a positive start! One of our alumni, Andria Zafirakou (3rd from right) won the Global Best Teacher Prize while another Jen Gash, author of Coaching Creativity, won the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition. Some of our delegates have gone on to train as full-time positive psychologists.

“I attended both courses as I had a keen interest in Positive Psychology, having come across it when I trained as a therapist. The course went above and beyond any expectation I had. The course was rich in its learning process, and delivered in a gentle, warm and creative way creating the most positive of  learning climates. As a direct result I went on to study MAPPCP at UEL. Worried that I was not up to study at a Masters level I found the learning that I had received on this wonderful 4 day course formed a firm foundation for the learning. I put my distinction that I received in the first year down to the understanding I gained on this course. If you have any interest in Positive Psychology look no further than doing this course with Miriam and Bridget. You will be so glad that you did.” Helen Day

“The first Masterclass was very interesting, exciting and motivational. Later I realised that much of the content – its potential power, application and versatility made much more sense as a result of completing the second Masterclass. It all completely dropped into place and pulled together how important the interlinks are, so for example using strengths and how that can help create positive mental health with relationships with others. Once we’d practised strength-spotting amongst ourselves the potential power of strengths suddenly fell into place as did how they could be applied across different generational groups and with a degree of ease. Whatever arena you ‘work’ in you still need both parts to the Masterclass. I can’t think of anyone from the first Masterclass that would not have benefitted from the subject matter of the second Masterclass in terms of insights, application and wholeness. The ‘power’ and amazingness of the course for me was definitely in completing both.” Catherine Morgan

  • “I really enjoyed the two days.  I now have loads of ideas about how to develop myself and others. It was refreshing to be with likeminded people” RFL Director

  • “I would highly recommend the Masterclass. It was full of discussion, reflection and tools for personal and professional practice” Executive Coach & Communication Skills Specialist

  • “A wonderful opportunity to enhance your coaching practice and take some time out for yourself and your personal and professional development” Communication and Training Officer, University of Manchester 

  • “I would recommend the masterclass for its strong balance between theory and practice of Positive Psychology. An engaging time which provides time to think and reflect” –  Managing Director, Financial Services, London

  • Creative facilitator, Wales.

    “It was Miriam’s book Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression that introduced me to Positive Psychology several years ago. I was so influenced by it that I connected with Miriam on Twitter and subsequently attended a training workshop with her. I can honestly say it was transformational and, together with some hard work on developing my […]

  • Probation Officer, Worcs

    “I really enjoyed part 1 of the Positive Psychology Masterclass, I would have to say it would rate as one of the best courses I have ever been on. It was so inspiring and motivating to be engaging in strengths rather than what I am used to, negative, destructive and aggressive behaviour”

  • ” I was so impressed by the quality and content…I would absolutely recommend the Positive Psychology Masterclass…very inspiring”.  Executive Coach, Coventry

  • “I would recommend the Positive Psychology Masterclass – A positive and practical experience. Lots of learning and you leave happier and ready for a brighter future”.  Mental Health Practitioner

  • ‘I really enjoyed this – love the toolkit and got good ideas both for work and for personal development…  I said last time that I really enjoyed your complementary styles – it works very well. Such wonderful people attend so lots to learn from them too….I will certainly endorse it fully’

  • ‘Knowledge is super impressive! I remember and value this from last time…. Lovely style and friendship…This course is life-changing, it gives you the tools to change not only for your own work or home life, but a variety of tools to help others change theirs – what generosity! It walks the happiness talk.’

  • ‘Really excellent. So well thought through, presented and realised and a great complement to the other course….This is 2 days packed with practical ideas on how to use positive psychology in work and life in general. This work is pioneering, important and will have great significance.’

  • ‘Fantastic overview of key positive psychology concepts and insight into some very useful tools.’

  • “Thank  you so much for such professional, fun, useful and engaging workshops. You are both inspirational beacons of positive psychology. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with you and  all the other attendees – a landmark event in my life.” Lawyer & lecturer, London.

  • “Brilliant! Good balance of presentation material and activities.  Expands your thinking and gives loads of ideas to take away and build into your work, life and relationships.”

  • Teacher, Liverpool

    “This is the 2nd Positive Psychology Masterclass I’ve attended and it has been wonderful as always. Life-changing in many ways. It will develop and improve your knowledge and understanding of applied positive psychology and how you can embed it into your life and work.” Teacher, Liverpool

  • “Met all objectives in reviewing positive psychology principles and applications… Excellent presentation and clarity of materials”. “Perfect! Thank you!”

  • “It was a wonderful 2 days of learning, sharing and being.  A feast for my mind and heart, both personally and professionally…  You are both truly inspiring women, and the course, content and approach worked beautifully.”

  • “…a perfect balance of personal insight and academic knowledge. Miriam and Bridget complemented each other well and seemed to guide us effortlessly through the enormous amount of material they were presenting. I am sure that whether they were after an alternative personal enlightenment or wanting to enter the academic world of Positive Psychology there are […]

  • “My objectives were all met and in some cases exceeded expectations…Materials were very good and knowledge outstanding.”

  • “I loved the Visualising the Ideal Self… and now have a lovely life map as a result… I also felt elevated and optimistic….Excellent balance between information and exercises”

  • “Practical exercises and concrete information… this Masterclass was full of useful stuff…. The material was presented well and the knowledge was excellent”

  • “I felt totally in safe hands – clear, thought-provoking, gentle and inspiring”

  • “Completely met my objectives – I was hoping for a life changing experience, and got it. Thank you.”

  • “Packed to the brim with ideas, interventions and theory that kept me riveted and buzzing. I went home after 2 days of training feeling happy , affirmed and full of information and interventions. I use it every day both at work with my 1-1 client work and at home.”

  • “The Masterclass was a high quality event and one of the most inspiring, relevant and helpful courses I’ve attended. It was has opened up a fascinating box of goodies that I can confidently incorporate into my work and indeed my life.”

  • ‘I fully recommend these 2 days – I came away with new ideas and interventions to help more clients along their journeys of life. I feel more equipped and positive about my career and personal life’s direction.’ NHS Manager, Sheffield

  • Manager, Berks

    ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the Masterclass. I found it very comprehensive, engaging and insightful. It was inspiring on a personal level and thoroughly educational. It was an affirmation for me that I’m on the right track.’ Manager, Berks

  • Coach, Chepstow

    ‘A stimulating and enjoyable two days that provides plenty of tools and resources to take away to use in personal development or coaching/counselling. Miriam and Bridget are very knowledgeable and present in a clear and engaging manner.’ Coach, Chepstow

  • JC, Kent

    “I have been given more tools to enable the delivery of positive well-being in community settings.” JC, Kent

  • Training & Development Manager, London

    “If you’re interested in human beings thriving, this course will get you further, faster from whatever starting point and to whatever goal – excellent value.” Training & Development Manager, London

  • CEO of charity

    “This was an inspiring and enlightening course, the learning from which will help transform both my personal and professional life.” Charity CEO

  • AJ, Hants

    ‘As a practising coach, facilitator and trainer well versed in psychology I learned an enormous amount. Excellent workshop which brought me fully up to speed with the latest research and thinking in positive psychology. And as importantly how to apply it! Thank you so much.’ AJ, Hants

  • Teacher, Manchester

    “Probably the best self-development course I have attended. Fantastic, happy teachers – very good teaching style, very natural and superb subject knowledge.” Teacher, Manchester

  • KA, Dorset

    “An excellent introduction to the ideas & practices of Positive Psychology which leaves you feeling better as well as more knowledgable.” KA, Dorset

  • “A good balance between telling & doing: learning about Positive Psychology & applying it realistically in practical exercise which made the learning come to life & open the door to using it in the future.”

  • “Excellent presentation. Knowledge was first rate. Very interesting & practical.”“Enables you to truly connect with the material and elements of Positive Psychology in a way that I can use with others and myself…”   

  • Consultant, West Midlands

    “A strong in-depth subject knowledge, well contextualised and made accessible by an easy and confident delivery style: a well-constructed event. The Masterclass provides an opportunity to reflect on practice and consider how the highly relevant and accessible subject matter can be applied in a practical manner that benefits practitioner and client.” 

  • Consultant & Coach, Herts

    “Absolutely brilliant course. The trainers provided us with an abundance of knowledge as well as practical tools to take away and use in my personal and professional life .” Consultant & Coach, Herts

  • Business Owner & Coach, Bristol

    “A wonderful enhancement to anyone’s life, both work and personal. The Positive Psychology Masterclass gives you a toolkit which can be used in everyday life with proven results.” Business Owner & Coach, Bristol

  • Executive Coach, Sheffield

    “The Masterclass was excellent in building my knowledge and understanding of Positive Psychology and the evidence-base supporting it. I found it invaluable, both in terms of my own personal development, as well as application for my coaching work.” Executive Coach, Sheffield