Welcome to Applied Positive Psychology. In this course, you will join an international cohort to learn the many ways that positive psychology can inform coaching. This course is intended to introduce the science of positive psychology to those new to it and to stretch and extend the knowledge of those already familiar with it. We will cover a variety of frameworks, research results, interventions, assessments, and tools related to positive psychology, but we will tailor them to be appropriate for coaching. We look forward to being with you on this journey!
You have access to this course and the associated materials until November 1, 2024.
SYLLABUS
Course Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Spot strengths in their clients
- Debrief the Strengths Profile assessment.
- List three ways to develop client strengths.
- Use curiosity as a problem-solving tool
- Articulate a definition of happiness
Lessons:
Each class meeting has two lessons to be completed before the meeting. These lessons are unlocked on a weekly basis so that you can focus on the material for the upcoming class. There is a chart with lesson dates at the bottom of this syllabus.
Typically, lessons include:
- A pre-recorded lecture (a required lesson that introduces the main themes or skills)
- A practice guide (with suggestions for practicing the relevant skills)
- Handouts (additional materials to support your learning)
- Readings (some readings are required, and some of the readings are optional)
- Recordings of each session and any follow-up notes will be posted after the class session.
Attending class:
We use Zoom for our class meetings. Our Zoom meeting link can be found in the first lesson. Please plan to arrive early enough to adjust your audio settings and ensure your technology is working correctly. Class begins promptly.
Class sessions are held at two different times. You may attend either session. Time Converter Link
Fridays, 5 pm – 8 pm, Pacific
Saturdays, 9 am – 12 pm, Pacific
Class session dates are:
- January 26 or 27, 2024
- February 2 or 3, 2024
- February 9 or 10, 2024
- March 1 or 2, 2024
- March 8 or 9, 2024
- March 15 or 16, 2024
- April 5 or 6, 2024 (Optional 1.5-hour wrap-up session)
Practicum:
Some weeks, there are optional practicum sessions (held twice– Wednesday morning and Wednesday afternoon US Pacific time) to make it convenient for those living in all time zones. This practicum is intended to be an opportunity to deepen practice for those who are available to attend. This is not required, although it is highly encouraged. Practicum sessions are not recorded. You can join the practicum sessions through the classroom link.
Practicum sessions are held at two different times. You may attend either session. Time Converter Link
Wednesdays 9 am – 10:30 am, Pacific
Wednesdays 3 pm – 4:30 pm, Pacific
Practicum session dates are:
- January 31, 2024
- February 7, 2024
- February 14, 2024
- March 6, 2024
- March 13, 2024
- March 27, 2024
Professional Ethical Behavior:
Because our classes depend on self-disclosure and participation, we require a confidential and supportive learning environment.
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to participate in class sessions and complete homework before class. Students are expected to attend 70% of all class sessions in person. Class sessions are recorded for review if you miss a class or wish to listen to a previous class. These are not intended to be regular substitutions for attendance.
We also understand that some people find value in reviewing these recordings after the course has ended. You have access to this course and the associated materials until December 15, 2024.
Reading:
To be a positive psychology coach, you must continue reading primary sources, such as journal articles. We have also hosted readings within some lessons. I also recommend my practical (as opposed to my other, more theoretical) book on the topic:
Practicing Positive Psychology Coaching; assessment, activities, and strategies for success
by Robert Biswas-Diener
Strengths Profile:
We will be working with the Strengths Profile assessment (the Introductory Profile). There is a fee to take this assessment (about 30 US Dollars). If this presents a financial hardship, please take the free version of this assessment. This money goes to CAPP, the instrument’s owners; I do not receive any money or kickbacks from this assessment. You can find the Strengths Profile assessment here: Strengths Profile.
| Lesson and Topic | Please complete by | Unlock date |
| Orientation | January 19, 2024 | January 5, 2024 |
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Science of Positive Psychology Lesson 2: Strengths Spotting | January 26 or 27, 2024 | January 13, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 3: Strengths Development Lesson 4: The Strengths Profile | February 2 or 3, 2024 | January 27, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 5: The Positive Self Lesson 6: Positive Work | February 9 or 10, 2024 | February 3, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 7: Mid-course Visible Learning (unlocks February 10) Lesson 8: The Science of Happiness Lesson 9: Increasing Courage | March 1 or 2, 2024 | February 24, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 10: Solutions Focus Lesson 11: Emotion in coaching | March 8 or 9, 2024 | March 2, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 12: Curiosity and Interest Lesson 13: Savoring | March 15 or 16, 2024 | March 9, 2024 Noon Pacific |
Lesson 14: End-of-Course Review | March 16, 2024 | March 16, 2024 Noon Pacific |
