People often ask what is Positive Psychology Coaching and how is it different to other approaches?
The answer is both simple and complicated. In one sense all Coaching is to some extent Positive Psychology. Most Coaches agree that Coaching is future focused and about outcomes rather than delving into causes from emotional and psychological baggage. Positive Psychology in many cases (but not all) also focuses on the future and outcomes.
The more complicated answer is that Positive Psychology is a growing field and the number of topics, branches and approaches is also growing. I studied on the first Positive Psychology Masters Degree in Europe back in 2007. In two years we covered a lot of topics!
Here are some examples:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Strengths
- Growth Mindsets
- Optimism
- Wisdom
- Gratitude
- Resilience
- Well-being
- Mindfulness
- Hope
- Relationships
- Self-efficacy
- Flourishing
- Happiness
- Meaning and meaningful life
Over the next few months I will share some specific elements of Positive Psychology with you and how you can use it in Coaching. If you have any favourite topics do let me know and I will do my best to include them in this series.
If you want to read more today here is an old blog I wrote looking at Positive Psychology for self-care
https://www.gwizlearning.com/feeling-overwhelmed-positive-psychology/
- Why all Managers need to know how to Coach? - April 12, 2024
- Have you assessed your stressors and your self-care practice? - April 10, 2024
- How does Coaching work? - April 2, 2024
