Positive Psychology
The science of happiness
What is Positive Psychology?
For many years, psychology focused mainly on what was wrong with people: stress, anxiety, trauma, burnout.
This work matters deeply. But it tells only part of the story.
Positive psychology asks a different, powerful question: What helps people live well?
Founded by Martin Seligman, positive psychology is the scientific study of wellbeing, strengths, and human flourishing. It does not deny difficulty or pain. Instead, it explores how people can grow, find meaning, and thrive, even when life is challenging.
Positive psychology in simple terms: Positive psychology is not about pretending everything is fine or forcing happiness. It is about learning how wellbeing works and how we can intentionally build more of it into our lives.
Research shows that wellbeing is made of several key elements, often summarized by the PERMA model:
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Positive emotions: feeling joy, gratitude, hope
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Engagement: being fully absorbed in what you do
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Relationships: feeling connected and supported
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Meaning: contributing to something bigger than yourself
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Accomplishment: setting and reaching meaningful goals
These elements are not fixed traits. They are skills and habits that can be developed over time.
Another core idea of positive psychology is the focus on strengths.
Instead of concentrating only on weaknesses, we ask:
What are you already good at, and how can you use it more often?
When people regularly use their strengths, they tend to feel more confident, energized, resilient, and fulfilled.
What is Positive Psychology Coaching?
Positive psychology coaching takes this science and brings it into real life. Developed and shaped by practitioners such as Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, this approach combines evidence-based wellbeing research with the power of coaching conversations.
At its heart, positive psychology coaching is a collaborative partnership.
Rather than focusing on what’s broken, it explores:
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what’s already working
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what truly matters to you
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what kind of life you want to build
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how your strengths can support that vision
The coach does not give advice or solutions.
Instead, they ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and help you discover your own answers.
From coping to flourishing
Many people come to coaching because they are:
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overwhelmed
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stuck
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disconnected
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searching for clarity or direction
Positive psychology coaching doesn’t stop at “coping better.”
It helps people move toward flourishing.
This may look like:
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rebuilding confidence and self-belief
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creating sustainable wellbeing habits
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reconnecting with values and meaning
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setting goals that feel aligned, not exhausting
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learning how to use strengths intentionally
Why this approach matters?
In a fast, demanding world, many of us are functioning, but not truly thriving.
Positive psychology reminds us that wellbeing is not a luxury. It is a foundation. And coaching provides a safe, supportive space to explore it—with curiosity, compassion, and intention.
Flourishing is not something we wait for. It is something we can build, step by step.