Positive Psychology Coaching

Robert Biswas-Diener, MS, holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from Pacific University and in 2005, founded Meridian Life Coaching, LC, to provide life coaching services to a wide range of academics and professionals, He is known as the "Indiana Jones of Positive psychology," with his studies taking him to such far-flung destinations as Greenland, Spain, Kenya, Israel, and India, where he has worked with remote groups of people traditionally overlooked by researchers. Ben Dean, PhD, MCC, is one of the most influential figures in the world of coaching. In 1997 he founded MentorCoach LLC, the first coach training school exclusively focused on training mental health professionals, which has trained thousands of clinicians and other mental health professionals throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. He also publishes several widely read e-newsletters, including Coaching Toward Happiness, Therapist as Coach, and eCoach.

"This is definitely a book I would keep" (Human Resources, March 2008) "…it contains some interesting ideas which challenge standard psychoanalytic theory…" (Journal of Analytical Psychology, 2008)“…designed to teach how to put [positive psychology]…into practice and empower others to set and meet their personal goals” (Human Givens, Vol. 15, #1)"…it contains some interesting ideas which challenge standard psychoanalytic theory…" (Journal of Analytical Psychology, 2008)"This is definitely a book I would keep." (Human Resources, March 2008)"Reading it was like getting that introduction from two very helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable friends." (People Management, Thursday 12th July 2007)"…designed to help you learn how to put positive psychology into practice…" (Personnel Today, September 2007)"This book is packed with erudite and reputable references." (Training & Coaching Today, October 2007)

• Introduction viiAcknowledgments xiiiChapter 1 The Coaching Paradox and the Positive Psychology Solution 1Foundation I Happiness and PositivityChapter 2 Happiness: The Goal We Rarely Talk About 25Chapter 3 Choosing Happiness: Goals, Relationships, and Positive Thinking 59Chapter 4 Solid Happiness Interventions 89Foundation II Character StrengthsChapter 5 Strengths Coaching 117Chapter 6 Coaching to Personal Strengths 143Chapter 7 Coaching to Social Strengths 165Special Topics in Positive Psychology CoachingChapter 8 Helping Clients Craft the Perfect Job 189Chapter 9 The Future of Positive Psychology Coaching 209Appendix: Planning Positive Psychology Coaching Sessions 221Notes 231Index 251