Positive Psychology is a core module of both of our ICF accredited diplomas and its influence is seen in many of the other modules. We believe that these evidence based approaches help enhance coaching effectiveness and by integrating Positive Psychology approaches personally and with your clients you can get improved results.
So, what is Positive Psychology coaching? "... it's a scientifically rooted approach to helping clients increase well-being, enhance and apply strengths, improve performance and achieve valued goals" Kauffman, Boniwell & Silberman (2010)
We find, as coaching professionals, that most of our clients want to focus on one of these areas with well-being, boundaries, overwhelm, stress reduction, life satisfaction, fulfilment, meaning and purpose being common themes across different coaching niches.
When we apply positive psychology principles they can support enhanced decision making, for example when you experience more frequent positive emotions it increases our well-being and resilience as well as "lighting up" areas of the brain where we do more focused thinking. When you're aware of these mechanisms it means you can ask more effective, targeted questions to help support neuroplasticity in action.
Through the use of Positive Psychology, a coach can create a structured and bespoke coaching experience for their client, that is supported by quantifiable evidence and a range of resources, tools and feedback models.
I have found working with Positive Psychology approaches has helped enhance the way I coach and helped my clients have bigger breakthroughs and improved results. These approaches are relevant whatever niche you're coaching in.
There is considerable research using Positive emotions and brain scanning which have found that the most effective coaching conversations start with a focus on ideal future state or desired personal vision. By starting at this point you activate areas of the brain which can enhance creativity and decision making therefore meaning sessions are more transformational for the clients.
Within our holistic coaching framework positive psychology focuses on context, identity, brain and behaviour.
Are you resilient? Now, before you answer consider what your definition of resilience means.
I remember for years thinking resilience meant hardiness and worked myself to the edge of burnout as I was convinced more was better. After recognising that I was working myself into the ground I started to explore other definitions from Positive Psychology and other fields.
In this episode I explore what resilience means from a Positive Psychology perspective alongside practical steps you can take to increase your levels.
Working on your resilience means safeguarding your emotional health. It’s key to both your success and wellbeing. Listen above and find out how to fill your resilience bucket.
To find out more about our Associate Coach Diploma ICF Level 1 - Click HERE.
To find out more about our Professional Coach Diploma ICF Level 2 - Click HERE.
New To Coaching? Listen to recent graduates who were in your position and hear their experiences first hand
" There is a huge amount of support from the teachers on the course and really great support in the sessions... And then you've got this bespoke service from your mentor where you can really get into some detail on your own journey in coaching. And then the unexpected big element for me is about finding this community of peers who are going through the same journey with different approaches, a real diversity of professions and expertise and ages and so on" Tess Nixon Speller - Coach & Fundraising Consultant
"It’s opened my eyes actually to all different types of coaching and that was part of the reason why I chose to go on the Optimus course. When you do it in a corporate environment, typically, you come across Grow and some of the other more basic, more transactional type models, whereas having the opportunity to learn about things like positive psychology and neuroscience and transactional analysis and how that all links into how you can approach stuff as a coach has made a huge difference." Chris Roberts - Leadership and Team Coach
Existing Coach ? Discover the impact our training has had on other full-time coaches and how it has benefitted their work!
"The financial impact has been quite significant actually. I am charging way more than I would have been comfortable doing before. I've well and truly more than earned back the cost of the course. So the ROI for me is well worth it. I think as well from a credibility perspective, I am able to work with organisations in a different way and at a different level " Ruth Wood - Executive and Leadership Coach
"It's an outlay, but I've always been that person who loves learning. You'll make back the money with how much you can charge because you're actually somebody who knows what they’re talking about. You're coming from experience as opposed to just making it up as you go along....I met so many different people who I'm still in touch with some of them and then the fact that you've got the alumni. Phyllis Woodfine - Resilience, Mindset and Business Coach
I’m honestly shocked by how useful this training has been. I really didn't think I needed it, but I’ve totally changed my mind on that now. It was exactly what I need and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to maximise their coaching potential.”
I'd say, yes, it's an investment. And you know, everyone has to think long and hard about where you put your time and your money, but the me. If you want something comprehensive, well rounded, you want an experience to be able to grow as a person, to grow as a coach, to be more business minded, and to have a community of people around you and great trainers and mentors. This for me, hands down is the best training out there. And I think just three months down the line, I don't regret it at all, if anything, I'm happy to sort of encourage other people to jump on it and do it, it's really worth it is more than worth it.”
I think if you want to be a coach, work as a coach, be successful as a coach, be confident as a coach, then this is the course for you. It's unlike any training that I've ever done before, it's just great. I never worry about coaching someone now. I feel like I always know where to go. I can respond and I don't go in thinking what I am going to ask them. I can be completely curious and open to what they want to do in the session and it works: it is so much better for them and I just love it. I'm so happy to take the full joy out of it.”
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