The course, Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman empowers clinicians with the tools to develop nurturing sets of strengths, competencies, and virtues in people; such as future-mindedness, hope, interpersonal skills, courage,the capacity for 'flow,' faith, and developing a work ethic.

According to Seligman, Positive Psychology has three pillars. The first is the study of positive emotion. The second is the study of positive traits, foremost among them the virtues, but also 'abilities' such as intelligence and athleticism. Third is the study of positive institutions that support the virtues, such as democracy, strong families, and free inquiry. He argues that psychology has neglected the study and analysis of virtue over the past half-century, philosophy and religion have not. From religion and philosophy, Seligman identifies six core virtues and explores the means that they can be developed within the lives of adults and children. The book provides strategies for increasing the sense of gratification in work, love, and raising children. Seligman believes it is possible to increase optimism and hope into pervasive and permanent values for dealing with the world.

Educational Objectives

• Identify and understand the factors and variables to the Happiness Formula
• Identify the three ways happiness about the past can be generated
• Understand how permanence and pervasiveness affects optimism.
• Identify the six universal virtues
• Identify the twenty-four signature strengths
• Understand the concept of 'flow' and how to use it to increase life satisfaction
• Identify the eight techniques for building positive emotions in children

Syllabus / Course Instructions

• The Course consists of reading the selected book, successfully completing an online posttest and filling out a course evaluation.
• The book is not included. It must be purchased separately. We have supplied a link to Amazon.com for your convenience.
• Purchasing your course will give you access to both a printable copy of the test and an online version. Print the test to use as a companion as you read the book and answer the questions.
• You cannot exit the online test once you begin, so have your answers available.