PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Since 1995, solid research in Positive Psychology is changing our view of human potential. This program will review the experimental and clinical evidence about positive psychology and how it affects counseling and therapy. The program will cover: the truth about human happiness: Are happy people shallow and dull, or vibrant and innovative?; how happiness affects the immune system, health, and even longevity; why do optimists make more money?; why does cheerfulness count for more than physical attractiveness?; do happy marriages make people happy?; or do happy people create happy marriages?  The program will discuss why positive psychology is more than happiness, covering: pleasure, meaning, and engagement; and genes and choice: the 50 / 10/ 40 model.  There will be discussion of clinical applications of Positive Psychology, and how our current treatment of depression and anxiety leave clients needing more.  These needed treatment techniques include: the gratitude diary, the gratitude letter/visit; the reframing diary; developing your strengths; the VIA virtues; what is your signature strength; the quiet mind, happy mind; and the meditation connection. There will be an overview of: the secret of social connections: how happy people surround themselves with people; how acts of kindness raise our happiness level; savoring, flow, and peak performance at work; forgiveness, spirituality, and the role of religion in happiness; the magic ratio of 2.9:1 in relationships; and finally, the relation between physical activity and happiness. The program will conclude with discussion of: selecting strategies for clinical intervention; trauma and the optimist: what was learned after 9-11 about personal resiliency; resolving trauma: a Positive Psychological Approach; and the epigenetics and a speculation about the future. This workshop is aimed at the intermediate skill level. 

FACULTY: Lynn D. Johnson, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and director of the Brief Therapy Center in Salt Lake City. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Utah, and teaches positive psychology courses and an MBA course in problem solving. Dr. Johnson has used principles of Positive Psychology and “happiness skills” for the past five years as a clinician, lecturer, business consultant, and educational consultant. He has written four books and over twenty professional articles, while maintaining a full time practice. He is a popular workshop leader and speaker who combines solid research and practical techniques with humor and stories. He is author of Get on the Peace Train: The Journey from Anger to Harmony, a book to help angry people and those who have to live with them. His latest book is Clinical Happiness: How Positive Psychology Eliminates Fears, Depression, And Relationship Conflicts For Good. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

• define the role and impact of genetics, circumstances, and choices on human happiness,

• define the role of happiness in physical health, emotional health,

• list at least five specific interventions for raising happiness,

• list relationship tools that support persistent happiness,

• describe a simple meditation tool,

• describe the VIA strengths classifications. 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals.  

AGENDA: 

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM                Registration and Continental Breakfast.

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM             The Secrets of Happiness: Role of Happiness In Longevity, Marriage, Stability, and Work.

The secrets of happiness: health, wealth, and lasting relationships. Increasing wealth and increasing misery. We are rich, why aren’t we happy? How hedonism and materialism fail. Role of happiness in longevity, marriage stability, and work satisfaction. Longevity, and how optimism protects you against heart attacks.  

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM           Morning Break 

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM          The 50/10/40 Ratio of Happiness: What the Research Tells Us.

The 50/10/40 ratio of happiness. The pleasant life, the meaningful life, and the engaged life. Can we actually raise happiness levels? What the research tells us. Depression is increasing, are our treatment models keeping up? Languishing, muddling through, and flourishing.  Happy people are more creative, or why suffering is not necessary. What is the hedonic treadmill and what can we do about it? Diener’s happiness scale. Giltay’s optimism scale. Seligman’s ASQ scales for optimism. Why the CES-D works for tracking happiness.  

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM             Lunch (on your own) 

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM               Interventions That improve Happiness Levels.

Interventions that improve happiness levels: Gratitude exercises, optimism exercises, quieting the mind. Acts of kindness and service; giving and receiving love. Savoring and flow. Physical activity. As-if and miracle day exercises.  

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM              Afternoon Break 

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM              Relationship Strategies; Spirituality and Its Role in Happiness; What About Trauma/ PTSD?

Relationship strategies. Spirituality and religion and their role in happiness. Forgiveness and compassion skills.  Selection strategies: Who should get what? What about trauma and PTSD? Could our happiness affect our grandchildren? Epigenetics and some speculation.  

4:30 PM                               Program Closing 

CE STATEMENTS: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

[ APA ] The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

[ ASWB ] VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ CNE ] The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP 11270.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.  

REGISTRATION FEES:  Registration fee is $109.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Registration is not complete until payment received.  Space is limited.  Please register early.  Refunds, minus a $10.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. Confirmation letters will not be sent.