Positive Psychology Coaching

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive Psychology aims to discover and promote factors, processes and strategies that allow individuals to thrive.

For centuries, psychology research has focused largely on what’s wrong with people and how to heal what’s broken. “Psychology as usual” and traditional therapeutic modalities are awesome for those who need it. But what about those of us who, generally speaking, are doing fine, but wish to be doing better? Those of us who aren’t battling a crisis but still feel like we aren’t fully maximizing our potential? Those of us who are living the good life, but wish to be living the GREAT life?!

Over the last 20 years, Positive Psychology research has finally flipped the script! Positive Psychology studies what’s going right with people, and aims to discover how to scientifically leverage and capitalize on what’s already working.

Essentially, Positive Psychology seeks to enhance quality of life and maximize well-being by identifying and building upon existing strengths, assets and resources.

Some popular topics that Positive Psychology addresses include:

• High Quality Relationships
• Positive Emotions
• Resilience
• Strengths
• Mindset
• Engagement
• Grit

• Mindfulness
• Hope
• Decision-Making
• Values
• Flow
• Effective Communication
• Self-Compassion

Positive Psychology Coaching

Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of skepticism around life coaching, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, just about anyone can hang out a shingle and call herself a coach these days. (For the record, I am not one of those people. Check out my credentials!) And, worse yet, there’s little scientific evidence to support the positive impact or efficacy of coaching. Although I (and many others) can attest firsthand to the immense value of coaching, something has been missing…

I like to think of Positive Psychology as the scientific backbone of coaching.

Rooted in evidence-based research, the field of Positive Psychology has put forth a multitude of positive interventions that have proven to be effective for a wide variety of demographics—especially Millennials. With a masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology, I am able to pull from an arsenal of reliable tools and strategies that Millennials and parents can trust will work.

Coaching with Jess
At the core of Jess’ coaching practice is an effective framework for supporting Millennials in achieving their greatest potential. In every context, from private coaching to workshops and presentations, Jess aims to deliver two foundational components:

1) A deeper self-awareness around core needs and values.
One of the cornerstones of personal development is identity formation. Millennials are struggling to figure out who they are, where they fit in, and how they want to show up in this world. Today, there are more factors influencing Millennials’ well-being than ever: everyone from parents to teachers to friends to celebrities, and everything from religious institutions to community groups to media messages. In order for Millennials to make smart, self-honoring choices with conviction, they must first get crystal clear about their core needs and values. From this place, they can intentionally take actions that are aligned with those needs and values. Doing so on a daily basis increases flow, self-esteem and long-term fulfillment.

2) A tangible tool or strategy to cope with everyday challenges.
Giving Millennials time and space to speak their truths is crucial. But in the end, lasting change doesn’t come from sitting around and talking all day long. Real change, the kind that makes people feel accomplished and powerful, comes from implementing new coping strategies to existing challenges. It is not enough for clients to leave a session feeling lighter and happier, but also no better prepared to handle the speed bumps on the path ahead. Instead, clients are given both time to vent and tangible tools that may be directly applied to everyday problems.