Full Description
This book is the epitome of positive psychology: it takes the "backbone" of positive psychology - character strengths - and builds a substantive bridge between the science and practice. Working with clients' (and our own) character strengths boosts wellbeing, fosters resilience, improves relationships, and creates strong, supportive cultures in our practices, classrooms, and organizations. This unique guide brings together the vast experience of the author with the science and the practice of positive psychology in such a way that both new and experienced practitioners will benefit. New practitioners will learn about the core concepts of character and signature strengths and how to fine-tune their approach and troubleshoot. Experienced practitioners will deepen their knowledge about advanced topics such as strengths overuse and collisions, hot button issues, morality, and integrating strengths with savoring, flow, and mindfulness. Hands-on practitioner tips throughout the book provide valuable hints on how to take a truly strengths-based approach.
The 24 summary sheets spotlighting each of the universal character strengths are an indispensable resource for client sessions, succinctly summarizing the core features of and research on each strength. 70 evidence-based step-by-step activity handouts can be given to clients to help them develop character strengths awareness and use, increase resilience, set and meet goals, develop positive relationships, and find meaning and engagement in their daily lives. No matter what kind of practitioner you are, this one-of-a-kind field guide is a goldmine in science-based applications. You'll be able to immediately bring the science of well-being into action!
Contents
Dedication Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Foundations of Strengths-Based Practice: Seven Core Concepts of the Science of Character Chapter 2 Signature Strengths: Research and Practice Chapter 3 Practice Essentials: Six Integration Strategies for a Strengths-Based Practice Chapter 4 Behavioral Traps, Misconceptions, and Strategies Chapter 5 Advanced Issues in Applying Character Strengths Chapter 6 Character Strength Spotlights: 24 Practitioner-Friendly Handouts Chapter 7 How to Apply Character Strengths Interventions Chapter 8 Research-Based Interventions for Character Strengths Chapter 9 Afterword References Appendix A Background on the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and the VIA Survey Appendix B Checklist for Strengths-Based Practitioners Appendix C A Sampling of Strengths-Based Models Appendix D Frequently Asked Questions About Character Strengths Appendix E Comparison of VIA Survey with StrengthsFinder (Gallup) and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Appendix F Flagship Papers on Character Strengths Appendix G 10 Character Strengths Concepts and Applications in Specific Movies Appendix H About the VIA Institute on Character Index
