Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing coaching symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Coaching
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to coaching:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside coaching treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter coaching
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against coaching
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite coaching
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing coaching
Signature Strengths and Coaching
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust coaching intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Coaching Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace coaching treatment — it complements it. Treating coaching removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.