16-212b Integrating Positive Psychology into Individual, Group and
Community Practice– 6 Hour Seminar
Jessica Gifford, L.I.C.S.W.
Thursday, June 23, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Course Description
Positive psychology is a rapidly growing field that focuses on building strengths, positive emotions and
flourishing. Participants will learn several evidence-based interventions taken from positive psychology, social
psychology and related fields that have been shown to reduce symptoms of mental illness and improve
resiliency and well-being. An overview of evidence-based practices in the broad categories of emotional wellbeing, physical well-being, social well-being and spiritual well-being will be presented. Participants will be led
through one specific exercise from each category to gain an experiential understanding, as well as reviewing the
research on their benefits.
We will explore strategies for incorporating these interventions into individual and group counseling, as well as
methods for using them in larger populations, for example in settings such as colleges, hospitals or residential
programs. The presenter will share specific examples of how she has applied these practices in group therapy
and large scale interventions, resulting in significant decreases in depression and anxiety. Participants will
leave with a detailed description of 4 evidence-based interventions, the demonstrated benefits of each, and a
plan for how to integrate at least one in their work setting.
Faculty: Jessica Gifford, L.I.C.S.W., has an MSW from Smith College School for Social Work and has
worked in residential, inpatient and outpatient settings providing individual and group counseling. Jessica is
interested in positive psychology, resiliency and promoting wellbeing in addition to alleviating the symptoms of
mental illness. For the past 10 years Jessica has been in field of mental health promotion, serving as the
Wellness Center Director at Hampshire College and Mental Health Educator at Amherst College.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the differences between positive psychology and traditional mental health treatment
2. Learn at least 3 evidence-based interventions that improve mental health and well-being
3. Identify strategies to implement positive psychology practices in individual, group and community modalities.
Bibliography

Self-Compassion: the Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, Kristin Neff, Ph.D. 2015

Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. 2008

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being, Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph.D. 2012