Positive Psychology Coaching and the Strengths-Based Approach

Understand how to utilize the strengths-based approach in your coaching practice.

Positive Psychology Coaching and the Strengths-Based Approach

Understand how to utilize the strengths-based approach in your coaching practice.

Course overview

The Science of Human Strength

This course introduces both novice and experienced coaches to the strengths-based approach, investigating the evolving science of human strengths and putting the evidence of their identification, measurement and development to practical use.

Situated within the context of positive psychology coaching, students will look beyond the strengths assessment tools to gain a deeper understanding and learn how to help themselves and their clients really embody strengths.

Students will become familiar with core theories that underpin the strengths-based approach and their ability to enable human potential, and learn to apply these in multiple ways to increase wellbeing, meaning and purpose, and to help themselves and clients to accomplish goals. This will include embodying strengths in deeper, intuitive ways to build confidence and authenticity.

The course will explore mindsets and how to overcome the negativity bias to help clients focus on strengths in a way that enhances lives, resilience and motivation. Understanding of the various assessments and tools available will be explored whilst developing a personal and unique approach to embedding strengths within coaching practice.

Discover your

Course Learning Objectives

During the Positive Psychology Coaching and the Strengths-Based Approach course, you will:

Learning Objective #1

Understand the research, theory and practice of strengths and how to apply this in a positive psychology coaching practice.

Learning Objective #2

Comprehend the definition of strengths and the importance of developing a personal approach and narrative combined with the application of evidence-based coaching.

Learning Objective #3

Learn about the relevant core theories that underpin strengths-based coaching that is informed by the various models and assessments, and apply these in a unique and authentic way, leveraging personal strengths.

Learning Objective #4

Debunking myths about strengths giving clarity about what strengths are not.

Learning Objective #5

Build confidence in helping clients embody their strengths in deep and meaningful ways without reliance on assessments.

Course Details

Introduction to the course.
What are strengths? What is your understanding and/or experience of strengths? What are strengths not?
Strenths spotting: coaching conversations to elicit strengths.
Practical application: each participant to share an action of how they will use their strengths in the coming week.

Introduction to session.
Instructor led presentation on evidence based coaching and mindsets.
Triad coaching: for each approach, undertake 20 minutes coaching practice.
Write an overview for a strengths based exercise for a new client with introduction, instructions and exercise.

Introduction to session.
Confidently coaching using strengths.
Understanding how strengths can shift our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Relationship between strengths use, emotion and cognition.
Role of coaching in strengths use and application.

Virtual Graduation & Student Testimonials

Learn how the IPPC has helped and impacted coaches

"The IPPC truly embodies their values – Do Good and Prosper. If you’re looking to equip yourself with a strong foundation and practical practices of Positive Psychology and evidence-based coaching, you have come to the right place."

Sandra Tai

HR Consultant & Adjunct Mentor, Malaysia

"I’ve been coaching for 15 years and recognize the IPPC’s program as cutting edge. They combine empirical research, theories and models with real practical examples, blending fun interactive lectures with real support outside the classroom."

Satya Kartara-Leighton

CEO, BeInclusive, UK

"Every coach and leadership consultant can benefit from the IPPC’s certification program! I’m really impressed with the quality of instruction, resources, and other coaches. This program provides foundational knowledge to empower coaches and consultants."

Jason Roncoroni

Executive & Leadership Coach, US

"As a coach it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and continue on your learning journey. The IPPC really supports this by having instructors who are experts in their field and they condense their learning into consumable material. The program is structured in a way that integrates nicely into your life, especially as a busy mom of four and working as leader in a large corporate global organization, flexibility is important."

Rosemarie Brennan

Vice-President, Global IT, Ireland

"I decided to commit to the IPPC’s Positive Psychology Coaching course because I was keen to understand how I could integrate my interest in and knowledge of positive psychology with my coaching practice. That’s where I found the group coaching practice sessions really valuable – a safe space to try out the theories and models discussed in the classes. I chose the IPPC because of the high calibre of the trainers and coaches plus it’s ICF certified."

Kate Thompson

Career & Leadership Coach, New Zealand

As rated by our students:

★★★★★ 5/5

Meet your instructor

Lindsay Foreman

Lindsay is a leadership and executive coach, doctoral candidate in Coaching & Mentoring, a researcher on goal attainment and strengths, and a leadership and executive coach.

An award-winning business consultant in outsourcing and transformation, Lindsay has made Positive Psychology a mainstay in her life since 2011.

She completed her MAPPCP degree by designing and testing a Positive Psychology board game called The Game Changer, which transformed the way she engaged her clients. Lindsay has consulted for corporate leadership teams in large global organizations such as IBM and SITA, and has worked in Spain, US, Italy, France, Ireland and the UK, where she was part of the team that led the UK air transport community recovery program after 9/11. She currently has her ideal work-life balance, enjoying sunbathing on the coast of Spain, skiing up mountains, and training for Ironman Austria 2021.