Positive Psychology Coaching and the Strengths-Based Approach
Understand how to utilize the strengths-based approach in your coaching practice.
- INSTRUCTOR: LINDSAY FOREMAN
- ICF CREDITS: 7.4 CORE COMPETENCIES / 4.6 RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Positive Psychology Coaching and the Strengths-Based Approach
Understand how to utilize the strengths-based approach in your coaching practice.
- INSTRUCTOR: LINDSAY FOREMAN MSc., DOCTORAL CANDIDATE
- ICF CREDITS: 7.4 CORE COMPETENCIES / 4.6 RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
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
Part One
Introduction to the strengths-based approach.
- 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.
Part Two
Introduction of core theories and assessments in the Strengths-Based approach.
- Introduction to session.
- Present findings on an evidence based strength tool, survey or assessment.
- Explore additional areas of strengths theory and how can these be incorporated into PPC.
- Strengths evidence and mindsets.
Part Three
Applying evidence-based strengths tools – Strengths Mindsets.
- 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.
Part Four
Strengths in practice.
- 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





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.