Happy Nation is based on two basic ideas

  1. Focussing on what makes us happy can bring us to greater heights of joy and fulfilment than focussing solely on the problems we wish to solve. This is the philosophy inherent in Positive Psychology.
  2. Happiness, like any other emotional state, is not an isolated phenomenon – it affects, and is affected by, the people around us. To reach fulfilment we must work towards enhancing the happiness of all, using love, compassion and gratitude. This social happiness philosophy is consistent with the principles of Deep Ecology.

Stephanie Hills has thirty years’ experience working with people in distress, both as a social worker and a counsellor.

A large part of her work has comprised using narrative and art therapy to help people move on from depression. While still helping people facing difficulties, Stephanie’s work has broadened to include the promotion and enhancement of individual and social happiness.

Using the principles of Positive Psychology and Deep Ecology, she assists individuals and groups to improve their functioning in various life spheres, taking into account the social, cultural, economic and environmental context of people’s lives.

  • Is Anger Necessary for Change?

    Some people say we should strive never to be angry. Others say that anger is what drives us to make things better. Who is right? First, it helps to understand that anger involves both feelings and thoughts. The feeling alerts us that something is not going the way we think it should. A good question […]

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  • The Book of Overthinking

    The Book of Overthinking. How to Stop the Cycle of Worry                                                                   By Gwendoline Smith ‘Overthinking’ is the name given to the repetitive, anxiety-provoking thoughts that can keep you awake at night, or the nagging negativity that can spoil an otherwise good experience. It’s not really the quantity of thinking that gets out of hand, […]

  • A leg to stand on…

    A friend always seemed to lean slightly to the left. It bothered me, so I suggested that he see a doctor and have his legs checked out. For years, he refused, telling me I was crazy, but last week, he finally went. Sure enough, the doctor discovered his left leg was a centimetre shorter than […]

  • New Problem, New Approach

    Every day we have decisions to make.  Should I clear up these dishes now and risk being late for that appointment, or prioritise the appointment and deal with the dishes later? Or should I hurry and hope to do both? Normally we don’t think for long; we just default to our usual way of doing […]

  • What to do with an extra copy

    Sally* recently ordered a book online, but because the payment system was so quick and simple, she did not realise that she had ordered and paid for the book twice. When two copies of the book arrived, she was unsure what to do. Rather than send the second copy back and ask for a refund, […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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