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.

  • The Joy of Giving

    With Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up, it’s a good time to consider how satisfying it feels when we willingly use our own strengths or resources to brighten someone’s day. Ideas on the RAK web page include things like paying for a coffee for the person behind you, donating good clothes to charity, or […]

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  • Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind

    Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind       By Dr Hinemoa Elder This evocative book describes a metaphorical underground journey through a series of 23 caves, each of which represents an aspect of the mind. The author’s poetic portrayal takes us on a circular downward spiral, visiting various mental chambers, each offering supportive resources as we […]

  • Life is lots of pun

    This was my first week at a bicycle store.Today they said I was ready to be the company’s spokesperson. * * * My late Dad wanted his ashes pressed into a record album. It was his vinyl wish. * * * Murphy: “My wife is driving me to drink.” Quinn: “Lucky you! My wife makes […]

  • Looking at things from all sides

    A wise teacher of mine used to challenge her students with the question, “What if the opposite were true?” This is a great way to prompt lateral thinking. It can help us to spot where our supposedly logical conclusions might be based on rather tenuous assumptions and help us to understand how someone else might […]

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  • The Optimistic Child

    The Optimistic Child. A Revolutionary Approach to Raising Resilient Children                                                                      by Martin Seligman This classic book, first published in 1995, is by Martin Seligman, who is considered the founder of positive psychology. It outlines the school-based programme he developed to teach optimism and resilience in children, and the research behind it. The book goes on […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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