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.

  • Strange and Stranger: Human Responses to the Unfamiliar

    This workshop was designed for a workplace that was experiencing conflicts within a team. It develops realisations regarding how we unconsciously dehumanise other people when we don’t understand them. A set of 7 practical tips are given to de-escalate conflict and promote better relationships. Contact us to host this workshop in your workplace.

  • Alternatives to Anxiety

    Online workshop 7.00 – 9.00pm Monday 19 August 2024 (NZ Time) Anxiety is a horrible feeling, but avoiding it or blocking it out are not healthy answers. In this workshop, learn some tips for thinking in more helpful and empowering ways. Identify some common thinking mistakes and learn an instant trick to uplift your thinking […]

  • Why Our Minds Wander

    Why Our Minds Wander. Understand the Science and Learn How to Focus Your Thoughts                                                                       by Arnaud DeLorme We all experience mind-wandering, sometimes without even noticing that it’s happening. DeLorme approaches the subject from the point of view of social psychology (asking subjects what they are thinking about at regular intervals), neurology (looking at brain scans […]

  • It’s fun to pun

  • Citizenship and contribution

    I call this website Happy Nation, not because it’s about a particular country, but because nationhood implies citizenship. Citizenship is a way of belonging that includes loyalty and duty towards the group to which you belong.  Just like nations, social groups – households, communities and workplaces – all thrive when their citizens are active contributors. […]

  • Going the extra miles

    A lady in Victoria went into her local council office recently, as she was having trouble understanding the local buses.  One of the council employees took the time to walk with her up to the bus stop, but it was clear that she wasn’t going to get home in a hurry.  So the thoughtful worker […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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