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.

  • Coffee with a double shot

    Viv writes: “A couple of weeks ago I drove into a service station to grab a coffee. A truck drove in behind me. The trucker hopped out and took his turn after me at the coffee machine. I was queuing to pay when the trucker tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could […]

  • Looking at the stars

    A new employee calls the Help Desk to complain that there’s something wrong with her password. “The problem is that whenever I type the password, it just shows stars,” she says. “Those asterisks are to protect you,” the Help Desk technician explains, “so if someone were standing behind you, they wouldn’t be able to read […]

  • Logical arguments

    Logic is great for puzzles and games, which take place in a finite imaginary world with known facts and rules (and usually only one right answer). But logic has its limitations; it cannot lead to conclusions outside of that world. Regular equations can’t explain quantum phenomena, just as a game of Cluedo cannot conclude with: […]

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  • 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 […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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