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.

  • Nature Connection: A Handbook of Practices for Therapy and Self-Exploration

    Nature Connection: a handbook of practices for therapy and self-exploration                                    by Margaret Kerr and Jana Lemke This thin volume, small enough almost to fit into one hand, contains a plethora of ideas for connecting with nature. From crawling through long grass and imagining life from the perspective of a small creature, to sitting quietly under […]

  • Positive Communication for Everyday Life: …………An online workshop…………

    7.30 – 9pm NZST Monday 2 December 2024 or 2.00 – 3.30pm NZST Monday 9 December 2024 This workshop draws from the respectful communication practices revealed in Dale Carnegie’s timeless book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and practice the ideas together. The workshop is offered at […]

  • How can I be happy when things are so bad?

    One reason we find it hard to be happy is that we persistently deny ourselves permission. Faulty reasoning makes us think that being happy would be somehow selfish and wrong. For example: If someone I love is suffering, to be cheerful would feel unkind. If I’m grieving for someone I love, it seems disloyal to […]

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  • The gift of free surgery

    Shout out to the surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other staff who are voluntarily donating their time and expertise on Saturdays 9 and 23 November to provide free surgeries for up to 70 patients. Braemar Hospital is a private hospital in Hamilton, NZ, but the Braemar Charitable Trust Community Surgery Programme arranges free surgeries for deserving […]

  • Crazy laws from Kansas

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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