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 Myth of Normal

    The Myth of Normal. Illness, health & healing in a toxic culture by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté It can be daunting to start a hefty book like this one, but the authors’ style is friendly and easy to read. Father and son Gabor and Daniel Maté talk about unwellness in the form of physical […]

  • What’s wrong with me?

    I’ve just been to my Plastic Surgery Addicts Support Group meeting.Quite a lot of new faces there today. * * * * I’m on two simultaneous diets. I wasn’t getting enough food on one. * * * * I used to be indecisive. Now, I’m not sure.

  • Misplaced card

    Vanessa had just got off work and was looking forward to the weekend. She got off the bus at her local Hamilton supermarket to buy herself a treat before heading home. In the supermarket car park, she reached for her bank card but couldn’t find it. After rummaging in her bag for several minutes she […]

  • Things to be grateful for

    How many of these can you tick off? Stephanie Hills ©

  • The Happiness Hypothesis

    The Happiness Hypothesis. Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt This thoroughly researched book gives a comprehensive overview of happiness, drawing on philosophy, psychology, ancient traditions and modern scientific knowledge, noting where they agree and where they differ. The cover features a person riding an elephant – a recurring metaphor throughout the book. […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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