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.

  • Random Acts of Kindness

    On 1st September, New Zealand celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Day, a tradition started in 2005 by Josh de Jong and some friends. After witnessing a road rage incident, Josh thought how good it would be if people could be kind to strangers, even if only for one day of the year. The result was […]

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  • The Psychology of Luck workshop

    Why do some people constantly experience good luck, while others don’t? Richard Wiseman found that much of it comes down to the habits that lucky people cultivate, which invite opportunities into their lives. In this workshop, learn and practice the 12 habits that invite good fortune. If you would like to hold this workshop in […]

  • New pharmacist

    I started my new job today. It’s in the chemist just down the road. This bloke walked in and said, “I feel terrible, I’ve got a thumping headache, earache, sore throat and a runny nose. Have you got anything?” I said, “No, l feel fine.”

  • Hardwiring Happiness

    Hardwiring Happiness: The new brain science of contentment, calm and confidence. By Rick Hanson, PhD. Using a warm, readable style, Rick Hanson uses neuroscience to explain how our needs for safety, satisfaction and connection have evolved to have us focussing on the negative, a trait less than healthy in modern society. By ‘taking in the […]

  • Encourage the Changes You’d Like to See

    Puppy training courses emphasise the importance of rewarding the behaviours that you want your dog to do more of; a focus markedly more effective than simply punishing unwanted behaviours. Once the dog has learned what’s expected, it doesn’t need a ‘treat’ every time, but an approving nod or pat will let your pet know that […]

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Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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