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.

  • Staying upbeat despite the moaners

    Two long term studies of couples showed that partners’ happiness scores tend to become more similar over time.  That’s not surprising, but what’s alarming is that it’s the happier one whose mood declines to match their partner’s, while the more miserable person remains relatively stable. Many of us have probably experienced this at work too, […]

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  • Best man for the job

    Mick and Tom both applied for the same job. Since both applicants had similar qualifications, they were asked to take a test by the interviewer. When the results were in, both men had scored 19 out of 20. The interviewer went to Mick and said, “Thank you for coming to the interview, but we’ve decided […]

  • Neighbourly acts of kindness

    Steve writes: “Often, little things make an enormous difference – the lady over the road from me will bring a box of oranges, and eggs from her chickens occasionally, and I am so thankful for that.” Knowing that someone cares enough about you to bring you a gift, is valued even more than the material […]

  • Nature, nurture or circumstance?

    At New Year we often think about changes we’d like to make in our lives. To do so, we need to believe that we are not destined to stay the same forever. In other words, we need to have a ‘growth mindset.’ If you believe that people are born either good or bad at something […]

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  • The Awakened Brain

    The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life by Lisa Miller, PhD Imagine there was a secret ingredient guaranteed to make you happier and to protect you from depression at a rate far greater than any other known factor! Lisa Miller and her colleagues have discovered that secret […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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