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.

  • Scary pirate

    A young sailor is sitting in a bar having a few drinks when looks over and sees a pirate. The pirate has a wooden peg-leg, a hook for a hand, and a patch over his eye. Unable to resist, the sailor goes over and asks, “How’d you end up with the peg-leg?” “I was swept […]

  • The secret of happiness

    A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long happy life?” “I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty […]

  • A short history of medicine

    “Doctor, I have an ear ache.” o 2000 B.C. – “Here, eat this root.” o 1000 B.C. – “That root is heathen, say this prayer.” o 1850 A.D. – “That prayer is superstition, drink this potion.” o 1940 A.D. – “That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill.” o 1985 A.D. – “That pill is […]

  • Are you neurotic or psychotic?

    The difference between a neurotic and a psychotic: A psychotic thinks that 2 + 2 = 5. A neurotic knows the answer is 4, but it worries him.

  • Laughter really is the best medicine

    Gelotology – the physiological study of laughter – has shown that laughter reduces the levels of harmful stress hormones and increases the levels of Gamma-interferon, T-cells, B-cells, and other natural killer cells that fight tumours and viruses. Immunoglobulin A, which is found in saliva and defends against infectious organisms, is also increased when we laugh. […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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