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.

  • What Counts at Work…

    Have you ever thought about how your job affects your attitudes? When I worked with children in care, I came to believe that all children were passive and that every generation was doomed to be less capable than the last. Similarly, I knew a store detective whose default attitude to strangers was to be suspicious […]

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  • Plalking = Picking up litter while walking

    On my way to the local shops, I was curious to see an older lady walking with a plastic bag. She walked with dignity and looked purposeful, but every time she passed a piece of rubbish, she bent down, picked it up, popped it into her bag and carried on walking. In a very humble […]

  • Clever Learners

    One day Jim and John were taking Jim’s dog for a walk. “I’ve taught my dog to whistle,” Jim said proudly. “What do you mean?”, said John, “He’s not whistling”. “I know”, said Jim. “I said I’d taught him. I didn’t say he’d learned”. * * * * * * “My sister and I have […]

  • What the World Needs Now…

    I once led a dedicated team, who worked well together and had each other’s backs. One day, every team member suddenly became difficult to work with. In their own ways, each person started looking out for themselves, rather than thinking of the team. It didn’t take me long to realise why. A new manager had […]

  • Born for Love

    Born for Love. Why empathy is essential – and endangered by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz Brain experts Perry and Szalavitz explain how our social experiences affect the way our brains develop, showing how harsh environments breed children with easily triggered stress systems, while stable nurturing grows empathy and rational thinking. With fascinating case […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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