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.

  • 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. […]

  • Seasonal silliness

    A little boy called Nicholas said to the Santa Claus in the Shopping Centre, ‘You and I have the same name.’ Santa replied, ‘Well, hello Harold!’ * * * * Q:  What’s a reindeer’s favourite singer?      A:  Beyonsleigh * * * * Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?        A: […]

  • Strangely familiar?

    Advertising companies have long profited from a simple, but powerful psychological fact: the more familiar we are with something, the safer it makes us feel. We might think we’re unaffected by repeated exposure to ads, but the reality is that when buying a product, we’re likely to reach for the one with the familiar logo, […]

  • She knows about cars!

    Wife: “There’s trouble with the car. It has water in the carburettor.” Husband: “Water in the carburettor? That’s ridiculous.” Wife: “I tell you, the car has water in the carburettor.” Husband: “You don’t even know what a carburettor is. Where’s the car?” Wife: “In the swimming pool.”

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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