Dr Rob Long
Positive Psychology and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) “Their future is not over”.
Positive Psychology is “a science of optimal human functioning” (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi 2000, p.5). This workshop will show the relevance of Positive Psychology as a practical set of interventions for children and young people who face SEMH and neurodiverse challenges.
I will begin by exploring briefly some of the ideas and history of Positive Psychology (PP). This will include some other ideas, drawing on traditional psychology and the lasting contribution of Maslow (1943). As part of this exploration of Positive Psychology, I will compare how it is used in the USA and UK and explore perhaps why that is different across national boundaries.
In my work as an educational psychologist for over 30 years, working in different areas in the United Kingdom, I have supported many children and young people facing SEMH challenges. My experiences have led me to a deeper understanding as to the nature and function of positive and negative emotions. The practical implications for my work will be the focus of my workshop.
My workshop will explore in more detail:
By the end of the workshop participants will have developed a road map to enable them to undertake a small-scale project in their own context.
Positive Psychology and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) “Their future is not over”.
Positive Psychology is “a science of optimal human functioning” (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi 2000, p.5). This workshop will show the relevance of Positive Psychology as a practical set of interventions for children and young people who face SEMH and neurodiverse challenges.
I will begin by exploring briefly some of the ideas and history of Positive Psychology (PP). This will include some other ideas, drawing on traditional psychology and the lasting contribution of Maslow (1943). As part of this exploration of Positive Psychology, I will compare how it is used in the USA and UK and explore perhaps why that is different across national boundaries.
In my work as an educational psychologist for over 30 years, working in different areas in the United Kingdom, I have supported many children and young people facing SEMH challenges. My experiences have led me to a deeper understanding as to the nature and function of positive and negative emotions. The practical implications for my work will be the focus of my workshop.
My workshop will explore in more detail:
- How Positive Psychology relates to wellbeing and mental health
- Where Seligman’s PERMA model of happiness and wellbeing can be useful
- How Positive Psychology relates specifically to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and neurodiversity.
By the end of the workshop participants will have developed a road map to enable them to undertake a small-scale project in their own context.
