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This certificate focuses on the scienitifc approach to optimism and change. Learn the neuroscience behind why we think, feel and act the way we do, and the theoretical and practical approaches in positivity, optimism and well-being.
You'll experience deep learning through collaborative and experiential learning activities, and gain the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize positive psychology-based exercises, tools and strategies.
Program Structure
- Fully online asynchronous (at your own pace each week) with lively discussion between fellow learners and meaningful feedback from our exceptional instructor team.
- 23 weeks (154 hours) with approximately seven-10 hours each week.
- Through a capstone project you will develop an initiative as part of your contribution to promoting well-being within the workplace, increasing the sustainability of your own progress while simultaneously benefiting your workplace and community.
Modules
- The Positive Psychology certificate consists of 5 modules and must be taken in sequential order.
Module 1: Exploration of the Fundamentals of Positive Psychology
Six weeks (approximately seven hours per week)
This introductory course in the scientific study of psychological well-being and human flourishing delves into what makes people optimistic, motivated and happy. You will examine the core concepts of positive psychology (PERMA, Flow, etc.) grounded in the scientific evidence of “Why”. You will also explore the practical knowledge and applications of “How" positive psychology continues to contribute to thriving beings and organizations. By discussing the essential elements of joyfulness and well-being, approaches on optimism and pessimism will be explored and reframed. You will compare positive interventions and strategies to enhance positive emotions. The importance of health and physical wellness will be addressed as key components to well-being. You will also be introduced to the capstone project.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and understand the basic concepts of evidence-based positive psychology theory and research.
- Assess and explain how positive psychology practices can benefit the individual and communities.
- Demonstrate a core understanding of positive emotions and its influence on well-being.
- Differentiate between the ideologies of surviving and thriving.
- Explore situations/contexts within your workplace to apply positive psychology practices.
This course is the first module of the Certificate in Positive Psychology, and can be taken as a stand-alone course. Anyone who completes this course as a stand-alone will receive a Certificate of Completion. If after completing Module 1 you would like to continue with the certificate, you may do so (subject to space availability).
Module 2: Signature and Character Strengths
“The highest success in living and the deepest emotional satisfaction comes from building and using our signature strengths” - Dr. Martin Seligman.
This second module will support learners in developing a clear understanding of strengths and their practical application to life. The learning will focus on building strengths awareness, strength spotting and the benefit of bringing a strength-based approach into relationships. It will also explore the role of flow and strength-based leadership in the workplace. This learning will illuminate how strength use improves productivity, resilience and wellbeing. Learners will use tools such as the VIA Total 24 Character Strengths Report, a tool to explore the overuse of strengths and the strength wheel to develop a deeper understanding of self and others. Strength-building exercises and activities will be used to encourage the application of character strengths to enhance well-being and build positive performance. During this module, learners will also begin to identify and define their capstone project.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop strengths awareness and the ability to spot strengths in others.
- Identify the overuse of strengths during times of stress.
- Develop strategies to apply a strength-based approach at work and home.
- Experience and apply evidence-based strength building tools and exercises.
- Understand and discuss how strengths enables individual and collective growth.
Module 3: Self-Care
The third module in the Positive Psychology Certificate program will examine the research and practices of mindfulness and its relationship to engagement. Topics will include a variety of definitions, approaches and research surrounding mindfulness. Further examination and exploration will build upon the influence of meaning on well-being, and applied interventions for boosting meaning and engagement will be analyzed. Discussions will include the correlation of mindfulness, meaning and engagement with over-all well-being. You will continue to build and integrate learning towards your capstone proposal project.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and relate the basic concepts of mindfulness, meaning and engagement to well-being.
- Examine the research about the various definitions, approaches and influence of mindfulness.
- Understand how meaning and engagement relate to a sense of life purpose.
- Construct an approach and strategy towards the capstone project.
Module 4: Quality Connections
A growing body of research is illuminating the importance of positive social connections to cultivate critical resources that foster creativity, resilience and citizenship behaviour (Dutton & Heaphy, 2003). The fourth module in the Positive Psychology Certificate program will examine the influence of positive relationships in one’s life. The module will explore how high-quality connections create a sense of trust, empathy, belonging and vulnerability. Learners will also examine the role of appreciative inquiry and emotional intelligence in fostering positive relationships in all facets of life. We will study these areas from an individual and systems perspective. Learners will leave this module will a deeper appreciation of the role high quality connections and positive relationships play in fostering wellbeing, resilience and productivity. Learners will continue developing and elaborating their capstone proposal project.
Learning Outcomes
- Interpret and summarize research findings of the influence of relationships on well-being.
- Explore the role of appreciative inquiry and emotional intelligence in fostering quality connections.
- Engage in and critically compare a variety of relationship boosting interventions.
- Understand the research and application of high-quality connections in all facets of life.
Module 5: A Pathway for Resilience: Growth Mindset
The final module in the Positive Psychology Certificate program will define and describe growth mindset and distinguish between the influences of fixed and growth mindsets. Discussions will include strategies on how to develop and sustain growth mindset. Applications to transform thinking patterns to encourage environments promoting growth mindsets and its relationship towards increasing one's resilience will also be explored. In the fifth week you will finalize and conclude the program with submission of your capstone project.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and differentiate between fixed mindset and growth mindset.
- Connect and select best-suited positive psychology practices to develop and sustain growth mindset into personal and professional contexts.
- Integrate various positive psychology applications into the workplace as demonstrated through submission of the final capstone project.
Virtual Information Sessions (via Zoom)
- Virtual sessions will be booked in January and February - dates coming soon!
- Please email cpsw@wlu.ca with questions or to book a phone call for more information
Upcoming Dates
Winter 2025
- Module 1: Exploration of the Fundamentals of Positive Psychology, Feb. 24 – Apr. 7, 2025
- Module 2: Signature and Character Strengths, Apr. 21 – May 19, 2025
- Module 3: Self-Care, June 2 – June 30, 2025
- Module 4: Quality Connections, July 14 – Aug. 11, 2025
- Module 5: Growth Mindset, Aug. 25 – Sep. 29, 2025
- Psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors, coaches and trainers: help clients to flourish.
- Educational professionals, college/university instructors, and student services and residence staff.
- Human Resources professionals responsible for improving retention and building a sense of belonging, purpose and a resilient workforce.
- First responders/health care professionals looking for personal growth and development.
- Job seekers looking to stand out in a crowded job market.
- Employees looking for career advancement, change or a side hustle.
- Director/executive responsible for a strategic plan that includes supporting and enhancing employee engagement, mental wellness and positive experience.
- Anyone interested in the scientific foundations and applied interventions of positive psychology!
- Develop a sound understanding of positive psychology and well-being.
- Critically examine positive psychology principles, research and practices.
- Assess and apply various well-being building practices based on individual workplace contexts.
- Identify and implement resources, activities and practices to support and sustain well-being as individuals and as a community within the workplace.
- Analyze the impact of positive social relationships and networks for work, service delivery and practice.
- Collaborate with peers to gain insight regarding potential solutions towards increasing well-being for individuals and work groups.
- Design an initiative to positively influence the workplace and promote a culture of wellness using the practices and principles of positive psychology.
- Positive Psychology Certificate: $4,150 (all modules taken within the same session)
- Positive Psychology Modules 1-5 taken separately: $4,345 (not recommended)
Important note: This certificate was designed as a cohort model program. It is highly recommended that you take all of these courses in the same session. All courses are required to be taken in sequential order. You will receive $195 off the cost of the full certificate when you register for all five courses in one session. Please ensure you are adding the discount code from the dropdown menu in our registration system to take advantage of the discount. For any questions, please email cpsw@wlu.ca.
Our Certificate in Positive Psychology is pre-approved by Canadian Psychological Association. The
Centre for Public Safety and Well-Being is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The Centre for Public Safety and Well-Being maintains responsibility for the program.
Our Certificate in Positive Psychology is pre-approved by the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. Participation in this workshop allows OAMHP members to apply 154 hours (CECs) towards their required continuing education hours. OAMHP does not endorse this training or the training provider.
At the beginning of Module 2, you will receive:
- One-year subscription to the Positive Psychology Practitioner’s Toolkit,
- The VIA Total 24 Character Strengths Report
Laurier alumni, current students and employees, as well as seniors, are eligible for a discount. Email cpsw@wlu.ca to receive your discount code. You must receive and input your new discount code before proceeding to the payment page to be eligible for the discount; we cannot process a discount after payment is made.
Are you registering five or more employees? Receive discounts per registrant: email cpsw@wlu.ca to receive your discount code before making your payment.
Disclaimer
Positive psychology is not an alternate method of treating psychological disorders or mental illness and the Positive Psychology Certificate does not provide graduates the authority to practice psychology, offer psychological services, or use the word "psychologist" or "positive psychology" in their title or as part of services they may offer.
Contact Us:
E: cpsw@wlu.ca