I have always helped people and experienced kindness wherever I have travelled throughout the world. However, it was whilst travelling on my Destination Unknown adventure in 2014/15 that I realised I wanted to focus on helping people. As soon as I returned home, I started working with homeless people and started studying psychology, where I discovered positive psychology, which focuses on both individual and societal wellbeing.

Positive psychology and wellbeing coaching are a great combination to improve your personal development, guiding individuals toward a more meaningful and satisfying life. These approaches share a common goal: to enhance mental health and overall wellbeing by focusing on strengths, positive emotions, and purposeful living.

Positive psychology, pioneered by psychologists such as Martin Seligman, revolves around the belief that psychology should not only address mental illness but also foster the positive aspects of human experience. It emphasises the cultivation of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments, collectively known as PERMA. By integrating these elements into daily life, individuals can experience a profound shift in their overall wellbeing.

One powerful tool in positive psychology is the practice of gratitude. Gratitude journaling, for instance, involves regularly recording things one is thankful for, fostering a positive perspective on life. Other interventions include mindfulness exercises, which promote present-moment awareness and reduce stress. These practices collectively contribute to building resilience and enhancing life satisfaction.

Complementing positive psychology, wellbeing coaching provides a personalised and collaborative approach to self-improvement. Wellbeing coaches work with individuals to identify their strengths, values, and aspirations, creating a roadmap for personal growth. The coaching process involves setting realistic goals, breaking them into manageable steps, and providing ongoing support and accountability.

One notable aspect of wellbeing coaching is its holistic nature. It acknowledges that wellbeing extends beyond mental health, encompassing physical health, relationships, and a sense of purpose. I help clients explore these various dimensions, fostering a more comprehensive and integrated approach to personal development.

The synergy between positive psychology and wellbeing coaching is evident in their shared emphasis on strengths. Positive psychology identifies and leverages individual strengths to enhance wellbeing, while wellbeing coaching uses strengths as a foundation for goal-setting and achievement. This collaborative approach empowers individuals to harness their unique qualities, fostering a sense of agency and confidence.

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California and author of The How of Happiness. She says that what determines happiness (wellbeing) is 10% circumstance, 50% set point & 40% Intentional Activity. This 40% is where we work. You can start aligning your behaviour with your intentions.

Happy people spend time with their family and friends, nurturing relationships, they are grateful for what they have help people in many ways. They are optimistic, are present and mindful, healthy and have goals and challenges which they commit to.

As a coaching psychologist, I put evidence into practice and together we work towards increasing your life satisfaction, improving your mental health, enhancing your resilience and strengthening your relationships.

Ben Holman

Dan has been incredibly helpful In helping me through some difficult and challenging periods in my life over the last year, in both my professional and personal life. Dans extremely approachable, knowledgeable and has provided insights and challenges on how I process certain things, be it within my professional career or personal life. I’d highly recommend Dan to anyone looking into coaching.

Let’s start talking:

Dan Skeates
danskeates@hotmail.co.uk
+44 7747 467661

Associations & Accreditations & Qualifications:

• • BSc (Hons) Psychology

• • MSc Applied Positive

• • Psychology & Coaching Psychology

• • Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) ‘Special Groupin Coaching Psychology’

• • Accredited as an Associate Coach & Member of the European Mentoring &
    Coaching Council (EMCC).