Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practical Guide to Flourishing

Niemiec, Ryan M.

ISBN 10: 0889373760 / ISBN 13: 9780889373761

Published by Hogrefe & Huber Pub, 2013

Seller Inventory # E-9780889373761-6-2

Synopsis:

At the core of this hands-on resource for psychologists and other practitioners, including educators, coaches, and consultants, is Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), the first structured program to combine mindfulness with the character strengths laid out in the VIA Institute's classification developed by Drs. Martin E. P. Seligman and Christopher Peterson. This 8-session program systematically boosts awareness and application of character strengths - and so helps people flourish and lead more fulfilling lives. The author's vast experience working with both mindfulness and character strengths is revealed in his sensitive and clear presentation of the conceptual, practical, and scientific elements of this unique combined approach. It is not only those who are new to mindfulness or to character strengths who will appreciate the detailed primers on these topics in the first section of the book. And the deep discussions about the integration of mindfulness and character strengths in the second section will benefit not just intermediate and advanced practitioners. The third section then leads readers step-by-step through each of the 8 MBSP sessions, including details of session structure and content, suggested homework, 30 practical handouts, as well as inspiring quotes and stories and useful practitioner tips. An additional chapter discusses the adaption of MBSP to different settings and populations (e.g., business, education, individuals, couples). The mindfulness and character strengths meditations on the accompanying CD support growth and development. This highly accessible book, while primarily conceived for psychologists, educators, coaches, and consultants, is suitable for anyone who is interested in living a flourishing life.

About the Author: Ryan M. Niemiec, PhD, PsyD, is Education Director of the VIA Institute on Character, the nonprofit positive psychology organization that educates people about the latest science and practice of character strengths. He is a licensed psychologist, certified coach, international workshop leader, and is Adjunct Professor at Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. He is co-author of Positive Psychology at the Movies (2008; 2013) and Movies and Mental Illness (2005; 2010). In 2011, Ryan received the Distinguished Early Career Award from the American Psychological Association (Division 46). Ryan has led several hundred mindfulness meditation groups for clinical and nonclinical populations over the last decade, and has delivered mindfulness retreats, seminars, and workshops to a variety of groups including physicians, counselors, religious leaders, and the general public. Ryan created Mindfulness- Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) out of his ongoing passion for the two topics. MBSP marks the first, structured character strengths program. He has enjoyed training the early pioneers in this approach. He is a member of Being Peace Sangha, just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. His dharma name, in the Thich Nhat Hanh lineage, is "Fullest Breath of the Heart." He blogs for Psychology Today and PsychCentral, and his work has been featured by a variety of sources including Dr. Oz, USA Today, the Huffington Post, Positive Psychology News Daily, and Greater Good.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A ...
Publisher: Hogrefe & Huber Pub
Publication Date: 2013
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very good