According to my lecturers from the University of East London, Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) are ‘theoretically-grounded and empirically-validated instructions, activities, and recommendations that are designed to enhance well-being’.
So, they are essentially science-based exercises that practitioners, such as coaches or therapist, use with clients to support them to use their positive emotions and strengths to improve their wellbeing. They are usually simple to do and can be continued long after the coaching relationship has ended, as a kind of self-coaching practice.
Many wonderful benefits
Implementing PPIs has been shown by studies to improve:
wellbeing
happiness
performance
relationships
work outcomes
health
PPIs in practice
As I particularly focus on wellbeing with my clients and I apply evidence-based practices in my work, PPIs are an essential part of my coaching practice.
When starting to work with a new client, I always tell them that the more they put into their coaching, the more they will get out of it. And that I will therefore almost always give them ‘homework’ exercises to do between sessions to cement any new awareness they’ve gained, as well as to accelerate their progress towards their goals. Which I’ve found (until now, as long as I don’t use the word ’homework’!) that it’s very well accepted!
I choose the PPIs based on what my clients want to change – is it their optimism levels, overall mood or perhaps they want to improve an aspect of their performance at work. I’ll also consider their individual goals and preferred learning style and discuss my proposed PPI with them. After they’ve done the PPI exercise, we’ll debrief and they’ll share their learnings with me.
Try for yourself…
If you’re curious about trying out a PPI for yourself, why not try the ‘Best Possible Self’ exercise…
Simply plan some quiet time and think about your life over the next 5 years. Imagine that everything has gone as well as it possibly could. You have worked hard and succeeded at accomplishing all of your life goals. Think of this as the realisation of all of your life dreams.Now spend 15-20 minutes writing about what you imagined, for 4 days in a row.
Useful resources
– Or of course please get in touch at hello@kellycampino.com and we can have a chat about it in a complimentary consultation.