Character Strengths Interventions: A Field Guide for Practitioners

Dr. Niemic has created what I believe is the most comprehensive and sophisticated book on using strengths published to date. He uses the VIA assessment of character strengths as the center piece for discussing strengths intervention but this book is appropriate to people using any strengths assessment or intervention strategy. Niemic does an excellent job reviewing the relevant research. Unlike many previous publications on strengths, however, he discusses conceptual ways to translate these research findings into day-to-day therapy and coaching practice. He synthesizes the best thinking from the leading scholars in the topic and adds his own expertise and experience to create a practical guide that attends to situations, culture, language, identity, and other critical aspects of strengths. The book is primarily intended for individual practitioners and is not heavy on attention to team strengths. Despite this, the book is a must for anyone who endeavors to use strengths in their practice. ; Reviewed by Robert Biswas-Diener on amazon, September 2017; A really valuable and welcome resource … An excellent contribution to the field; The application of positive psychology and strengths is growing in organisations, education and in the clinical setting. The VIA Survey has been around for a number of years now and is one of the few academically sounds strengths diagnostics available at no charge. This book acts a “handbook” to understanding the theoretical model, the strengths themselves and contains descriptions of 70 research-based interventions – quite a lot of return for your investment in the book. ; It is extremely well written and, more importantly for me, strikes a perfect balance between academic rigor and practical guidance. It is very accessible, but still provides a robust explanation and discussion of the strengths approach. The suggested interventions provide a treasure trove of exercises to apply with yourself and with others if you have a role as a coach or development practitioner. ;Emily Hutchinson, Director of EJH Consulting, Associate Editor (Books), writing in The Psychologist (February 2018, Vol. 31)…..;

The definitive, practical handbook on positive psychology and character strengths for practitioners working in coaching, psychology, education, and business - start using strengths today!This book is the epitome of positive psychology: it takes the "backbone" of positive psychology - character strengths - and builds a substantive bridge between the science and practice. Working with clients' (and our own) character strengths boosts wellbeing, fosters resilience, improves relationships, and creates strong, supportive cultures in our practices, classrooms, and organizations. This unique guide brings together the vast experience of the author with the science and the practice of positive psychology in such a way that both new and experienced practitioners will benefit. New practitioners will learn about the core concepts of character and signature strengths and how to fine-tune their approach and troubleshoot. Experienced practitioners will deepen their knowledge about advanced topics such as strengths overuse and collisions, hot button issues, morality, and integrating strengths with savoring, flow, and mindfulness. Hands-on practitioner tips throughout the book provide valuable hints on how to take a truly strengths-based approach. The 24 summary sheets spotlighting each of the universal character strengths are an indispensable resource for client sessions, succinctly summarizing the core features of and research on each strength. 70 evidence-based step-by-step activity handouts can be given to clients to help them develop character strengths awareness and use, increase resilience, set and meet goals, develop positive relationships, and find meaning and engagement in their daily lives. No matter what kind of practitioner you are, this one-of-a-kind field guide is a goldmine in science-based applications. You'll be able to immediately bring the science of well-being into action!