Introduction to the Science of Happiness

Dacher Keltner, PhD & Emiliana Simon-Thomas, PhD
CE Hours: 6

Ordering Info

Home Studies: $99.00

COURSE DESCRIPTION

What is happiness and how can you attain it? This six-hour, ground-breaking online course provides compelling answers to those age-old questions, based on the latest scientific research. It is produced by UC Berkeley’s award-winning Greater Good Science Center (GGSC).
 
Studies suggest that up to 40 percent of happiness depends on our habits and activities. In this workshop, you will learn how we are capable of improving our own happiness and gain some concrete strategies for doing so—the first step toward nurturing happiness in yourselves and in the lives of your clients, students, and patients. Through review of psychological and neuroscience research, the course zeroes in on some of the most essential ingredients to happiness: strong social connections and a purpose beyond the self. Video lectures will be supplemented by readings, self-tests, online discussions, live chats with instructors, and real-world exercises.
 
It is led by two celebrated teachers and researchers at UC Berkeley: Emiliana Simon-Thomas, the GGSC's science director, and Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor and author of the best-selling book Born to Be Good. It also features guest presentations by several leading authorities on positive psychology, including Barbara Fredrickson, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Paul Ekman.
 
6 CE CREDIT HOURS AVAILABLE. This course is an introduction to a longer, more in-depth course, "The Science of Happiness,” which offers 16 hours CE credit.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Explain the definitions of happiness utilized by psychological scientists
  • Describe the correlations between happiness and other positive outcomes including physical health and strong social relationships
  • Identify the evidence suggesting that people are capable of measurably increasing their own levels of happiness
  • Describe the bi-directional relationships that exist between both happiness and social connections and happiness and kindness
  • Practice concrete strategies for boosting personal happiness and well-being

 

INSTRUCTORS

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and the founding faculty director of the university’s Greater Good Science Center. After earning his Ph.D. from Stanford, Keltner has devoted his career to studying the nature of human goodness and happiness, becoming a leading figure in the positive psychology movement. An outstanding speaker who has earned many honors for his teaching, Keltner is the author of the best-selling book Born to Be Good (W.W. Norton, 2009) and a co-editor of the anthology The Compassionate Instinct (W.W. Norton, 2010). 

Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., is the science director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. A neuroscientist who earned her doctorate from UC Berkeley, her research has explored the neuro-biological roots of pro-social emotion and behavior, as well as the psychosocial benefits of emotional authenticity and connection. A gifted teacher, Simon-Thomas has presented on the science of happiness and compassion to the Dalai Lama and audiences worldwide.

Guest Lecturers
Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished Professor of Teaching in the department of psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Sonja Lyubomirksy, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of California, Riverside

Paul Ekman, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of California, San Francisco

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education is co-sponsored by R. Cassidy Seminars. 

Drug and Alcohol Counselors: Provider approved by CFAAP/CAADAC. Provider 4N-00-434-0216 for 6 CEHs. CAADAC is an ICRC member which has reciprocity with most ICRC member states.

ICF Coaches can receive a Resource Development Certificate for completing the course. The Certificate will be issued jointly by R. Cassidy and the Greater Good Science Center.

Marriage and Family Therapists: Course meets the qualifications for (6) hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider #PCE418. This course provides 6 CE hours.

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation will offer .4 NIRSA Continuing Educaiton Units for the two week course. NIRSA Continuing Education Units can be applied toward application or renewal requirements for the NIRSA Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals.

Nurses: Provider approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CeP12224, for (6) contact hours.

Occupational Therapists: R. Cassidy Seminars is an AOTA approved provider # 6782. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. Occupational therapists will receive a certificate of completion for (6) CE hours. 1 CE hour(s) = .1 AOTA CEU(s).

Psychologists: R. Cassidy Seminars is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. R. Cassidy Seminars maintains responsibility for this program. (6) CE hours.

Social Workers: Course meets the qualifications for (6) hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider #PCE418.











 

Continuing Education

Satisfactory Completion
Participants must have paid course fee, completed evaluation, and completed post-test with passing grade of 75% in order to receive a certificate. Failure to complete and submit these materials will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available.

Psychoanalysts
NY:
R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0005. (6) clock hours

Social Workers 
NY: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider (#0006) of continuing education for licensed social workers. This program is approved for 6 contact hours self-study.
OH: Provider approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for (6) clock hours, #RCST110701.

Counselors/Marriage and Family Therapists 
CA: The BBS has deferred CE course approval for its licensee to APA and ASWB
IL: Illinois Dept of Professional Regulation, Approved Continuing Education Sponsor, #168-000141. (6) hours.
NY-LMHCs: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0015. (
6) contact hours.
NY-LMFTs: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0011. (
6) contact hours.
OH: Provider approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for (6) clock hours, #RCST110701.
TX: Approved CE Sponsor through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists. 6 credit hours. Provider #151.

Chemical Dependency Counselors 
CA: Provider approved by CCAPP, Provider #4N-00-434-0220 for (6) CEHs. CCAPPis an ICRC member which has reciprocity with most ICRC member states 
TX: Provider approved by the TCBAP Standards Committee, Provider No. 1749-06, (6.) hours general, Expires 3/2019. Complaints about provider or workshop content may be directed to the TCBAP Standards Committee, 1005 Congress Avenue, Ste. 460, Austin, Texas 78701, Fax Number (512) 476-7297.

Nurses 
CA: Provider approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CeP12224, for (6) contact hours.

Teachers/Educators 
TX: R. Cassidy Seminars is an approved provider with the Texas Education Agency CPE# 501456. This course is (6) CE Hours. 

Occupational Therapists
AOTAR. Cassidy Seminars is an AOTA approved provider # 6782. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. Occupational therapists will receive a certificate of completion for (6) CE hours. 1 CE hour(s) = .1 AOTA CE(s).

Co-sponsored by R. Cassidy Seminars, P.O. Box 14473, Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.