THE CHARACTER STRENGTHS INTERVENTIONS MASTER CLASS

3. What Will You Get Out of This Course?

In short, you will learn the “what,” “why,” and “how” of applying character strengths with clients.

While it’s both in vogue (and vague) to say, “I take a strengths-based approach,” this course will help you bring substance, science, and nuance to your strengths-based approach.

Character strengths have been connected to each of the main components of flourishing so a likely benefit is that if you first apply the practices in this course to yourself then you will be improving your well-being. Second, you’ll learn ways to contribute to the well-being of your clients and help them foster greater resilience.

You will work with this “common language” of 24 character strengths, as well as provocative topics relating to strengths overuse and underuse, strengths synergies, and strengths collisions. You’ll understand the basic concepts on signature strengths, lower strengths, applying strengths in context, leading sessions from your strengths, and much more.

There’s no question you will emerge from this course as a stronger practitioner – more confident, comfortable, and competent in working with your own and your clients’ character strengths.

4. The Eight Weeks

Week 1: What you need to know about strengths.

Plurality, strengths types/subtypes, connection with each flourishing element, being vs. doing, talents vs. character, phasic strengths, and signature strengths. It’s all important. Get caught up on what’s been happening since the VIA Classification and VIA Survey were released. And, explore an important intervention: Do you value your highest strengths?

Week 2: The strengths paradox.

Strengths blindness is pervasive. How can you move clients from chronic strengths unawareness and going through the motions in life to strengths mindfulness and strengths use? This session will also focus on how to introduce strengths, running an initial meeting with a client, and the importance of applying (and teaching) strengths-spotting practices in sessions.

Week 3: Overuse, underuse, and optimal-use of strengths.

Can we have too much of a good thing? “Yes, we can,” says research, over and over. There are many patterns by which we overuse and underuse our strengths. Understand the different types of overuse and underuse, as well as the golden mean of character strengths which helps us and our clients create strengths balance while managing chronic overuse and underuse.

Week 4: Deconstruct your approach with clients.

Character strengths can be woven into your approach (or theoretical orientation) with clients, no matter what your approach is. You might be solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, past-oriented, eclectic, or interpersonal-based. The integration of character strengths will help you connect with your clients and deepen your work, from the beginning of the session to the end.

Week 5: Strength traps and pitfalls with strengths application.

No matter how much you plan, you will encounter struggles and traps in strengths application. Learn to look out for the most common pitfalls, and ways your strengths-based approach can manage these traps.

Week 6: The anatomy of a positive intervention.

Are your strengths interventions in alignment with what researchers call “wise interventions”? Or, do they fall under the category of “random selection” or “everything but the kitchen sink” or “flavor of the month.” We’ll examine the key elements of finding the right strengths intervention “fit” for your client.

Week 7: Character strengths dynamics – strengths collisions, synergies and more.

Character strengths can come together–intrapersonally or interpersonally–to be greater than the sum of their parts and substantial benefits arise. And, character strengths can collide and create problems, stress, and conflicts, also known as a strengths collision. These concepts will come to life through examples and personal reflections for the purpose of helping clients.

Week 8: Applying strengths into any context.

Whether you work with clients in the domain of health, education, work, disability, or clinical, you can take advantage of the science of character strengths. Adapt character strengths to fit your context and go forth strongly! This session will also offer a review of key principles in applying character strengths interventions.

5. Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for any practitioner.  This includes therapists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, life coaches, parent coaches, health and wellness coaches, executive coaches, consultants, change agents, managers, business professionals, entrepreneurs human resource professionals, educators/teachers, and also parents and consumers working on personal development.  This webinar is for all those who seek evidence-based paths toward greater health and happiness, whether for themselves or for those with whom they work.

In short, Ryan’s class is intended to help all “helpers”–anyone anywhere  trying to support another person with character strengths awareness, exploration, and use.

6. Your Webinar-by-Recording Private Class Webpage

You will be using a password-protected class webpage that will be your home on the web for this class. For each session, we’ve posted Ryan’s power points in multiple formats, relevant articles, videos and blog entries. Most important, we’ve posted Ryan’s lecture recording—both audio and video—from each week’s class as well.

Here’s how easy it is.  In week 1, to see the PowerPoints, click on Week 1 PowerPoints.
To see the webinar, click on “Webinar Video and Audio”
To see a recommended article, just click on the title and it opens as a PDF.  No running it down on the web.

Week 1 also includes four handouts and two videos!

You will have a unique password to this class webpage.  It’s good for four months.  If you want to keep access to the class beyond that, just download the class material to your computer.  That’s what everyone in the original class did as well.

7. Before You Start the Class…

Before you get started with the first week’s lecture, we’ll recommend you take the Free VIA Survey.  Once you’ve discovered your strengths with the free survey, you may choose to purchase an in-depth report to give you a much deeper understanding of how your strengths work together in unison to affect your life, and how you can harness the power of your unique strengths to make yourself, and the world, a better place. Ryan will talk about the VIA Survey in much more detail during the course

8. Readings and Resources

This course entails readings from the primary text, Character Strengths Interventions: A Field-Guide for Practitioners, by Ryan M. Niemiec. In addition, each week Ryan has posted related research articles, videos, blog entries, and/or handouts that exemplify and delve into that week’s topic.

9. What Students Are Saying About Ryan

“I had been using the free French character strength reports with my business studies students and coaching clients for over a year, and had ordered Ryan’s Strength interventions book. So I wanted to join the class to get some practical advice, learn more about the background of character strengths, listen to examples and listen to Ryan. This is the first at-a-distance course that I actually have attended right up to the end. Usually, I get bored and switch off or don’t finish.  I loved the speed & the content and all the very useful support materials. I really appreciated Ryan’s approach. It was like listening to a wise friend!” —Elaine Leen, Nantes, France          

“Ryan was personable, down-to-earth, easy to follow, and often added a touch of humour or humanity to his content that made it very relevant. His passion for his material was evident throughout the course, and seemed fueled by our questions and observations. He is a terrific teacher.   Ryan shared with us the most recent findings in the world of Character Strengths. The application of this material directly to the practice of coaching was fantastic. I also appreciated the practice of bringing in expert coaches who could speak to how he/she might use the content shared with us that day. Terrific touch!”  –Irene Nizerro, Sudbury, Ontario

“I liked the opportunity to take this class with Ryan online, since I live in Mexico City.  The class provided resources (readings, exercises) that helped me deepen my knowledge on character strengths interventions.  Taking the class helped me to integrate in a better way character strengths to my practice and relationships.  I am especially appreciative of Ryan’s generosity in sharing with us so many resources.” –Claudia Morales Cueto, Mexico City

“I very much enjoyed the class.  Ryan and everyone did an outstanding job.  I enjoyed the sharing of the lectures (video and audio and the outstanding articles).   I think Ryan is outstanding and would love to take future classes with him.”  —Todd Barnes, Los Angeles, CA

“Ryan is an incredible presenter.  He’s so engaging and personable.  The material can certainly be applied personally and professionally. ”  –Student, Toronto, Ontario

“Ryan did a wonderful job covering definitions and explanations.  This was a great refresher and going through the information encouraged me to plan more discussion about strengths with our clients. Clients usually want to talk about their ‘problems’ and this course has helped me reframe conversations to focus on more positive aspects. I am now emphasizing awareness and use of strengths to foster success in reaching their goals.  Great information!”   — Dr. Kat Barclay, Sedona, AZ___

“The course material was well presented and very user friendly.  The information itself was a gold mine of valuable insight and examples as to how to make use of this valuable tool, the VIA Survey, with clients.  The peer input was a nice touch and offered information as to how experienced coaches were using it in practice.  The question and answer section was enriching and a true gift from Ryan Niemiec and so appreciated.  My access using Zoom was flawless coming from different states in the USA. ” –Judy Cahall, accessed class from NM, AZ, and NJ!

“Ryan has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about strengths, and was so well-prepared for the class.  The information and materials he shared were highly useful and I have used some of them already.  In addition, Ryan’s sharing of this strengths and personal stories added a lot to the learning experience.  He did this artfully — and this was particularly helpful since the class was large and there was limited interaction with others in the class.  Ryan’s strength of kindness intertwined with his expertise was an excellent teaching strategy.  And, the opportunity to study with a major impactor in the field of Positive Psychology and the science of Character Strengths and Interventions was significant. Thank you!” –Ilene Berns-Zare, Chicago-area

“Ryan’s knowledge of the research and application of the course material, along with the many interventions!  I loved all the extra handouts, referenced reading material and research in the handouts, as well!”  –Student

“I loved Ryan as a teacher. Not only is he an expert, but he’s such a genuinely caring and generous instructor. I liked the pace of the class. I thought there was ample time for taking notes and… I appreciated the handouts and resources and articles!  I liked that you used ZOOM. I use it for coaching and meetings myself and I think it’s fantastic.”  –Lucy Hoblitzelle, Chicago, IL

“It was a privilege to learn from the master! I particularly enjoyed his personal examples of how he used strengths in his family life. These examples were inspiring.” –Dale Davison, Chicago area

“I truly enjoyed the course and am excited to share what I have learned with my Life Coaching Clients.  I also wanted to share that I decided to do a Strengths spotting exercise for my grown daughters during Advent.  Starting December 1st, I chose one of the 24 Character Strengths to strength spot for each day. Every morning I text them describing how I notice them exhibiting this strength with the added bonus of being able to share how they developed/demonstrated that strength as they grew up.  They both have expressed how much they appreciate this and my oldest daughter has often responded how she used that strength at the end of that day. I am eager to partner with my close friend and class participant, Linda, in the coming year as we select some particular aspect or exercise from the class and focus on that in our lives and coaching practices and share during our frequent phone/ZOOM calls. Thank you again for generously sharing your wisdom and passion.”  —Debra DeLorenzo, Newfield, NY

10. Praise for Ryan Niemiec’s book, Character Strengths Interventions 

 “The GO-TO book for building character.”
–Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD, founder of positive psychology, Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology, and Director of Positive Psychology Center at University of Pennsylvania

“As inspiring as it is practical. The practical applications of this holistic approach to human behavior are dizzying. This guide to positive psychology is tailor-made for leaders, and is a must-have book that will inspire any leader!”
–Marshall Goldsmith, PhD, The Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker in the World, and international bestselling author and editor of 35 books including What Got You Here Won’t Get You There and Triggers.

“Ryan Niemiec takes one of the most important scientific tools in modern psychology for improving our well-being and makes that research come to life in a practical way for practitioners, parents, and coaches. In challenging times, we each desperately need to know, hone, and use our unique strengths to tip this world toward hope, health and happiness.”
–Shawn Achor, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage

“Dr. Niemiec – the world authority on character strengths – has masterfully married science with practice in this book which provides practitioners with a comprehensive field guide of character strengths interventions. This book guides practitioners in the importance of understanding context to ensure the right intervention is used for the right reason with the right person. It is thought-provoking and hope-promoting. The raft of character strength interventions are clearly explained and the handouts are a particularly useful resource. This is a must-have book for anyone doing work with character strengths!”
–Lea Waters, PhD, President of the International Positive Psychology Association; Gerry Higgins Chair at the Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia.

“I’m so glad you wrote this book! Very important work. This book provides an invaluable guide for teachers and parents, consultants and managers–in fact, for anyone passionate about human flourishing.”
–Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, Bestselling author of Happier and founder of Happier.TV

“For the reader who seeks to understand why Harvard’s Howard Gardner once said that the science of human character strengths is the most important development in psychology over the past half century my advice is: Begin with this book. Ryan Niemiec’s brilliantly conceived “strengths interventions” brings it to life and helped me see the vast vistas ahead with character strengths psychology—for revolutionizing everything from early childhood education to leadership development in business, government, and civil society.”
–David L. Cooperrider, PhD, Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

“The gap between theory and practice of strengths has now been officially closed – all you need to do is read this book and you could easily apply strengths interventions and exercises for yourself, clients, or research. With the inspiring Dr. Ryan Niemiec navigating this boat of applied strengths you simply can’t go wrong – read the book and unleash the super-powers of strengths.”
–Itai Ivtzan, PhD, Author of several books including Applied Positive Psychology and Awareness is Freedom, Associate Professor, Naropa University.

“This book is a wonderful resource for clinicians or coaches who want to incorporate a strengths-based approach into their work in a variety of settings. Built around the strengths and virtues of the VIA Classification, this book is comprehensive, based on evidence when available, and remarkably practical. I think it will be essential reading for anyone interested in a strengths-based approach to intervention.”
–Robert McGrath, PhD, Professor at School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Senior Scientist at VIA Institute.

“Ryan Niemiec’s new book is an all in one place resource for those interested in theory, research, and application of character strengths. Research on character strengths and signature strengths have matured and we know that their use in interventions is effective. Therefore, it is time to disseminate the research-informed, best practices in applied areas. Being the first of its kind and written by the Education Director of the global leader in the science and practice of character, this book will have a long shelf life.”
–Willibald Ruch, PhD, Professor of Psychology at University of Zurich, Switzerland; Founder and President of Swiss Positive Psychology Association; Senior Scientist at VIA Institute.

“I wanted to add my voice to the chorus of support for Ryan and congratulating him on Character Strengths Interventions: A Field Guide for Practitioners. Ryan has given us a splendid synthesis for both scholar-scientists interested in conceptual foundations and refining their hypotheses as well as for practitioners-program developers interested in launching or refining their own efforts.  Having been both an author and a teacher on this topic, I found myself pausing so often to reflect and savor his insightful perspectives.  It’s been on my desk since receiving an advanced notice of publication and already filled with too many sticky tabs to count! Bravo, Ryan. Your book is a testament to the inquisitiveness and caring that you bring for many years to so many. I am very grateful and appreciative.”
–Tom McGovern, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University, Psychology & Integrative Studies

“I just finished reading Ryan Niemiec’s Character Strengths Interventions: A Field Guide for Practitioners and I had to stop for few minutes to take in and savor the feat he has accomplished. His book truly is a field guide. As someone who deeply knows and clearly loves the exciting territory of character strengths, Ryan expertly guides us so we can see the wonders that can be found there, shares its history, warns us about possible pitfalls, and invites us to explore and enjoy its riches. And we can even take them home with us, thanks to Ryan’s generosity in sharing so many resources that he has created and compiled. He sees strength practitioners as gardeners who can’t – and shouldn’t try to – “mold” their clients, but rather, can create optimal conditions for growth and development. I believe that Ryan’s own strengths of love, hope, perspective and appreciation of beauty may have created the conditions for the flowering of this wonderful work, and I am grateful for it.”
—Margarita Tarragona, PhD, Director of PositivaMente; Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia

11. About the VIA Institute on Character

The VIA Institute on Character is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally called the Values in Action Institute, VIA was founded in 2000 by Dr. Neal Mayerson, in collaboration with Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology. The VIA Institute supported the initial pivotal work on the nature of positive character. Over a 3-year period, more than 50 experts collaborated on the development of a comprehensive, cross-cultural model of the elements of character, culminating in the landmark publication by Drs. Christopher Peterson and Seligman’s Character Strengths and Virtues (2004). In addition, the validated assessment measure, the VIA Survey, was released. This test is taken by someone in the world every 15 seconds!

As education director at VIA, Dr. Ryan Niemiec’s focus is the same as the VIA Institute’s formal mission: to advance the science and practice of character strengths. This course supports that mission by educating practitioners (and any attendee) on the latest science and how to distill that research into practical nuggets.

12. ICF Coach Continuing Education

Earning ICF CCEs Via a Recorded Webinar.  This class is approved for 10 ICF CCEs (ICF Resource Development) from the International Coach Federation for students documenting their class attendance.  To comply with ICF requirements, you just need to email us the two attendance codes for each class and a brief, one paragraph, capsule summary of the high points of each class.  The attendance codes are given near the beginning and end of each class, for example, “fear” and “strength”.

To summarize:  Include the $25 ICF CCE fee when you register.  After you have completed the course, email your Webinar CCE Info to Sunny Bain at sunny@mentorcoach.com.  In the subject line, put in all caps “CSI WEBINAR CCE Info—Your name”.  In the body, include your contact information.  Then for each week of the class, include the two attendance codes and a brief, one paragraph, capsule summary of the high points of the class.

Note: For ICF CCEs (Resource Development), the ICF CCE $25 fee applies only if you are a member of the International Coach Federation and need ICF CCEs.  Otherwise, when you register, indicate that you do not need to pay the ICF CCE fee by choosing the “Base Unit Price with NO CE’s” registration option.

13. Cancellation and Refund Policy

The cancellation and refund policy for the Character Strengths Interventions Master Class and for all independent study/recorded classes is: No refunds.  All sales are final.

If you have questions, please contact MentorCoach at info@mentorcoach.com or 301-986-5688.