Strength-Based Perspectives in Helping

The Strength-Based Perspectives in Helping Certificate will provide learners with knowledge and skills to apply evidence-based practices for increasing happiness, building resilience, and enhancing overall life satisfaction for self and others whether that be for personal or professional growth.

There is a growing need for professionals who can apply positive perspectives in health, education, and community services. These fields are increasingly emphasizing strength-based approaches to client care, self-care, and social development. This multi-disciplinary program will benefit learners in any workplace that focuses on optimizing human strengths and capacities, instilling hope, and promoting wellness.

This six-course program is comprised of three compulsory courses and three elective courses. The compulsory courses collectively examine the nature of happiness; the development of personal strengths and relationships; positive strategies for professional practice; and the wellness benefits of social responsibility, caring behaviour, and purposeful engagement in the world. Learners select elective courses that focus on one or more practices known to increase happiness and life satisfaction (e.g. creativity, health and vitality, relational and interpersonal skills).

Learners will complete three compulsory courses listed below.

OEL8000 Happiness: Pathways and Pitfalls

OEL8001 Positive Perspectives: Methods and Strategies

OEL854 Global Citizenship

Learners must complete three elective courses of their choosing from the list below.

• OEL1208 Wellness for Life
• OEL604 Stress, Wellness, and Nutrition
• OEL1368 Lifestyle Coaching
• OEL187 Creative Writing for Beginners
• OEL1369 Quest for Wisdom
• OEL1266 Mental Health and Society
• OEL1370 Introduction to Counselling
• OEL1371 Sociology: Diversity and Social Change
• OEL8011 Mental Health and Wellness