Positive psychology brings a strengths-based, evidence-driven approach to coaching, helping clients move beyond obstacles and towards flourishing. Here are the key principles of positive psychology that can be effectively applied in coaching:

Key Principles of Positive Psychology in Coaching

1. Strengths-Based Approach

  • Focus on identifying and leveraging clients’ unique strengths and talents, rather than just fixing weaknesses or solving problems[1][2][3][4].
  • Tools like the VIA Character Strengths assessment help clients recognise and use their core strengths in daily life and goal pursuit[5][3].

2. Cultivating Positive Emotions

  • Encourage practices that boost positive emotions such as gratitude, hope, and optimism, which broaden perspective and fuel resilience[6][5][2][3].
  • Techniques include gratitude journaling, savouring positive moments, and reframing challenges in a constructive light[2][7].

3. Goal Setting and Achievement

  • Guide clients to set meaningful, intrinsically motivated goals aligned with their values and vision for the future[5][2][3].
  • Emphasise progress and accomplishment, celebrating small wins to build momentum[5][3].

4. Building Resilience and Optimism

  • Help clients develop resilience by nurturing a growth mindset and teaching strategies to bounce back from setbacks[6][2][4].
  • Optimism is fostered through solution-focused questioning and highlighting past successes[2][4].

5. Positive Relationships

  • Encourage clients to build and maintain supportive, authentic relationships, recognising the role of social connection in well-being and growth[5][2].

6. Meaning and Purpose

  • Support clients in exploring and clarifying what gives their life meaning, helping them align actions with core values for deeper fulfilment [5][2].

7. Solution-Focused and Future-Oriented

  • Use solution-focused techniques, helping clients envision their desired future and identify the resources they already possess to get there[5][2][3].
  • Shift conversations from problem analysis to exploring exceptions and possibilities[5].

8. Evidence-Based Practices

  • Apply interventions and exercises grounded in research, such as gratitude practices, strengths spotting, and resilience training, to ensure effectiveness and sustainable change[6][2][7].

By integrating these principles, coaches empower clients to thrive, not just overcome challenges. Would you like practical exercises or examples of how to use these principles in a coaching session?


  1. https://viacharacter.org/topics/articles/what-is-a-positive-psychology-approach-to-coaching
  2. https://www.mentalhealthwellnessmhw.com/blog/the-power-of-positive-psychology-in-coaching-building-on-strengths-for-lasting-change         
  3. https://quenza.com/blog/knowledge-base/positive-psychology-coaching/     
  4. https://boldly.app/blog/role-of-positive-pyschology-in-coaching  
  5. https://www.oxfordleadership.com/what-coaches-can-learn-from-positive-psychology/       
  6. https://www.the-coaching-academy.com/blog/2024/10/positive-psychology-coaching_3636  
  7. https://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/what-is-positive-psychology-coaching/