Peer Wellbeing Support Certificate Course
Be the change you want to see.
Empower your peers.
Impact lives for happiness.
Course Curriculum
Introduction to the Peer Well-being Certificate Course
- Welcome to the Peer Well-being Support Course!
- Certification Requirements
- Becoming a Listener: Offering Peer Well-being Support (11:27)
- Quiz
- Slide Presentation
Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Happiness
- What Happened to Happiness?
- Birth of a New Science (7:34)
- Habits of Happy People (5.27)
- Introduction Quiz
Module 2: Close Relationships
- Close Relationships (11:23): Video and PDF
- Close Relationships Quiz
- From Theory to Practice: Active Listening/Constructive Responding
Module 3: Acts of Kindness
Module 4: Physical Well-being
Module 5: Flow
Module 6: Strengths
Module 7: Positive Mindset
Module 8: Meaning
Module 9: Happiness Soup
Key Topics
Positive Psychology
Learn about leading theories and applications of Positive Psychology on personal happiness and well-being, by pioneers Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness is accelerating. Explore the practical “habits of happy people” through new discoveries in the social and natural sciences.
Mental Health: New Discoveries
Learn about remarkable new discoveries in the science of mental health and well-being, including "food for mood," the power of goal-setting, and finding meaning.
What People Are Saying
“The Hear to LIsten” (Peer Well-being Support Initiative) was not only beneficial for those who used the service, but also for the Listeners. My proudest achievement within my university experience was completing the Science of Happiness training and joining “Hear to Listen.”
This House…welcomes the collaboration between the service and the Pursuit of Happiness project, based in New York, an initiative of a group of psychologists and educators dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge about happiness and depression prevention, with the volunteers being the first students from a university in Scotland to undertake (the Science of Happiness Course) training by the project.
I feel that the Hear to Listen project and Science of Happiness training have been of huge benefit to students’ mental wellbeing in more ways than one. I know that students who have come along for a chat, in person or online, have found it to be really valuable and supportive. As a volunteer, I feel that working on the project has benefitted my own mental health and I’m certain that other volunteers feel the same.
NOTE: This is the regular price. It enables us to provide students with an affordable option.
NOTE: This is the student price. It is far below the cost of production and maintenance.
About Us
Pursuit-of-Happiness.org is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of well-being and depression prevention through education and peer support.
Recent scientific studies show that specific life skills can prevent depression, enhance well-being, and even slow down neurodegeneration. Pursuit-of-Happiness offers online courses on the new and rapidly unfolding Science of Happiness based on scientific research.
The Team
Narration & Production:
- Mark K. Setton, D.Phil., Oxon.
Research Team:
- Paul Desan, PhD, Harvard.
- Anthony Arciero, PhD, George Mason
- Saira Qureshi, MA, LMHC.
- Miguel Toribio-Mateas, PhD, Middlesex
Video Editing:
- Fahim Nirob
FAQ
How can this course make me a better peer supporter?
The peer support movement is picking up speed around the world, in many forms. This course trains you to be a Listener—individuals who offer a person centered, confidential listening service to your peers. This could be fellow students at school or university, colleagues at work, or any organised group to which you belong.
But it’s not only about lending an ear. As Mahatma Gandhi put it, it’s about being the change that you wish to see in the world. So in this course we explore the core principles of the Science of Happiness. Based on that training, as a Listener, you can contribute to a culture that values emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to practically apply these principles to support others.
How long does the Course take to complete?
As long as you like. Each of the videos lasts from 5-15 minutes. The Course is completely self-paced, and the practical exercises are designed to reinforce the theoretical content.
What’s so special about this course?
This course equips you with the essential knowledge and tools to not only support your peers but to also enhance your own wellbeing. In doing so, you’ll become a source of inspiration to those around you. Rather than sticking to a single perspective, the course embraces the multifaceted Science of Happiness, drawing from various fields of expertise. Plus, with our 80% discount for students, we’re committed to making this invaluable knowledge accessible to all.
Who can benefit from this course?
Anyone who wishes to make a difference in the lives of their peers, whether they are fellow students, colleagues at work, or members of any organized group. The skills you’ll acquire are universal and can be applied in various settings to promote emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Will I be qualified as a therapist or counselor after completing this course?
No, this course is designed to train you as a Listener, not as a therapist or counselor. While you will offer a person-centered, confidential listening service, you will not be diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. However, you will play a crucial role in creating a safe space for peers and, when necessary, guiding them to professional services that can further assist them.
How is offering Peer Support beneficial for me?
Offering peer support can be a transformative experience for you as a Listener. Not only will you provide immediate relief to someone struggling, but you will also instill a sense of hope and purpose in them. By assisting others in overcoming challenges, you will boost your own resilience, self-worth, and autonomy.
NOTE: This is the regular price. It enables us to provide students with an affordable option.
NOTE: This is the student price. It is far below the cost of production and maintenance.