Bios
Bonni Akalis, MA, LLP, LMSW
www.BonniAkalis.com
As a practicing psychotherapist for over 35 years, I began exploring an interest in combining coaching with the new emerging field of Positive Psychology in 2001. In 2003 I entered the first “Authentic Happiness Coaching” program conducted by Martin Seligman, Phd and Ben Dean, Phd. It was a personally “life changing experience” that lead me to not only new perspectives in living a more meaningful life, but created a new theoretical context for transforming my practice as a therapist and guided my development as a coach.
Luckily, my very first “pod”, study group during this time period was a remarkable group of people who have independently continued to meet, learn and develop their ideas, practices and relationships. This blog is an outgrowth of the exciting energy created by that learning and connection! Personally and professionally, my life has changed in remarkably satisfying ways. The opportunities for integration abound on the cutting edge of the emerging “Science of Positive Psychology” and the beautiful traditions of the healing art of psychotherapy….as well as the exciting frontiers of maximizing growth and potential in coaching, education and health!
Karin Bille Lyberg
Language studies at Stockholm University, then Copywriting/communication School. Have been working as copywriter and creative director for 25 years. Around 1997 I found the business costume a bit too tight started an environmental foundation and began 4 years of studies to become a therapist. Graduated only to realize that what I just learned was obsolete. Went to an Appreciative Inquiry workshop 2002 in Munich, and was thrilled. Autumn 2003 I joined the Authentic Happiness Vanguard class lead by Martin Seligman on line. I’ve had several coaching
clients during the past couple of years. At the moment I’m digesting knowledge and thinking about how to work with positive psychology in Sweden. I have written 3 books - about healthy food, environment and food and the brain and the Internet.
Hisao Kano
Hisao Kano is a life/career coach who helps people to live thriving lives by pusuing their personal goals and projects in life and in their career and maximizing their potential. He learned coaching at Coach21 (ICF accredited). Currently, he is studying the Quality Of Life Therapy and Coaching program. His interests have diversified into positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship, midcareer and later career enhancement, stress and depression fighting, resilience, physical activity and exercise, and healthier aging and longevity. Although his time for studying is constrained due to the caregiving he needs to give to his invalid wife, he is persisting in his studies and using what he has learned to helping others. He has passion for every aspect of his life.
Linda Lawless MA LMFT LMHC
www.ProfessionalPracticeInstitute.com
I came to the field of Positive Psychology around four years ago when I signed up for Marty Seligman’s first Authentic Happiness training class. Something told me it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I dusted off my credit card and signed up. The class was amazing, so many new ideas; yet they somehow seemed intuitively to make sense and happily they came from solid science. After over 30 years of being a psychotherapist and educator, the class was a very lovely burst of fresh air. Over the last four years I have continued, with the guidance and inspiration of our original “Pod” which was created by Ben Dean and Marty as a support and discussion group during the class, to study the field and apply the knowledge in both my personal and professional life. Looking back much has changed in ways that I never expected. Personally the skills I learned supported me through a major move and the death of a parent. Professionally I have closed my traditional psychotherapy practice and am now building a “Positive Psychology” and professional coaching practice in my new home in Benicia CA. The Positive Psychology at Work blog/site is a natural extension of the years of learning we have done in the field and I am excited about its future.
Carole Rein
My education includes a bachelor’s degree in physics and math (1980); and a master’s in psychology (2005). I am a happy graduate of the vanguard Authentic Happiness Coaching class (2003). My background includes 15 years as technology innovator, teacher, & manager at Price
Waterhouse; Personal Life Coach (www.CoachCarole.com), and currently, teacher (algebra) and tutor (reading/writing) of students with disabilities (www.landmarkschool.org). Favorite personal adventures have included a 26-day trans-Atlantic sail with my husband and another couple and one-month of solo travel in Thailand. After years in a corporate setting, I am both challenged and satisfied applying positive psychology in a highly supportive educational environment.