Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

The Science of a Happy Relationship


Registration closes at 4 p.m. March 21. Tickets will be available onsite the morning of March 22.

Featuring the International Positive Psychology Association's James Pawelski, Ph.D.; relationship expert Suzann Pawelski; mindfulness expert Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D.; and gratitude researcher Amie Gordon, Ph.D.

This seminar is approved for 5.5 CE hours for psychologists, social workers-intermediate level, MFTs, counselors, nurses, teachers, and others. For more information, see the Continuing Education tab above.

Discounts for GGSC members. Discover more here.

For the past two decades, the field of positive psychology has been growing rapidly. Over that time, one of the key findings from positive psychology research has been: Other people matter. In fact, a pillar of positive psychology is that our close relationships with others are essential to human flourishing and happiness. 

Romantic relationships in particular have an enormous influence on our well-being. Yet it is not always easy to maintain a long-term, healthy relationship. 

In this lively and interactive day-long event, leading experts will explain how ground breaking research can help support happy and lasting relationships. The day will feature husband-and-wife team Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski, the executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association. Together they will summarize some of the key research findings highlighted in their recent book Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts—the first book on applying the principles of positive psychology to create thriving romantic relationships.

Specifically, they will discuss healthy habits that couples can cultivate to become happy together over the long term. Some of the evidence-based topics they will address include the importance of savoring shared experiences with one another, and how to identify, build, and appreciate our strengths and those of our partner. They will also introduce their Interaction Model of strengths they developed to help couples relate better to one another.

The day will also include presentations by other experts who will zero in on specific positive psychology skills and strengths. Shauna Shapiro, a world-renowned expert on the science and practice of mindfulness and compassion, will explain how those skills can help re-introduce joy, vitality, and intimacy into romantic relationships. Dr. Shapiro’s presentation will not only cover cutting-edge research on mindfulness and compassion but also offer concrete practices, based on that research, that couples can apply to re-invigorate their lives together.

Additionally, gratitude researcher Amie Gordon will highlight both the various ways in which gratitude helps support and sustain our most important relationships—and also the various barriers that make it more difficult to feel and express. Dr. Gordon will provide specific suggestions for how to overcome those barriers, along with evidence-based tips for cultivating more gratitude in relationships.

The day offers 5.5 CEs for psychologists, social workers-intermediate level, MFTs, counselors, nurses, teachers, and others—all levels. For more information, please see our "Continuing Education" tab.

*The day will provide invaluable tools to anyone working with couples in professional settings or who is focused on helping people strengthen their relationships in general; it will also be useful to couples who want to deepen their bond.

Cancellation Policy: Refund (minus $25 administrative fee) when canceling prior to 7 days before the workshop. No refund within 7 days of the seminar.

  • 8:30-9:00 AM

    Registration & Check-In

  • 9:00-9:15

    Course Overview

  • 9:15 - 10:30

    James and Suzie Pawelski on how positive psychology can sustain positive relationships

  • 10:30 - 10:45

    Break

  • 10:45 - Noon

    Amie Gordon on gratitude: benefits, barriers, and strategies to cultivate it in relationships

  • Noon - 1:00 PM

    Lunch (on your own)

  • 1:00 - 2:15

    Shauna Shapiro on mindfulness and compassion; how they can foster joy, vitality, and intimacy in relationships

  • 2:15 - 2:30

    Break

  • 2:30-4:00

    The Pawelskis on putting it all into practice: applying and measuring couples’ strengths

  • {mtx_speakers_name}

    Suzann Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP

    Suzann (“Suzie”) Pileggi Pawelski has a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Suzie and her husband, James Pawelski, are co-authors of the new book, Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts, and give Romance and Research™ workshops around the world.  Suzie also pens a popular blog for Psychology Today and writes the “Science of Well-Being” column for Live Happy, where she is also a contributing editor. 

  • {mtx_speakers_name}

    James Pawelski, Ph.D.

    James Pawelski, Ph.D., is Professor of Practice and Director of Education in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where he co-founded the world's first Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program with Martin Seligman in 2005. He is co-author, with his wife Suzie, of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts. 

  • {mtx_speakers_name}

    Amie Gordon, Ph.D.

    Amie M. Gordon is a social-personality psychologist who has been researching positive emotions, interpersonal relationships, and well-being for over a decade. Her research has been published in top academic journals and featured in popular news outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. She also blogs for Psychology Today in Between You and Me and is a regular contributor to Greater Good magazine. She enjoys teaching and speaking about research to a variety of audiences. Amie received her doctorate in social-personality psychology from UC Berkeley and currently works as a Research Scientist at UCSF.

  • {mtx_speakers_name}

    Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D.

    Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., is a professor, author, and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and compassion. Dr. Shapiro has published over 150 journal articles and co-authored two critically acclaimed books translated into 14 languages: The Art and Science of Mindfulness and Mindful Discipline. Dr. Shapiro is a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University and a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, co-founded by the Dalai Lama.

 After participating in this workshop, you will be able to:

 

  • Explain how to identify and appreciate a partner’s strengths
  • Distinguish between a healthy and harmless passion
  • Describe how positive emotions strengthen romantic relationships and how to prioritize them
  • Explain the barriers to gratitude within relationships, along with evidence-based strategies for overcoming those barriers
  • Describe how mindfulness and compassion can foster joy, vitality, and intimacy in romantic relationships
  • Describe the Interaction Model of Strengths that can help couples relate better to each other

This seminar is approved for 5.5 CE hours. Continuing Education is co-sponsored by R. Cassidy Seminars.

Satisfactory Completion: Participants must have paid tuition fee, signed in, attended the entire seminar, completed an evaluation, and signed out in order to receive a certificate. Failure to sign in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates available at www.ceuregistration.com following satisfactory course completion.

 

Psychologists

R. Cassidy Seminars is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. R. Cassidy Seminars maintains responsibility for this program. 5.5 CE hours

 

Psychoanalysts

NY: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0005. (5.5) clock hours.

 

Social Workers

R. Cassidy Seminars, ACE provider #1082, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program. R. Cassidy Seminars maintains responsibility for the program. Approval Period: April 15, 2018-April 15, 2021. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers participating in this course will receive 5.5 continuing education clock hours.

CA: The Board of Behavioral Sciences has deferred CE course approvals to APA and ASWB for its licensees. Seethose approvals under Psychologists and Social Workers

NY: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers SW#0006. This program is approved for 5.5 contact hours live in-person.

OH: Provider approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for (5.5) clock hours, #RCST110701

 

Counselors/Marriage and Family Therapists

CA: The Board of Behavioral Sciences has deferred CE course approvals to APA and ASWB for its licensees. See those approvals under Psychologists and Social Workers.

Other States: If your state is not specifically listed, nearly all state Counselor and MFT boards accept either APA or ASWB approval, or are reciprocal with other state licensing board approvals, such as those listed below. Check with your board to be sure. The Ohio Board includes Counselors and MFTs.

IL: Illinois Dept of Professional Regulation, Approved Continuing Education Sponsor, #168-000141. (5.5) hours.

NY-LMHCs: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0015. (5.5) contact hours.

NY-LMFTs: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0011. (5.5) contact hours.

OH: Provider approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for (5.5) clock hours, #RCST110701

TX: Approved CE Sponsor through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Provider #151 5.5 CE hours.

 

Creative Arts Therapists

NY: R. Cassidy Seminars is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0005. (5.5) contact hours

 

Chemical Dependency Counselors

CA: Provider approved by CCAPP, Provider #4N-00-434-0220 for (5.5) CEHs. CCAPP is an ICRC member which has reciprocity with most ICRC member states

TX: Provider approved by the TCBAP Standards Committee, Provider No. 1749-06, (5.5) hours general. Expires 3/31/2019. Complaints about provider or workshop content may be directed to the TCBAP Standards Committee, 1005 Congress Avenue, Ste. 460, Austin, Texas 78701, Fax Number (512) 476-7297.

 

Educators

TX: R. Cassidy Seminars is an approved provider with the Texas Education Agency CPE# 501456. This course is (5.5) CE Hours.

 

Nurses

CA: Provider approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CeP12224, for (5.5) contact hours Occupational Therapists

R. Cassidy Seminars is an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider No. 6782.

This course is offered for (5.5) CE Clock Hours (1 Clock Hour = .1 AOTA CEUs). The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

 

ICF Coaches

These (5.5) CE hours are considered RD hours with ICF. These (5.5) hours are useful for coaches who attend this program, but the material is not directly related to the ICF Core Competencies

 

Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.

Cancellation Policy: Refund (minus $25 administrative fee) when canceling prior to 7 days before the workshop. No refund within 7 days of the seminar.

Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations please contact our office 30 days

International House is on the University of California, Berkeley campus at the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Bancroft Way, adjacent to the stadium. Address: 2299 Piedmont Avenue Berkeley, CA 94720. 

By Car

Parking around the International House (I-House) and the UC Berkeley campus can be difficult. In non-metered areas, parking is free for two hours and unregulated after 7 pm. Meters are free with a California disabled placard. If you do drive, here are several public parking lots within a few blocks of the I-House.

Parking

Parking on the UC Berkeley campus is challenging. Street parking at meters is free after 6 pm. In non-metered areas, parking is free for two hours and unregulated after 7 pm. Meters are free with a California disabled placard.

1. UNDERHILL LOT: Located at the corner of Channing and College, this lot is a 5-10 minute walk from I-House.

2. TELEGRAPH CHANNING GARAGE: One-half block west of Telegraph Avenue, with entrances on both Durant Avenue and Channing Way. A 15-minute walk to I-House uphill.

3. BOALT LAW SCHOOL LOT: The closest public parking to I-House. From Hearst Ave., turn right on Gayley. Immediately past the Haas Business School, turn right and then left into the lot.

4. KROEBER LOT (Tennis Courts)
This is also close to I-House but more expensive. Located on Bancroft, west of College Ave

5. LOWER HEARST STRUCTURE LOT: Located at the corner of Hearst and Euclid. A 15-20 minute walk to I-House.

6. UNIVERSITY HALL WEST LOT: Located on Addison between Oxford and Shattuck. A 20-25 minute walk to I-House uphill. 

There is also on-street parking on Piedmont Avenue and the other streets around the I-House, some with blue disabled zones, meters and some non-metered. In non-metered areas, parking is free for two hours. (There will be breaks in the program every 60-90 minutes, during which time attendees can even exchange parking spots with one another.) If you plan to look for on-street parking, you may want to add a few minutes to your estimated travel time.

For UC Berkeley parking Information, call (510) 642-4283 or visit http://pt.berkeley.edu/parking/visitor/lots.

Public Transit

Parking around the International House can be difficult, so we encourage you to take public transportation whenever possible to avoid parking fines and ease traffic congestion. Some services require exact fare only (e.g., AC Transit Buses and Campus Shuttle Service). BART and AC Transit buses are used jointly by commuters to come to campus.

BART

BART trains operate from Fremont, Richmond, Pittsburg and Millbrae. A map indicating the route and stops of each train is located at each station. The Berkeley BART station is just 1-1/2 blocks from the Berkeley campus. There are shuttles that run from the BART to the International House. Click here for more information on taking public transportation to the I-House. (Please note that the shuttle pick-up near BART is on Shattuck Ave, between Center and Addison Streets.)

Get off at the "Downtown Berkeley" station.

The campus shuttle from Downtown Berkeley is located across from BART at Center & Shattuck, in front of Bank of America. The bus stops in front of the I-House.

Note: walking from the Berkeley BART station to I-House will take 20-25 minutes up a moderate hill. 

AC Transit

AC Transit  bus service provides transportation for commuters to and from San Francisco and throughout Alameda and Western Contra Costa County. There are several AC bus lines that come near the campus area.

Airports

The Oakland Airport is approximately 15 miles from UC Berkeley. A new BART train links the airport to the Coliseum BART station.

San Francisco Airport: Check the ground transport section of the SF airport homepage for directions to Berkeley. Also, see the convenient BART line to the airport.

Other Transit Links
<href="511.org"> (Traffic conditions and regional transportation options)
<href="Bayporter Express"> (airport shuttle service)
<href="SF MTA"> (San Francisco Buses)
<href="Caltrain"> (Commuter train service from San Francisco and San Jose)

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