Molly L. Stranahan, Psy.D. Path to Happiness Offerings Private Consultations Individual sessions offer a safe place to talk about whatever is getting you down or causing you stress as those things block your natural state of happiness.  You will learn new ways to think about what is going on in your life that allow you to cope with the stresses of life with greater peace. It is not therapy.  You aren't signing up to come to weekly 50-minute sessions.  I block two hours so I can learn about you and what is causing you unhappiness. We'll explore what you can change, then see if it makes sense to schedule a shorter follow-up session.  There is no 'diagnosis' because I don't think there is something wrong with you.  However, that also means there is no health insurance reimbursement. Sessions can be in-person or by telephone, which can be supplemented with email.  Before you commit to a consultation, email to set up a complimentary phone conversation. Workshops Customized full and part-day workshops offer the opportunity to learn tools, tips and create your own action plan focusing on a variety of happiness-related topics, including: The Basics: First Steps on The Path to Happiness Change your attitudes and beliefs to be happier and healthier. Identify what is not in your control so you can let go of trying to change it. Identify what is in your control to uncover your options for changing. The Path to Happy Relationships A major factor affecting happiness is the number and quality of your relationships.  Learn what you control in relationships and what you don't, so you can focus on getting what you want and let go of trying to change the other person. The Path to a Meaningful Life Uncover your deepest values, and discover ways to use those values to make your life choices.  Living in alignment with our values leads to a more meaningful, satisfying life.  It also makes decision-making easier! Additional workshop topics available, email to explore further. Keynote Speaker Book Molly Stranahan for your next event. Research shows happier people are healthier, more productive and have better relationships.  Molly's engaging speaking style will energize your group.  By sharing what psychology knows about the choices we can make to live happier, healthier lives, Molly can help people understand what they control and don't control; then they can focus on what they can change and let go of what they can't or aren't willing to change. Her particular focus is on looking at the impact our beliefs and attitudes have on our feelings, because although we often don't recognize it, our beliefs are the one thing totally in our control to change to make our lives better. After spending the first decade of my adulthood in banking and business consulting, I spent the next decade studying human behavior.  I received a doctorate in psychology from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology in 1996. While I was in graduate school, I became interested in exploring ways to share what psychology knows about improving our lives and functioning outside of the therapy room.  I was inspired by the opportunity to assist one of my professors in presenting stress management programs for corporations through the Rutgers Center for Applied Psychology. Under the current ‘medical model’ for delivering psychological services, clients receive a ‘diagnosis’ and are ‘treated.’  I prefer to think of our distress as being caused by having learned coping methods that no longer work for us, or don’t help us achieve what we desire, and I focus on teaching people how to change themselves.  This approach moves the focus from “what is wrong with me” to “what can I do to be happier and healthier?” and respects that each of us is different.  It focuses on empowering people through knowledge and coaching.  It expands stress management to life-enhancement. In 2002, in preparation for co-leading The Summer Institute personal growth program, I re-read Barry Neil Kaufman’s book Happiness Is a Choice. The success of the program that resulted inspired me to develop The Path to Happiness workshop program.  The Path to Happiness philosophy and program is based on cognitive- behavioral and positive psychology, mindfulness practices, research on stress management and a life-time of personal experiences including the Co-Dependents Anonymous 12-Step program. Right now I share it by presenting workshops, creating programs, consulting with individuals and organizations, writing and speaking. I am passionate about using the gifts and resources I have been blessed with in this lifetime to leave the world a better place, with less suffering and more love.  I believe in the importance of making my choices in alignment with my values.  I find both these things contribute to my happiness.  If you want to know more about me and my other interests, visit my personal website at www.MollyStranahan.com.  You can contact me via email. Contact Info Site Privacy Policy Content Copyright © 2010 Our feelings are the result of the stories we tell ourselves. . . Change your story - change your feelings - change your life! Awakening the Dreamer Offering Symposium I am trained as a facilitator to present the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium, which is an unforgettable four-to six hour experience exploring the greatest issues of our time.  The program combines compelling videos of leading experts and contemporary thinkers, combined with thoughtful discussion, and opportunities for future engagement.