Certificate in Positive Psychology

Who should take the course?
The CIPP offers a proven set of tools and principles useful in any profession or leadership role—managers, leaders, social workers, psychologists, coaches, allied health professionals, yoga teachers, school teachers, and anyone who influences how people think, act, and live, will benefit from this program.

How does it work?
The course starts with Module 1, an online introduction to Positive Psychology, followed by a 5-day immersion at Kripalu (Module 2). Participants connect with a small group of four to six people—and peers remain in these designated groups during the following months of the online Modules 3–7 for coaching support. The course culminates in another 5-day immersion, marking the end of the program.

What happens online?
The online lessons are a combination of pre-recorded video lectures, live question-and-answer sessions via conference call with Dr. Ben- Shahar, reading assignments, forum discussions, homework, and small group work. The virtual classroom is a password-protected website which can only be accessed by course participants. It stores homework, video lessons, and reading assignments, and offers the opportunity to read or post in a discussion group. The live question-and-answer sessions are repeated twice for each module to accommodate different time zones. Participants who miss a call, or want to listen again, can access the recordings in the virtual classroom beginning a day or so after the live event is over.

Is it available at another time?
Kripalu is the only place in the world Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is offering this Certificate in Positive Psychology program, and this is the only time it’s scheduled for 2012.

How much does it cost?
Tuition is $3500; additional costs include a $150 technology fee plus texts and 10 nights’ housing & meals. There is no course pre-requisite.

How much time should I allot for the course?
This certificate program includes 138 contact hours through two residential intensives, regular online pre-recorded video lectures, and a final project. The course also includes regular peer groups sessions, live Q&A sessions with Tal Ben-Shahar, and self-directed study, including homework and reading assignments. We suggest that you allocate approximately five hours a week towards the program.

What does the course give participants?
Along with a Certificate from Kripalu, participants complete an important final project-a presentation that outlines what is compelling and important about Positive Psychology, which can be used personally as a declaration of purpose or professionally as a communication tool for community outreach.

This training provides CE credits for SW (social workers), PSY (psychologists), NBCC (certified counselors), ICF (professional coaches), BOC (athletic trainers), RN (nurses) and YA (yoga teachers).

Positive Psychology provides a new lens through which students can look at their yoga practice, counseling, coaching, parenting, or managing. Students will learn about tools and techniques to use in all these areas that will help increase wellbeing levels in their own and others’ lives.

Do you have any examples, anecdotes, or stories of people who have used positive psychology to change their lives?
Yes, many. Harvard students who found their calling as a result of this class, relationships that were put on track and thrived as a result of a course, managers and coaches who became more effective as a result.

The course will provide tools for self-reflection. Many students have been able to hone in on what they care about most, and end up identifying their calling. Having said that, the course is not a panacea and can certainly not guarantee solutions.

Can I get college credits for the course?
In partnership with Lesley University, participants can apply for six college undergraduate credits. To apply, e-mail Beth Chambers, Coordinator of Continuing Education at echambe5@lesley.edu and request an application for the course “Positive Psychology” (note: this is not categorized as a certificate course at Lesley).

The cost for college is in addition to the tuition. The fee to Lesley is $930 ($150 per credit plus the $30 registration fee).

Can I just register for one online module or take the immersion?
No, the course is sequential, and all modules are part of an integrated whole.

There is a 3-day Positive Psychology class in July at Kripalu with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. Is that part of this program? If not, is that recommended as well?
The 3-day course is an introductory course, and is not part of the certificate program. The 10-month certificate course is designed for those that want an in-depth experience, while the weekend course provides an overview.

What is the Internet connection requirement for this course? Would a satellite connection suffice?
Yes, a satellite connection will suffice. If you are able to watch videos with your connection, you will be able to participate, as audio and video streaming are an integral part of the online work.

Can I view the video lectures on my iPad?
Yes, the video lectures can absolutely be viewed in your iPad. The content had been optimized for the iOS platform.

Will online conversations and lectures be streamed at various/repeated times so that we can access them as it fits into our own personal schedules? Or will we be required to be on-line at a specific time?
The video lessons will be recorded and available to you whenever it works for your schedule. The live conference calls with Tal will be held twice a month at varying times of day to accommodate different time zones (the specific dates and times of these live events are currently being coordinated). You can either attend live or listen to the recordings at your convenience. The only specific times you’ll be committing to are the small, peer-to-peer group coaching sessions, which your group will decide amongst yourself what works best for the team.

Is there a limit to the number of participants? Will you be using TAs?
Yes, the maximum number we’ll accept is 280, and we may decide to cap the attendance lower. Besides Tal as the lead faculty, we have two adjunct faculty members (Maria Sirois and Deborah Cohen), a program coordinator (Megan McDonough), a program administrator (Elena Mansour), and teaching assistants (which will be determined by the number of students).

Is there financial aid available?
Kripalu does have a scholarship fund. To find out more, go to kripalu.org/scholarships.

If I am not able to attend one of (or both) on-site sessions, could that be substituted in some way?
There is no substitute for the onsite sessions. They are an integral part of the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds (less a $50 processing fee) will be given according to the following schedule: For cancellations 2 or more days prior to start of program, 100% of monies paid will be refunded. Less than 2 days prior to and up to completion of the first module, 25% of program cost will be refunded. No other refunds or credits are available. The standard cancellation policy applies to all other charges.

Is Tal a certified Kripalu yoga teacher?
No. Tal is currently enrolled in yoga teacher training with Debbie Cohen and scheduled to complete certification by August 2012.

Where can I get additional information?
You can download the full course syllabus.. You can also register for a free, “meet-the-faculty” conference call with Dr. Ben-Shahar. Currently, the dates set for the calls are at 3:00 pm EST 4/24, 5/29, 6/26. These are subject to change. Once registered, participants will receive an e-mail with the most up-to-date call logistics. The calls will be recorded so if participants can’t make a live event, they can listen to the recording at their convenience. You can also call the registration desk at 866-200-5203 or 413-448-3152 (international and local).