Virtual. Positive psychology teaches us how to harness optimism, compassion, and character strengths to enhance our happiness and resilience.

Most people think of drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sex when they think of addiction. However, we all have the ability to engage in addictive behaviors and react to the underlying negative voices in our heads. While engaging in any kind of addictive behavior, it can be easy to define ourselves by the worst things we’ve done. It is almost seductive to tell ourselves how unworthy or defective we are because of all the people we have hurt, including ourselves. The good news is that, regardless of the nature of the experience with addiction, there is an ability to be able to conceptualize the relationship someone has with the behavior as a doorway to understanding the inherent goodness that lives within us. Our past behavior does not define us. We have the power to decide who we are and what will become of our lives — not in spite of what we’ve been through, but because of what we’ve been through. Learn which positive psychology tools can be most effective in identifying the negative factors driving addictive behaviors. Discover how to think and feel through a more intentional lens to develop new and positive personal storylines to forge a more optimistic future.

Presenter: Dr. Adam Schilling

Dr. Adam Schilling holds a doctoral degree in higher education and social change, a master’s degree in marital and family therapy, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He has also completed training and certification courses in both sex addiction and positive psychology.

He began his current path working for an addiction treatment center in 2011 and moved on to private practice in 2017 specializing in positive psychology, relationship, and addiction treatment. He is the author of “Be Your Advocate: Learn to Accept the Experience of Addiction as a Path to Uncover Your Potential” (Balboa Press, 2023).

Please note: You will need to sign up for each session individually to get the Zoom link. If you have trouble logging on, email boxoffice@mmjccm.org.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and Wholebeing Institute have partnered to create a 5-week lunch and learn series on Tuesdays from noon–1 pm moderated by Caroline Kohles, JCC Senior Director of Health + Wellness, with Rabbi Yael Rapport, JCC director of Center for Jewish Living. This online series features conversations with leading experts, sharing how the science and practice of positive psychology can help you flourish by fortifying your resilience at this turbulent time.

Wholebeing Institute is based in Massachusetts and is dedicated to teaching the science of human flourishing.
For more information about their Certificate in Positive Psychology Program, go to WholebeingInstitute.com.