Positive psychology careers are available in several fields. Among the main areas for jobs in positive psychology are coaching, organisational development, education, counselling, and health care. These fields increasingly value well-being and strengths-based approaches.
To show the job opportunities, we analysed client testimonials from the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing at Langley Group Institute. These real-world examples highlight how professionals are integrating positive psychology into their work to create meaningful change, driving personal and organisational transformation.
Based on Learning Lab research, here is a detailed outline of the application of positive psychology to careers.
Organisational Development
In organisational development, careers rooted in positive psychology are essential for creating workplaces where employees are engaged, motivated, and productive. Applying these concepts can lead to a more positive and effective organisational culture, improving both employee satisfaction and business outcomes.
Selma Ozkan (head of people and performance) integrated her knowledge from the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing into her role at Brightside Co. in Sydney, where she focused on leadership and talent management. Her efforts led to a more purpose-driven work environment.
David Arnold (senior change management business partner) used his learning to enhance his change management programs at the City of Casey in Melbourne. His approach increased engagement and improved resilience across the organisation, demonstrating the power of these ideas in a large organisational setting.
Kate Worrall (organisational development specialist) applied her new skills to her work in leadership and culture at the City of Newcastle, Australia. Her efforts not only improved organisational culture but also led her to achieve a personal goal of publishing a book, showing how these principles can inspire both professional and personal growth.
Leadership and Coaching
Careers in leadership and coaching can be transformed by applying positive psychology to cultivate strengths and resilience within teams. This approach can transform leadership styles, improve team dynamics, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Lucy Booth (executive performance coach) used her learning to create a workshop series that integrates these strategies into leadership training at Evolving HR in Perth, Australia. Her workshops have helped teams become more cohesive and effective.
Gemma Sandwell (chief happiness officer) shifted from an IT role to a leadership development career after completing positive psychology training. Using her new skills, she supported leaders in finding and applying their strengths at The Happiness Branch in Norfolk, England. Her work culminated in a TEDx talk, showcasing how transformative these practices can be.
Jean O’Sullivan (assistant principal and coach) implemented these ideas in her school in East Cork, Ireland, leading the introduction of a well-being framework that supports both staff and students. Her leadership, supported by her studies in the Diploma, has created a more supportive and thriving school environment.
Education and Training
Education and training professionals can build successful careers by integrating positive psychology strategies that nurture students’ strengths. This approach shifts the focus from merely addressing deficits to encouraging growth, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Hester Nijland (high school teacher) brought these ideas into her high school at the Department of Education in Perth, Australia. She helped design and implement a program focused on student well-being, which led to a more supportive school environment, benefiting both students and staff.
Adrienne Buckingham (senior lecturer) used her expertise from the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing to develop a well-being program for Year 10 students. Later, she expanded her influence by training teachers across New Zealand through the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience. Her work demonstrates the broad applicability of these concepts in education.
Personal Development
Professionals focused on personal development and coaching can guide individuals on their journey toward greater fulfillment and success. Techniques focusing on strengths, values, and positive goals can lead to transformative personal growth and achievement.
Kellie Mills (business partner in training) found that her learning was invaluable when she experienced a heart attack. The resilience and mindfulness techniques she mastered helped her navigate the crisis. She now shares these tools with her clients at Mills-Eaton Training in Newcastle, Australia, focusing on leadership and team development.
Kristy McCormack (injury and wellbeing advisor) applied her learning from the Diploma to transform her life, including achieving a new home and job. She has also helped her friends and colleagues through what she learned, highlighting how these strategies can be powerful tools for personal and professional transformation.
Chris Talbot (owner of a legal practice and financial planning business) found the study of positive psychology transformational. It benefited his work, providing him with new tools and perspectives that enhanced his professional and personal life. His experience shows how these principles can be applied to achieve personal growth and improved business practices.
Health and Wellbeing
Positive psychology careers in health and wellbeing allow professionals to deeply impact lives by promoting both physical and mental health. Integrating these concepts into health services can lead to innovative approaches that improve patient outcomes, enhance community health initiatives, and support holistic care.
Kate Meyer (psychologist) has used her background in psychology and the skills gained from the diploma course to enhance her professional practice at the Department of Defence in Somerville, Australia. The additional strategies allowed her to incorporate new techniques into her work, leading to more effective and empathetic client care.
Amy Shefik (pilates instructor) applied her new skills to her Pilates practice at Pilates in Surbiton in London, England. Combining physical and mental wellness strategies, she developed a unique approach that helps clients achieve balance and better overall health.
Tom Slowinski (senior consultant physiotherapist) combined his expertise in physiotherapy with the knowledge gained from studying positive psychology to enhance his practice at Pinnacle Workplace Consultants in Adelaide. His approach not only improved patient outcomes but also led him to write and publish a children’s book on healthy eating, demonstrating a unique blend of physical health and psychological well-being.
Community and Social Services
In community and social services, positive psychology jobs enhance support systems that build resilience, foster well-being, and encourage positive change. This approach leads to more effective services and better outcomes for those in need.
Molly Woodhouse (youth counsellor) used her learning from the Diploma to better support young people in Brisbane, guiding them from merely coping with their challenges to truly thriving. Her work in youth counseling has profoundly impacted the lives of many young clients, helping them develop the resilience and confidence needed to face life’s challenges.
Selma Ozkan (head of people and performance) integrated strategies from the positive psychology course into her role at Brightside Co. in Sydney, where she helped develop a purpose-driven work environment. Her efforts in the social services space have contributed to a more supportive and positive workplace culture, benefiting both employees and the community they serve.