Amy Shefik

Amy Shefik

Pilates Instructor & Positive Psychology Practitioner

Pilates in Surbiton

London, England

Alumni: London, England, August 2018

In our 11069NAT Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing we always talk about the ripple effect; starting with self and creating a ripple out there in the world - whatever that may mean for each person.

In this interview, one of our Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing graduate shares her completely life-changing experience of the course, and how it set her up to help people through Pilates and Positive Psychology practices!

What drew you to complete the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

A couple of years previous to finding the diploma I had been feeling quite stuck and disconnected from my work yet lost as to what new direction to take or even how to take it. I committed to my own personal development journey and saw such huge positive changes in my mindset and my life. I knew that I wanted to help others experience their own mindset shifts and see the amazing impact it would have on their lives and relationships.

During the early stages of my journey, I saw a Ted Talk by Shaun Achor on Positive Psychology and I have such a clear memory of this realisation that this was exactly what I needed to do with my life!

I looked for courses and training in anything positive psychology but didn’t find the Langley Group Institute until a couple of years later, by which time I had worked with coaches, done lots of self-study, and taken part in various other training programmes yet nothing substantial or accredited.

I was looking for a course that would give me a qualification and the credentials to really help people. That’s when I found the diploma. I was so excited to have found something I could take part in, something that didn’t require me to be a post-graduate like all the other positive psychology courses I’d found before had required. I was ready to learn everything Sue had to teach me.

What was your experience during the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

I absolutely loved the diploma and found it all fascinating. I particularly enjoyed learning the neuroscience aspects as they gave me a better understanding of how my brain affects my emotions and energy and vice versa. This helped me be more objective and less harsh on myself in times when I’m lacking energy, finding it hard to focus, or feeling like my emotions are taking over.

There are so many practical tools and research to be aware of that when put into action it all has such an incredibly positive impact on your life. Sue is such a fantastic teacher and really made the experience an exceptional one. The course materials are so well put together and the entire support team are brilliant.

How are you spreading your positive ripples, and how has the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing helped you achieve this?

I have strengthened some really important relationships just from doing a few of the assignments alone, which has been such an incredible gift. I know that the tools and practices I’ve learned have made me a more openly grateful friend and family member and sharing some of what I’ve learned has helped my loved ones shift their perspectives on certain issues in their own lives.

My main goal is to try and help people be happier, healthier and better equipped to deal with life’s challenges. I have been channelling my energy into this in the form combining my positive psychology diploma with my work. This has enabled me to help people as a Pilates Instructor and a Practitioner of Positive Psychology.

I see such an amazing cross over between pilates and positive psychology. Both teach us to become more self-aware and mindful of our actions. They teach us to make the connections we need physically, mentally and emotionally in order to thrive and flourish. Combining these two practises is a great way for me to keep spreading the positive ripples and giving people the tools to be happier and healthier.

When I see how I’ve impacted someone in a positive way by directly or indirectly sharing positive psychology practices, I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. I feel so much joy, like literal warm fuzzy feelings when I’ve helped someone.

I am so grateful that I found this diploma and that I was lucky enough to have Sue facilitate it. It truly has given me not only the tools and practices to help people, but the confidence to do it and know that what I’m sharing is fascinating science-based stuff that can change peoples lives. It’s allowed me to live and work authentically and given me strategies to be more resilient when life calls for it. I am so glad I did it.