Kate Meyer

Kate Meyer

Psychologist

Department of Defence

Somerville, Australia

Alumni: Virtual Live Learning

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 graduates shares how she chose to upskill with the Diploma as a psychologist and how this has impacted her life personally and professionally!

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

I completed my university studies in psychology over twenty years ago and back then there wasn’t much emphasis on positive psychology. This was something which I really felt was lacking in the curriculum as the focus was largely on what’s wrong with people and how can we fix them, rather than strengths and the promotion of wellbeing, flourishing, and optimal functioning. I have had an interest in positive psychology for many years – it just took a while to find the right course, as well as the courage to undertake study after such a long break! Even when I did discover the Diploma course it was probably at least another two years before I felt ready to commit. I am a big believer that things happen when they are meant to happen – 2023 was my year and I am so grateful for undertaking this journey.

How was your experience of the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

As an early morning person, I did find the night classes challenging at times! Sue was always full of so much energy that it was almost impossible for this not to rub off on me – in a positive way! I didn’t really have any great expectations going into the course, yet there isn’t anything that we covered in the Diploma which I did not enjoy or find interesting. All of the material covered had a practical application to life. Personally, I gained the most from exposure to the Strengths Profile and the Positive Coaching elective which I completed. Both of these resonated with me and I intend to explore them further through additional study and work. Although I had been apprehensive about undertaking further study after such a long break, all of the assignments were enjoyable to complete and allowed me to reflect upon what I had implemented into my life and what more I could do.

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

Not surprisingly, undertaking the Diploma has had a positive impact on my life. I now incorporate many positive psychology principles into my daily life – including practicing daily gratitude and random acts of kindness – and I enjoy engaging in strength-spotting activities during my interactions with others. Completing the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing has helped give me greater confidence to be the psychologist I always wanted to be, as well as the opportunity to pause and reflect upon the direction I want to take my life moving forward and how I can best help others. While my positive ripples might be small at the moment, I like to think that every single thought and every single action creates a ripple effect…and small ripples can lead to big waves!