POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & GRIEF
The science of wellbeing—with room for loss.
A GENTLER PERSPECTIVE
What helps people adapt and live well, even in the face of profound adversity?
Positive psychology studies what helps people live meaningful, connected lives.
It explores relationships, engagement, meaning, strengths, and positive emotions—moments of love, curiosity, beauty, or joy.
Does that mean “just stay positive”?
No. There is no expectation to:
Find a silver lining in your loss.
Replace sadness with gratitude.
Become stronger because something devastating happened.
Feel joy before you are ready.
My approach makes room for grief while exploring what can support your wellbeing alongside it.
A FRAMEWORK FOR WELLBEING
REMAP: A different place to begin
PERMA is an established positive psychology framework encompassing positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. In my graduate capstone, I proposed rearranging these dimensions into REMAP, placing relationships first and positive emotion later. After profound loss, connection or a small meaningful activity may feel more accessible than joy.
R
Relationships: Who helps you feel understood? Where do you feel you belong? How do you want to stay connected with the person you’ve lost?
E
Engagement: What holds your attention or reconnects you with an interest?
M
Meaning: What matters to you in the life you continue to live?
A
Accomplishment: What small action feels worthwhile or possible?
P
Positive emotion: What moments of warmth, beauty, or laughter arise?
These are possibilities to explore, at your own pace—not stages to complete.
THE RESEARCH
My research: The stories we are allowed to tell
At the University of Pennsylvania, my capstone explored narrative reconstruction and agency after child loss. I drew on interdisciplinary research, lived experience, and interviews with bereaved mothers. The work explored identity, continuing bonds, agency, cultural expectations, and finding meaning in a future profoundly altered by loss.
IN PRACTICE
How these ideas shape our work together
In coaching and retreats, we might:
Recognize your strengths in ordinary acts—asking for help, setting a boundary, or caring for someone.
Explore your story and the beliefs influencing how you see yourself and your future.
Honor your connection with the person you’ve lost and how you want to carry them with you.
Notice what sustains you—moments of steadiness, connection, or breathing room.
Choose a small step toward something you want your life to hold.