How to Use the PERMA Framework in Your Coaching Practice

Want a done-for-you PERMA workbook template you can share directly with your therapy clients? Check it out here.

Helping your clients reach their goals is rewarding, but guiding them toward lasting well-being is truly transformative. The PERMA model, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, is a framework for therapists who aim to create positive changes in their clients’ lives.

PERMA stands for

• Positive Emotions
• Engagement
• Relationships
• Meaning
• Accomplishment

Here’s how you can effectively incorporate each element into your coaching practice.

P is for Positive Emotions

You can help clients identify and cultivate moments of joy, gratitude, and contentment.

Simple techniques, such as keeping a gratitude journal or practising mindfulness, can significantly boost a client’s resilience and mood.

Encourage clients to reflect on what makes them happy and integrate these moments into their daily lives to build a strong emotional foundation.

E is for Engagement

Engagement goes beyond participation; it’s about helping your clients find activities that immerse them fully.

This is often described as a state of “flow,” where time seems to stand still, and they are completely absorbed in what they are doing.

To facilitate this, assist clients in discovering their strengths and passions. Ask questions like,

• “When do you feel most alive and focused?” 
• “What activities make you lose track of time?”

Helping clients identify and pursue these activities can lead to increased well-being.

R is for Relationships

Human connection is a powerful contributor to happiness and success.

Therefore, emphasising the importance of nurturing supportive relationships can enhance your clients’ sense of belonging and their emotional health.

Encourage clients to assess their current support network and consider how they can strengthen existing relationships or build new ones.

M is for Meaning

People thrive when their actions align with their values and sense of purpose.

One of the most impactful things you can do as a therapist is to guide clients toward understanding their ‘why.’

Use exercises such as the ‘Five Whys’ technique, where clients repeatedly ask themselves why they pursue specific goals until they uncover a deeper purpose.

When clients can articulate why their work and personal efforts matter, they are more motivated and resilient, even when facing challenges.

A is for Accomplishment

Finally, accomplishment is about recognizing progress and achievement. Success boosts confidence and reinforces positive behavior.

Encourage clients to set realistic, incremental goals that they can celebrate along the way.

Acknowledging these small victories can motivate them to keep moving forward and helps build a sense of pride and self-efficacy.

Consider using tools such as weekly check-ins or progress journals to help clients track their achievements and maintain momentum.

Integrating PERMA into Your Coaching Practice

Incorporating the PERMA framework doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your approach; it can complement existing methods seamlessly.

Start by weaving questions and reflections around each PERMA element into your sessions.

For instance, you might dedicate a part of each session to discussing recent positive experiences (Positive Emotions) or assessing how connected your client feels to their community (Relationships).

By integrating these five elements, you support clients in achieving their goals and equip them with the tools for sustained well-being.

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