Course Catalogue

In the past decades we have seen a shift from a problem-focused approach to a strengths-based approach. The approach aims to identify and further develop these talents, qualities and character strengths in a person or an organization [Hiemstra & Bohlmeijer 2013]. Character strengths are positive personality traits that manifest in our thinking, our feelings, our desires, and our actions. They reflect our core identity and contribute to positive outcomes for ourselves and for others, at an individual and a communal level [Niemiec 2012]. In this workshop, we will further explore the topic of character strengths and how strengths can be cultivated in a cultural sensitive manner, based on empirical findings and on the work of Dr. T. Hendriks [4, 5]. In addition, we will practice several character strengths-based activities. Tom Hendriks is the developer of the BAMBOO program, a strengths-based intervention that is running at over 150 asylum centers across the Netherlands, having reached over 6000 refugees. Currently, he is implementing an adapted version of the program, called the Inner Strength Program in Ukraine. He is affiliated to the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands.