A Safe Place to Talk: The Role of Adolescent Therapy
September 7, 2026
What Is
Happiness?
A whole, balanced life, not just the good parts.
What is Happiness?
Happiness is a pleasant emotional state measured by:
Evaluative
How fulfilled one feels with their life.
Affective
How happiness co-exists with positive and negative affect.
Eudaimonic
One's sense of meaning and purpose.
Happiness Does Not Need To Be Chased
As Your Final Emotional Goal
Studies show that embracing a range of emotions, not just the pleasant ones, is good for our mental and physical health. Happy people still feel the whole range of human emotions alongside happiness.
What Does Happiness Look Like?
Happiness can look like many different things, but people who are happy usually…
Have healthy relationships where hard conversations are welcome
Don't chase perfection
Accept their reality for what it is
Learn from mistakes and move on
Aim for noticing how you really feel right at that moment, and embrace all your diverse feelings. This will pave the way to happiness down the line.
How To Achieve Happiness
Find A Sense Of Purpose
Research has found that people who feel like they have a purpose have better well-being and feel more fulfilled. So explore your interests and passions!
Stay In The Moment
Focus on practicing gratitude for the things you have and enjoying the process as you go.
Reframe Negative Thoughts
People pay more attention to bad things than to good things. Don't ignore the bad; instead, take a more balanced, realistic look at events.
Avoid Social Comparison
Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on the good things in your own life and you'll be more likely to find contentment in them.
Even though happiness-boosting activities don't work equally well for everyone, understanding yourself better can help you choose practices and exercises that align with you!
You Can Find Happiness
Our happiness is shaped by many things but when you feel unhappy for a long time, it's important to listen to that signal. A therapist can address the challenges you are facing and support you towards happiness.
Book a Session
