Week 1: Introduction to The Happiness Trap -Read and discuss the introduction -Discuss the key concepts of The Happiness Trap -Identify personal values

Week 2: Understanding Our Thinking -Explore the connection between thoughts and emotions -Compare common distorted thinking styles -Learn and practice skills for challenging negative thought patterns

Week 3: Understanding Our Emotions -Explore the process of emotion generation -Identify core values and beliefs and how they contribute to our emotions -Learn and practice emotion regulation techniques

Week 4: Acceptance, Mindfulness and Defusion -Define “acceptance” and “mindfulness” -Explore the connection between acceptance and mindfulness -Learn and practice mindfulness and defusion techniques

Week 5: Contacting the Present Moment -Explore how we avoid the present moment -Learn and practice mindful awareness -Practice “being here, now” exercises

Week 6: Eye Contact Training -Learn and practice eye contact exercises -Learn and practice skills for closing the gap between the ideal and the real

Week 7: Setting Goals and Values-Based Living -Identify and prioritize personal values -Explore the connection between values and goals -Set goals based on personal values

Week 8: Facing Our Anxieties -Explore the paradox of “suppressing anxious thoughts” -Learn andpractice skills for passive/active exposure practice

Week 9: Compassion, Forgiveness and Self-Love -Explore the importance of compassion and forgiveness -Learn and practice self-love and self-care

Week 10: Taking Responsibility and Putting it All Together -Explore the importance of taking responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors -Review and practice all learned skills -Identify and develop plans for future practice