by Arlen Solodkin
When I think about how CiPP influenced my life, I am guided to reflect on the way in which I was able to embrace my own power, hold my own vision, and unite with others to make it a reality. I have always been very interested in learning, and I have always had the yearning to share the tools and the teachings that have shaped my life for the better.
A couple of years ago, I decided to create an Institute in Mexico City, Instituto de Bienestar Integral (IBI), which would serve as a platform to offer programs that have been proven to serve as agents of change and transformation. I envisioned bringing CiPP to Mexico and Latin America, as a way of sharing the best practices from a field that I love with the Spanish-speaking world.
Positive psychology has been highly influential in my personal and professional development since I studied with Martin Seligman over 20 years ago, a little before it emerged as a field. Continuing my learning has been such a transformative experience for me that I wish to build a bridge for those teachings to foster growth in my region. Most Latin-American countries share a common history and face similar challenges. My aim is to catalyze a conversation between individuals from Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world in general, which can build and strengthen relationships, foster inquiry, and help bring about transformation.
As that vision became clearer and clearer, I was able to share it with Tal, Megan, and Maria, who supported the idea through conversations and learning opportunities as it became a reality. We have also been very fortunate to have Margarita Tarragona, a pioneer and leader in the field of positive psychology in Mexico and around the world, join the team.
I am very happy to share with you that CiPPLA (Certificate in Positive Psychology–Latin America) will be offered for the third time starting October 15. We have worked eagerly and have translated and adapted all the materials, which include over 60 hours of videos, homework, reading materials, etc., to offer the same quality experience for our students.
We have invited several Spanish-speaking guest lecturers from the field of positive psychology around the world who will participate in our monthly webinars. Among them are Carmelo Vázquez, one of the leading researchers in the field and ex-president of IPPA (the International Positive Psychology Association), based in Spain; Fernando Ortiz Lachica, an expert in social psychology and the body-mind relationship, based in Mexico; Oriana Tickel, an expert in Positive Psychology Coaching, based in London; Andromeda Valencia, an expert In resilience and well-being and the director of the Mexican Association of Positive Psychology; Miriam Subirana, expert in Appreciative Inquiry; Valentin Mendez, an internationally renowned expert in mindfulness and well-being, based in Mexico; and Alejandro Adler, worldwide leader in Positive Education.
It has been a long journey filled with learning, the construction of strong relationships and collaboration, fear, stress and an extreme sense of hope, optimism, and growth. Embracing one’s vision requires strength, persistence, collaboration, and a great sense of serving it forward. I cannot thank Tal, Megan, and Maria enough for their trust and support.
Please share the CIPPLA information with your Spanish-speaking friends, and feel free to contact us if you have any ideas or suggestions.
Find out more at institutodebienestarintegral.com.
Arlen Solodkin is the founder and director of Instituto de Bienestar Integral, providing online and on-site programs in positive psychology and Integrative Psychotherapy. Arlen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied with Martin Seligman. In alliance with several private and governmental organizations, she has developed programs that foster meaning and purpose in the lives of children and young adults, with the goals of preventing depression and increasing optimism and leadership skills. Arlen has a longstanding career in the philanthropic field; works with universities, including Universidad Tecmilenio, el Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Universidad Hebraic, in the areas of curriculum development, professional training, and certification programs; and offers consulting services on positive psychology for businesses and organizations.
Arlen Solodkin is the founder and director of Instituto de Bienestar Integral, providing online and on-site programs in positive psychology and Integrative Psychotherapy. Arlen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied with Martin Seligman. In alliance with several private and governmental organizations, she has developed programs that foster meaning and purpose in the lives of children and young adults, with the goals of preventing depression and increasing optimism and leadership skills. Arlen has a longstanding career in the philanthropic field; works with universities, including Universidad Tecmilenio, el Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Universidad Hebraic, in the areas of curriculum development, professional training, and certification programs; and offers consulting services on positive psychology for businesses and organizations.
