A full day of talks exploring how psychology can help you uncover a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

What would you rather have: a happy life or a meaningful life?

In surveys, most people list happiness as their top value, and self-help books and life coaches make up part of a multibillion-dollar industry.

But should happiness really be the only goal that motivates us?

Recent research has found that the pursuit of happiness alone can negatively affect our well-being, and people who highly value it report feeling lonelier on a daily basis.

By contrast, a growing body of evidence is indicating that the pursuit of meaning leads to a deeper and more lasting form of well-being. Indeed, participants in a study who had pursued meaning said they felt more “enriched,” “inspired,” and “part of something greater than myself.” They also reported fewer negative moods.

But how do you build meaning?

In this series of talks, we’ll explore the science and psychology of meaning. We’ll discuss evidence-based ways human beings build meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives.

You’ll learn:

• How existential psychology can help you uncover your own sense of meaning and purpose

• Carl Jung’s Search for Meaning, individuation and how Jungian psychology can help you grow as an individual, become more authentic and create a life of purpose

• How to use the latest scientific research to overcome ‘capitalist life syndrome’ and live a meaningful life in an era of scepticism and continuous stress from the economic ratrace

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how these ideas can help you create more meaning and purpose in your own life, and also how to help others do the same.

Lectures & Speakers

Existential Approaches to Therapy - Professor Mick Cooper

Mick Cooper is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton and a practising counselling psychologist. Mick is the author of a range of texts on person-centred, existential and pluralistic approaches to counselling and psychotherapy. His principal research interests are counselling in schools and the therapeutic relationship.

Carl Jung's Search for Meaning - Gary Lachman

Gary Lachman is a founding member of the rock group Blondie, and now a full time writer with more than a dozen books to his name, on topics ranging from the evolution of consciousness and the western esoteric tradition, to literature and suicide, and the history of popular culture. Lachman writes frequently for many journals in the US and UK, and lectures on his work in the US, UK, and Europe.

The Science of a Meaningful Life - Dr Joel Vos

Dr Joel Vos is a clinical psychologist, philosopher and director of the internet platform: Meaning Online. He works as a researcher and lecturer at The Metanoia Institute and the New School for Psychotherapy and Counselling in London. Joel is chair of the IMEC International Meaning Conferences London, and has written over 70 scientific publications.

For a full breakdown of the lectures & speakers, please click here.

Format

The format will be similar to a TED event, but with in-depth lectures and focused on Potential.

10:00am – 12:00pm: Session 1

12:00 - 1:00pm: Lunch break

1:00pm - 3:00pm: Session 2

3:00pm - 3:15pm: Afternoon break

3:15pm - 5:00pm: Session 3

Testimonials from Previous Attendees

Still not sure what to expect? Read what previous attendees have said here.

TWU Guarantee

The Weekend University seeks to guarantee an excellent learning experience.

If you are not fully satisfied with the day, you will receive 100% of your money back, and we will cover the cost of your travel to and from the venue.

Refund Policy

We offer a full refund if you cancel within 7 days of the event date.

For cancellations in the week leading up to the event, tickets are transferable but non-refundable.

Event Partners

Coaching Development has been at the forefront of coach training for well over a decade, and have trained more than 1,500 professional coaches worldwide. They have facilitated numerous in-house trainings, designed and delivered coach assessment processes and assisted organisations in developing a coaching culture and their internal coach banks. Their recent clients include Apple, Barclays, John Lewis, NHS, Glaxo Smith Kline and Facebook. Coaching Development's training courses are accredited by the International Coach Federation; the original, largest and a globally-recognised professional coaching body. For more information, please click here.