The PERMA model, developed by psychologist Martin Seligman, is a framework for achieving well-being and fulfillment in life. PERMA stands for positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. By focusing on these five key elements, individuals can experience greater happiness and satisfaction in their lives. As a therapist or counselor, you can help your clients apply the PERMA model to their own lives through various activities and worksheets. Here are eight PERMA model activities and worksheets that you can use with your clients:

1. Three Good Things: This activity involves asking clients to write down three things that went well each day and why they think those things happened. This helps clients focus on positive events and cultivate a sense of gratitude, which can lead to greater overall happiness.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a worksheet where they can record their three good things each day. Encourage them to reflect on their entries regularly and notice any patterns or trends in the things that make them feel happy.

2. Strengths Assessment: Help clients identify their unique strengths and talents through a strengths assessment tool like the VIA Character Strengths Survey. By recognizing and utilizing their strengths, clients can improve their engagement and sense of accomplishment in various areas of their lives.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a strengths assessment worksheet where they can list their top strengths and brainstorm ways to leverage them in different aspects of their life.

3. Gratitude Journal: Encourage clients to keep a gratitude journal where they can write down things they are grateful for each day. This practice can boost positive emotions and help clients find meaning in their daily experiences.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a gratitude journal template that they can use to record their daily gratitudes. Encourage them to review their entries regularly and reflect on how expressing gratitude impacts their well-being.

4. Goal Setting: Collaborate with clients to set meaningful and achievable goals that align with their values and aspirations. Goal-setting can help clients increase their sense of accomplishment and motivation to pursue activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a goal-setting worksheet where they can define their goals, outline action steps, and set deadlines for achieving them. Encourage them to revisit their goals regularly and track their progress.

5. Social Connection Activities: Help clients strengthen their relationships with others by engaging in activities that foster connection and communication. Social connections are crucial for well-being and can enhance clients’ sense of belonging and support.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a social connection activity worksheet where they can brainstorm ways to connect with friends, family, or colleagues. Encourage them to schedule regular social interactions and reflect on the impact of these connections on their mood and well-being.

6. Mindfulness Meditation: Introduce clients to mindfulness meditation practices to help them cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress. Mindfulness can enhance engagement with daily activities and promote emotional regulation.

Worksheet: Provide clients with guided mindfulness meditation scripts or audio recordings that they can use to practice mindfulness at home. Encourage them to journal about their experiences and observations during meditation sessions.

7. Acts of Kindness: Encourage clients to perform acts of kindness for others as a way to increase positive emotions and strengthen relationships. Acts of kindness can also contribute to a sense of meaning and purpose in clients’ lives.

Worksheet: Provide clients with an acts of kindness worksheet where they can brainstorm and plan various acts of kindness to perform throughout the week. Encourage them to reflect on the impact of their actions on themselves and others.

8. Values Clarification: Help clients identify their core values and beliefs to guide their decision-making and behavior. Living in alignment with one’s values can enhance a sense of meaning and fulfillment in life.

Worksheet: Provide clients with a values clarification worksheet where they can list their top values and explore how these values influence their choices and actions. Encourage them to reflect on whether their current lifestyle reflects their values and consider making adjustments as needed.

By incorporating these PERMA model activities and worksheets into your therapy sessions, you can help your clients cultivate greater well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in their lives. Encourage clients to practice these activities regularly and incorporate them into their daily routines to experience lasting positive changes. By focusing on positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment, your clients can work towards creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.