PERMA and Flourishing
An Update and Biblical Perspective
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.
Thursday, January 28, 2027
6:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Level: TBA
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Continuing Education
Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop:
Live: TBD
On Demand: Approved for 2 NBCC and IBCC Credits*
Summary
Martin Seligman(2011)’s PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments) model for flourishing or wellbeing will be reviewed and updated (see Ng, Chu, & Doshi, 2025) including the PERMA+.4 model with 4 additional domains of physical health, growth mindset, work environment, and economic security (Donaldson et al., 2022). A biblical perspective on flourishing (see Becker, 2022; Hackney, 2021; Koenig et al, 2026; Pennington, 2018; Vanderweele, 2024) focusing on shalom (peace and wholeness) (e.g., Numbers 6:24-26) and makarios (blessedness) (e.g., Matthew 5:3-12), as well as the abundant life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10) will also be presented. It is crucial to differentiate between temporal flourishing or the attainment of wellbeing and good related to our goods and experiences in the present life on earth, and eternal, eschatological flourishing or the ultimate fulfillment, complete restoration, and transcendent good realized in the life to come in communion and union with God (Vanderweele, 2024). Becker (2022) emphasizes that a biblical understanding of health “centers love for God and love for one another rather than individual strength or bodily ideals. The purpose of health … is not personal fulfillment, individual longevity, or even freedom from pain, though all these things may come. The purpose and measure of health is mutual relationships of sacrificial love.” (Pg. 31).
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Be able to articulate Seligman’s PERMA model for human flourishing.
- Be aware of the updated PERMA+4 model with the four additional domains.
- Be able to summarize a biblical perspective on flourishing that differentiates between temporal flourishing and eternal, eschatological flourishing, and emphasizes love for God and love for one another rather than individual strength or bodily ideals.
Continuing Education Statement
Live: TBD
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. *For Professionals needing Live CE Credits, Webinars Must be watched live. Webinars will remain Live until 12 am ET.
Psychologists
- The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AACC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
- The AACC is approved in multiple states to give Continuing Education to licensed mental health professionals. When requesting CEs, please indicate in which state you are licensed in on the Continuing Education Form. If this is not indicated, you may receive the wrong CE certificate for your state.
- The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), #1400, is approved as a provider for social work Continuing Education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. ASWB Approval Period: (09/06/2023 to 09/06/2026). Licensed social workers should contact their individual regulatory boards to review current Continuing Education requirements for licensure renewal. Any presentation that is less than 50 minutes in duration is not approved by the ASWB for Continuing Education credits.
American Association of Christian Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7543. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
On-Demand: NBCC & IBCC
Learn more about our Continuing Education Policies
Presenters
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist in Private Practice and a Professor of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in the Graduate School of Psychology. He is a member of American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association Pasadena Area Psychological Association, Canadian Psychological Association, Christian Association for Psychological Studies International, American Association of Christian Counselors, and Association for Psychological Science. Dr. Tan received his B.A. in Psychology and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University. He is a renowned expert in the field of Christian counseling world-wide. He has published over 20 books, numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and has conducted workshops and presents at conferences across the country. He has received the Distinguished Member Award, the Highest Honor from the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, the Gary R. Collins Award for Excellence in Christian Counseling, from the American Association of Christian Counselors, the William C. Bier Award for Outstanding and Sustained Contributions to the Applied Psychology of Religion, from Division 36 (Psychology of Religion), American Psychological Association, the 25th Anniversary AACC Distinguished Silver Award for Outstanding Influence and Leadership in the Development and Advancement of Christian Counseling Around the World, from the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the James E. Clinton Award for Excellence in Pastoral Care and Ministry, from the American Association of Christian Counselors.
