Events

Max and Fi share a passion for supporting the EP community to flourish, find purpose and feel fulfilled. They share values about learning, hope and positivity. 

With the changing landscape of the EP profession (Atfield, Baldauf & Owen, 2023), as well as working in a post-covid world and increased online working, there are many reasons why EPs may feel lonely, isolated and/or disillusioned. 

We set up PositiviTEA sessions to help the EP community to feel engaged, connected and uplifted. 

Our previous themes have included: gratitude, goal setting, circles of control (Covey, 1989), compassion satisfaction, flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) and self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Most recently, Max introduced the idea of ‘glimmers’. Popularised by Deb Dana, glimmers are micro-moments of happiness or signs of hope. 

We have shaped the format over time by listening to attendee feedback. EPs love the mixture of speed connections (4 minutes in paired breakout rooms, for two rounds), brief positive psychology input (10-15 minutes), followed by informal breakout rooms with 3-4 people for deeper discussions (20 minutes).

PositiviTEA sessions are open to qualified EPs (working in all and any contexts), Trainee EPs and Assistant EPs.

Max and Fi initially connected via social media and have become supportive colleagues, cheerleaders and friends.  

Max Caine worked as a Senior Educational Psychologist in a Local Authority in the North East for over 20 years. Two years ago, she established Max Purpose Psychology, where she offers one-on-one and group supervision, coaching, training  and school services. 

Fi Coley is a Senior EP in a South London Local Authority, as well as an Academic and Professional Tutor for the DEdPsy course. Fi also offers positive psychology coaching (‘The Ed Psych Coach’) for EPs who are seeking growth, fulfilment and meaning in their work. 

After two years of friendship and collaborations, Max and Fi are yet to meet in person! 

We have been blown away by the enthusiastic response to PositiviTEA sessions. So far, 489 places have been booked across seven PositiviTEA sessions since August 2023. 

Attendees have reported feeling: motivated, energised, curious, uplifted, connected, buzzing, safe, positive and hopeful.

Here’s what people are saying: 

• “PositiviTEA came at the right time for me with feeling a bit flat at the end of the year.”
• “I‘m really glad that I prioritised it today.”
• “Talking about glimmers has been a glimmer in itself.”
• “The time just flew by – a good indication of enjoyment!”
• “A space like this is invaluable.”

Our free online PositiviTEA sessions are half termly on Fridays at 1-2pm. You can book your space via Eventbrite.

Our next dates are: 

• Friday 13^th September 2024 (only for attendees of our Positive Psychology Conference)
• Friday 18th October 2024
• Friday 29^th November 2024.

See you there! Please feel free to share with others and help spread PositiviTEA!

Atfield, G., Baldauf, B., Owen, D., Davey, C., & Monk, L. (2023). Educational psychology services: workforce insights and school perspectives on impact. Department for Education. 

Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.