Happiness Science

Evidence-based guidance for the universal human quest

Next session:  Wed, April 15, 2026 (12:00PM–3:30PM Eastern)

Earlybird deadline:  Fri, April 10, 2026 at 5:00PM Eastern

Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life—
the whole aim and end of human existence.

Aristotle

The pursuit of happiness has long been considered an "art". But today, the universal human quest can also be guided by a substantial science. Each year, over 1,000 academic papers are published in the compelling field of “positive psychology”. 

The Happiness Science (HapSci) module begins with a short discussion of definitions and measurements. We then review the leading misconceptions about happiness, many of which are very widespread and very pernicious.

Our journey then arrives at the influential tome known as the "Un-DSM”, an 800 page, 3.49 pound ganglion-popper. We conclude our introduction with a survey of select World Happiness Reports. In addition to ranking countries, the influential United Nations publication includes some fascinating special features.

We continue to the core of Happiness Science: a lively exploration of over a dozen happiness-critical topics. As always, we prioritize the proven and practical:

• Awe is now backed by a significant (dare we say awesome?) literature. How do we define that “expansive” emotion, how do we enhance it, and what are its spillover impacts? 
• Career decisions are profound for our young, but how do we guide them? Here we explore the influential Ikigai model.
• Experiences make us happier than material possessions—or so goes the common wisdom. Although science is still largely onside, recent reports have revealed some complexities.
• Fun isn't only for children—unless your quest is unsuccessful aging. We have several delightful RCTs on "fun prescriptions". What did they reveal?
• Gratitude, in the words of Samuel Johnson, is “a fruit of great cultivation”. Thankfully, we now have a solid science—along with some specific recommendations—on how to get gratitude's juicy fruit.
• Humour is funny: We know we'd benefit from maintaining a better sense of humour, but few of us put in the effort. There's a literature here, one both amusing and prescriptive.
• Income relates to happiness, but only to a point—or so we’ve been told. Unfortunately, the influential “Easterlin paradox” has recently been called into question.
• Mind-expanding drugs are back. Many butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers now swear by their morning microdose of LSD in their orange juice. But didn’t we see this colorful movie before—starring Leary & Alpert—and didn't it end badly? Is it truly different this time? What does the current science say?
• Optimism sounds terrific, but most people are pessimistic about their ability to cultivate it. Bad news: the literature doesn't look good for those attached to their pessimism.
• Pets make many people happier, but most pets also poop. We review the implications of the key studies from the major pet therapy journals.
• Play isn’t what it used to be, and now we're all paying the price. We review the literature on unstructured childhood play in human development and adult well-being.
• Resilience has a literature that refuses to die (if anything, it continues to expand). We review the most timeless tips.
• Savouring refers to our ability to be present and to experience more deeply the pleasures of a given moment. As you may have heard, most pleasures in life are fleeting. As such, savouring is a skill the prudent person sensibly seeks to supercharge. But how?
• Self-actualization, as defined by Abraham Maslow, is the full realization of one’s potential. What's the scientific status of Maslow's enticing construct?
• Shinrin-yoku, when translated literally from Japanese, means "forest bathing". We summarize the blossoming "nature therapy" literature with a deep inhalation (of the lovely scent of pine).

Happiness Science is our most upbeat and broadly-applicable module. Please join us for this extremely positive CME!

Head instructor Greg Dubord, MD is the CME Director of CBT Canada, and the prime developer of medical CBT. He has presented over 500 workshops, including over 50 for the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and is a University of Toronto CME Teacher of the Year.

Register promptly and save $200

Sponsors of CBT Canada's workshops have included the CFPC, 
Dalhousie, McGill, McMaster, Memorial, Queen's, UAlberta, 
UBC, UCalgary, UdeM, USask, UToronto, and Western (UWO).

Select your preferred date

Times below are Eastern

If you ever need to cancel your registration for any reason whatsoever, you may transfer 100% of your tuition to another workshop without any penalty, or receive a full refund minus a 25% processing fee (policy). 

*  Tangible ideas I can bring back to my patients, family, self. I can now prescribe evidence-based advice to patients regarding happiness.  —Michelle Buresi, MD, FRCPC (Calgary, AB) 

*  Learned a lot… and an engaging & humourous presentation style. Might be feeling less burned out now, if I had learned more CBT techniques earlier in my career (instead of just supportive empathetic listening).  —Loraine Manzig, MD, CCFP, FCFP (Toronto, ON)  

*  Very practical, relevant tips and info. Love these courses—empowering and great to see benefits relating to patients—and myself!  —Noelene Le Roux, MD, CCFP (Prince Albert, SK)  

*  Concise and applicable.  —Andrea Rose, MD, CCFP (Salmon Arm, BC)  

*  Great resources for patient counseling.  —Marketa Olah, MD, CCFP (Toronto, ON)  

*  Very relevant to clinical practice and daily life... a great and useful session.  —Sheila Perera, MD, CCFP (Maple, ON)  

*  A lot of practical tips that can be immediately actioned.  —Alicia Mason, MD, CCFP (St. Albert, AB) 

*  Greg is an excellent and very engaging speaker… entirely up to date and fascinating.  —Kate Edgar, NP, (Cobourg, ON)  

*  My most favourite CME ever!!!  —Lois Stewart, MD (Saskatoon, SK)  

*  I enjoyed the wide variety of the topics presented on happiness, the historical aspect, and the application of science to refute some earlier claims.  —Piri Fejes, MD, CCFP (Barrie, ON) 

*  A wonderful session.  —Barend Olivier, MD (Fox Creek, AB)  

*  A great review. Best one yet!  —Doris Barwich, MD, CCFP(PC) (Abbotsford, BC)  

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