This post is also available in: French
Living Life to the Full is a mental health promotion course designed to help people deal with everyday life challenges and learn self-management skills using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. Course content and materials are practical and easily applied to everyday life situations. The course is suitable for people of all ages – from youth to seniors.
Developed by a leader in CBT
Living Life to the Full is based on the Five Areas Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model as developed by Dr. Chris Williams – an expert and trainer in CBT and Emeritus Professor in Psychosocial Psychiatry. This insightful approach teaches that all the things we experience, think, feel and do are interconnected. Just as an event, thought, feeling, behaviour or physical symptom can start a chain reaction that gets us down, so we can reverse the process and use this interconnection to rebuild happiness.
An evidence-based program
Living Life to the Full is an effective way to improve depression, anxiety and social-function when delivered in a community setting. This effect is observed even 6 months after the course end.
Living Life to the Full Randomized Control Trial, Scotland 2013
Living Life to the Full was an enjoyable experience that made a difference in the lives of older adults (55+). Course participants reported improvements in psychological and social factors.
Living Life to the Full Older Adults, Ontario 2014
The course has been delivered in many different settings to participants of different ages and backgrounds: military families, First Nations communities, older adult caregivers, etc.
Gary’s story
Hear one BC man’s story about how the Living Life to the Full course changed his life.
Gary’s – Living Life to the Full from CMHA BC on Vimeo.
Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division holds the exclusive licence to the Living Life to the Full program in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Living Life to Full
Living Life to the Full has been delivered in Canada since 2013.
Group courses
Everyone can benefit from attending a Living Life to the Full course! The course is for anyone dealing with stress, anxiety or just needing help in dealing with life’s challenges.
The course is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. If Living Life to the Full is not suitable, visit your local CMHA branch for more information about alternative services you can access.
No courses currently available in your area?
Contact your local CMHA branch to request the Living Life to the Full course near you.
Or, buy a set of booklets and complete the course yourself at home. Booklets are available for $33.00 + tax. Visit the CMHA BC Store to order the booklets.
Group courses are currently available in English and French.
Booklets are currently available in English, French, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Living Life to the Full teaches self-management skills using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. Course content and materials are practical and easily applied to everyday life situations. During the course attendees cover topics including: self confidence, problem-solving, stress management, motivation, dealing with unhelpful thoughts and anger management.
Be a facilitator
Accommodation and travel are not provided with the 2-Day Facilitator Workshop. Workshop attendees are required to book their own accommodation and travel to the training location.
Please be aware that although unlikely, it is possible for dates of workshops to change or workshops to be cancelled if there is not enough demand. To avoid any problems, please ensure your accommodation and travel bookings will be fully refunded in the event of a cancellation.
No you only have to attend one training to deliver the course in English or French. For example, once you have attended a French 2-Day Facilitator Workshop, you are able to deliver the course in French and English.
Course providers
All organizations providing Living Life to the Full courses are required to pay an annual fee of $150 to maintain the Living Life to the Full sub-licence.