Positive psychology has oceans of meaning for Krista
She’s had multiple careers in the water, and Krista Barry is determined her ocean experience can flow into helping others.
The Gold Coast surf school founder and CQUniversity Positive Psychology alumnus is launching a new ocean therapy initiative, working with groups and individuals to grow resilience, bravery and energy.
A passionate advocate for positive psychology, Mrs Barry said she first connected with the ideas as a teenage 1500m swimmer, training at the Australian Institute of Sport and at one time ranked fourth in the world.
“I didn’t realise it back then, but all the principles we grew up with, and got from our coaches, were all about resilience and positive mindset,” she explained.
Now in her 50s, and managing Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School for the past 23 years, Mrs Barry has seen first-hand how surfing has helped her clients feel more positive about tackling challenges back on land.
“While I was studying with CQU, I was realising how many of the positive psychology concepts were relevant to teaching surfing – facing vulnerability, and having a growth mindset, and sitting with unpredictability,” Mrs Barry explained.
“At the same time, I was noticing a movement of more middle-aged women learning to surf, and wanting to get into the ocean, so I focused my research on the reasons behind that.”
Mrs Barry found that big life changes, such as divorce, or children leaving home, or career challenges, were often prompted by a desire to get out comfort zones, and face something intimidating.
Graduating with her Master of Applied Positive Psychology in 2022, Mrs Barry then presented her research at the 2023 World Congress on Positive Psychology in Vancouver, Canada.
“Traditionally surfing is a male-dominated sport, especially where we operate at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast!” she said.
“So focusing on this female cohort gave me a new perspective on why people surf, and the psychological benefits that come with the process.
“Surfing is hard to do when you’re young, let alone older, and getting into the line-up with people who have been surfing all their lives!”
“But deciding to do that, and stepping up despite the fear, was changing how these women approached life, and shifting their attitudes and positivity and energy.”
CQUniversity’s Positive Psychology courses are available to study online, options to structure across six months, or up to four years.
Mrs Barry said CQU’s practical units covered topics including coaching, research and group facilitation, and she was able to implement strategies in her surf school, and to design Flow Like Water Academy.
“The course is so helpful, not only for my work and career, but I loved learning about myself, and learning how to help others too,” she said.
“It’s exciting to be able to share what I’ve learned, and know from experience the impact positive psychology will have.”
To explore your study options, visit CQUniversity’s Positive Psychology courses online.
