Empowering Transformation for a Thriving Life
Coach and social researcher for sustainable well-being
Published by Bristol University Press in 2021, Sustainable Hedonism by Austrian-Hungarian social researcher and psychological counselor Orsolya Lelkes, PhD, offers a groundbreaking perspective on creating a thriving life for all—without ecological destruction.
Orsolya Lelkes, PhD is an economist, social policy expert, certified coach (ICF), psychodrama director (ÖAGG, MPE), and psychological counsellor (WKO). With a career spanning academic research, policymaking, and coaching, she brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to supporting both collective and individual transformations towards a flourishing life.
Her expertise encompasses subjective well-being, happiness, social inclusion, political participation, social policy design, and post-growth societies. Her latest book, Sustainable Hedonism: A Thriving Life That Does Not Cost the Earth (Bristol University Press, 2021), has been translated and expanded for Hungarian audiences (Fenntartható Hedonizmus, HVG Könyvek, 2022), and published in German as Nachhaltiger Hedonismus (Buchschmiede, 2024). The book has been positively received and appreciated by a wide audience, including prominent figures and organisations such as Le Monde, Prof. Anne Power (LSE), Sir Prof. John Hills (LSE), Prof. Andrew Clark (PSE), Prof. Francis Munier
(University of Strasbourg), Jonathan Dawson (Schumacher College), Nick von Andrian (Postwachstum Blog), Guy Shennan (Journal of Solution-Focused Practices), as well as numerous readers from diverse fields and backgrounds.
As a certified coach and psychodrama director, she specialises in solution-focused, action-oriented methodologies, fostering experiential learning and transformational growth. Through her coaching and facilitation work, she creates a safe and supportive space where individuals and groups can explore visions of a thriving future and discover actionable pathways. She is currently a faculty member at the Psychodrama Akademie in Austria.
Previously, Orsolya served as Deputy Director at the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna (affiliated with the United Nations) and as Head of Economic Research at the Hungarian Ministry of Finance. She holds a PhD in Social Policy from the London School of Economics. She is a licensed psychological counsellor in Austria.
In her own words
My name, Lelkes, means enthusiastic or spirited in Hungarian—a gift I carry with pride and a manifesto I love to live by.
As an economist, postdoctoral researcher, and certified coach, I work towards fostering sustainable well-being. I am passionate about integrating two interconnected worlds: the common good and the flourishing of individual lives. My mission is to support collective and individual transformations toward a thriving life for all.
As a coach, I support my clients in creating a flourishing life. Drawing on Aristotle’s philosophy, a flourishing life is based on the idea that happiness is not the product of blind luck but the result of conscious actions and an intentional mindset – in the midst of life’s challenges and difficulties. In my work, I use action-oriented methods that enable clients to connect with their inner intuitive wisdom, reaching beyond everyday awareness, as well as embodied play and creative ritual.
I strive to advance the narrative of a new, flourishing life on Earth—one that is joyful, compassionate, and sustainable.
What is flourishing life on a societal and personal level?
On a societal level, flourishing life respects the planet’s ecological boundaries while promoting social justice by ensuring a social minimum as well as opportunities for thriving for all.
On a personal level, flourishing life is grounded in:
- Autonomy and creativity – instead of submission and conformity.
- Joy and inner peace – rather than impulsive pleasure-seeking and addictions.
- Supportive relationships and communities – transcending egoism, exploitation, and mistrust.
Together, let us create a vibrant narrative of flourishing life on Earth!
Working Languages
English, German, Hungarian
Education
- Certified coach of the International Coach Federation, Solution-focused brief coaching method by Solutionsurfers
- Psychodrama Leader (1000 hours, 8 years), MPE, ÖAGG, Australian College of Psychodrama
- Family and Couple Therapy (500 hours, 4 years)
- PhD, Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom
- MSc, Social Policy, LSE, United Kingdom
- MSc Economics, Corvinus University Budapest, Hungary
Further education and interests
- Psychodramatic Organizational Constellations Curriculum with Roswitha-Riepl under the ÖAGG (Österreichische Arbeitskreis für Gruppentherapie und Gruppendinamik)
- Train the Trainers, Global Ecovillage Network
- Action-oriented group coaching training with Gabriella Szabo, MCC International Coach Federation
- Psychodrama advanced training with Dr. Max G. Clayton, Director of the Australian College of Psychodrama
- Family and couple therapy workshops with in-depth topics: Imago Therapy, Psychopathology, Development psychology, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Sexual Grounding Therapy
- Family constellation workshops
- various conscious dance practices
- urban cycling
- FoodCoop: founding member
- neighbourhood activist
Social Researcher – professional highlights
- Deputy Director, European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna a non-profit organization working under the auspices of the United Nations
- Head of Economic Research Division at the Hungarian Ministry of Finance
- Country delegate at the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) of the European Council.
- Doctoral studies, teaching and research at the London School of Economics, London;
- Research and collaboration with international networks in the fields of positive psychology, quality of life, sustainability and social transformation
- Lecturer and author of numerous scientific publications.
Testimonials
Feedback from trainers and colleagues
“Orsolya Lelkes completed the Action-Oriented Coach training course at the Watson Coach School, which I lead. Throughout the training, I observed her professional credibility, her drive as a team leader, and her strong sense of identity as a coach.
She excels in group work, confidently embracing her leadership role while inspiring group members to engage actively and think creatively. Orsolya possesses a broad methodological foundation in personal and team coaching, with a particular expertise in action-oriented methodologies.
This unique approach empowers clients to break free from habitual thought patterns—whether in personal, team, or group coaching—by exploring new perspectives and developing alternative roles. Orsolya’s deep expertise in this methodology enables her to guide clients with an active, solution-focused approach, offering innovative and transformative support.
She is a committed, action-oriented professional who embodies the qualities of a true changemaker.”
“She is energetic and well-informed on dynamic issues. She keeps the therapeutic framework well. Good listening, empathy, does not impose her values on the family, open.”
”Orsolya is spirited, dynamic and convincing. Her work is characterized by readiness for action, an active focus on the client, and the search for constructive solutions. Orsolya is a person with inner depths, with a profoundly spiritual personal experience, interest and knowledge. She is honest to herself and the surrounding world, and to the other person who is engaged in the meeting. At the same time, however, she expects the same attitude from the other party. Her personality and professional skills guarantee a high level of competence. I recommend her wholeheartedly and without hesitation.”
Feedback from clients
“What do I notice following a brief coaching session with Dr Orsolya Lelkes?
My concerns have started to shift – not in the sense of setting intentions or writing lists of pros and cons, but in the sense of a desire which became clearer, a greater joy and very specific pragmatic steps in everyday life. My earlier ‘I should’ or ‘I must’ has turned into a clear ‘I want’. In my joint work with Orsolya Lelkes I have appreciated her conversation skills – a good blend of expert skills, presence, clear structure and infectious enthusiasm.”
“Orsolya – with her empathy and her visual solutions – helped me to reach new realizations, which brought a breakthrough for me. I saw that ‘flowers grow in the swamp and in the cracks of rocks’ – I have many more possibilities than I thought before the session.”
“My life took a major turn, thanks to you. I had a date and will have another one, with the same lady, but our meeting was completely different. I felt mutuality, joy, respect and acceptance.”
“I think back with some wistfulness to those Saturdays, which felt like warm, balmy days to me. I very much miss the state of being we shared together: stepping out from the daily routine and supporting each other without self-interest. It is about a year ago that we were in that somewhat strange house. I wonder if I thanked you for accompanying me since that day in my pregnancy, in my maturation as a mother, and for taking care of me.”
Publications
(Selection)
“Sustainable Hedonism. A Thriving Life That Does Not Cost the Earth” (2021). Bristol University Press: Bristol.
“Eudaimonie statt Hedonismus: das Glück als aktive und kreative Lebensaufgabe: Psychodrama als Bühne des Glücks”. (2018). Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie. 17(1): 101-109
“Happily Ever After. The Role of Welfare Policies”. (2015). In: B. Marin (ed.). The Future of Welfare in Global Europe. Ashgate: Farnham: 405-425.
“Minimising misery: a new strategy for public policies instead of maximising happiness?”. (2013). Social Indicators Research. 114 (1):121-137
“Happier and less isolated: internet use in old age”. (2013). Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 21 (1): 33-46.
“Measuring happiness on a national level”. (2012). In: E. Kapferer, A. Koch and C. Sedmak (eds). Logics of Change. Poverty, Place, Identity and Social Transformation Mechanisms. Cambridge Scholars Publishing: Cambridge: 146-160.
“Social participation and social isolation” (2010). In: A. B. Atkinson and E. Marlier (eds.). Income and living condition
“Sustainable Hedonism. A Thriving Life That Does Not Cost the Earth” (2021). Bristol University Press: Bristol.
“Eudaimonie statt Hedonismus: das Glück als aktive und kreative Lebensaufgabe: Psychodrama als Bühne des Glücks”. (2018). Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie. 17(1): 101-109
“Happily Ever After. The Role of Welfare Policies”. (2015). In: B. Marin (ed.). The Future of Welfare in Global Europe. Ashgate: Farnham: 405-425.
“Minimising misery: a new strategy for public policies instead of maximising happiness?”. (2013). Social Indicators Research. 114 (1):121-137
“Happier and less isolated: internet use in old age”. (2013). Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 21 (1): 33-46.
“Measuring happiness on a national level”. (2012). In: E. Kapferer, A. Koch and C. Sedmak (eds). Logics of Change. Poverty, Place, Identity and Social Transformation Mechanisms. Cambridge Scholars Publishing: Cambridge: 146-160.
“Social participation and social isolation” (2010). In: A. B. Atkinson and E. Marlier (eds.). Income and living condition