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The Option Institute
The Option Institute
2080 S. Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257 (413-229-2100)
CEO: R. Kaufman
2005 attendance: 1550 (2007 not available)
Website:
www.option.org
This institute’s story is an interesting one.
Barry Neil Kaufman and his wife Samahria rebirthed their own son from what
professionals labeled as the "incurable" illness of autism; bringing him from a
mute, withdrawn, functionally-retarded, under-30 IQ state to a highly verbal,
extroverted, happy young man who later tested at a near genius IQ. Without a
trace of his previous conditions, their son graduated Cum Laude Society/High
Honors from high school and earned a degree in biomedical ethics from an Ivy
League University. Drawing upon this experience, the Kaufmans went on to
establish The Option Institute in 1983 as a non-profit learning center where
they share their work with individuals, couples, families and groups.
The Option Institute has served thousands of people
from across the United States as well as from Great Britain, Japan, Australia,
Russia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Chile, and 30 other
countries. With a full time staff of 60 dedicated individuals, the Institute
offers programs year-round for people from all backgrounds, ages and
professions. They come to improve the quality of their relationships, career,
health or parenting skills; to empower themselves to be more self-trusting and
daring in their life pursuits; or to overcome professional burnout, the loss of
a loved one, depression, or chronic fatigue.
The story of the Kaufman family was documented in
the award-winning book and NBC-TV network movie, Son-Rise. The success of
the film led Barry Neil Kaufman to national exposure on shows such as Good
Morning America, Donahue and dozens of
others. In addition to frequent appearances in mass
media throughout the country, Barry has lectured at conferences, in universities
and hospitals, and has taken his teachings to the remotest part of Appalachia,
to the Andes in South America, and to the cities and countrysides of Europe,
Canada and the United States.
While directing The Option Institute, Barry has
continued as a best-selling author. Over 280 universities have placed his books
on reading lists for courses in philosophy, psychology, education, religion,
special education, and nursing. Happiness Is A Choice offers a blueprint
of simple, concrete methods to empower the decision to be happy. Son-Rise:
The Miracle Continues takes us through the moving rebirth of his own
special needs child and shares the sagas of five other families who dared to use
the Son-Rise Program®.
Barry Neil Kaufman Is The Author Of The Following
Books:
·
Happiness Is A Choice
·
Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues
·
To Love Is To Be Happy With
·
Giant Steps
·
A Miracle To Believe In
·
A Sacred Dying
·
Out-Smarting Your Karma
·
FutureSight
·
The Book Of Wows And Ughs
·
Son-Rise
There are over 2.5 million copies of his books in
print. He has been published by all major book clubs (Book of the Month Club,
Literary Guild and Doubleday). His books have been translated into
eighteen languages in 60 countries.
Since 1972, the Kaufmans have been teaching adults
the Option Process, a method of uncovering and changing limiting and/or
self-defeating beliefs. This unique process enables people to dramatically
increase their own happiness, self-direction, personal power and success, as
well as enhance their ability to meet challenging or difficult events with
strength and confidence.
Living The Dream…
This is the institute’s main
program. It is given as a 4 and 8-week intensive program. Cost is $11,400 for
an 8-week program (includes meals & lodging), $6,300 for 4 week program. “This
program is for anyone who wants to make deep and lasting changes. You’ll learn
to literally recreate yourself in whatever ways you choose: attitudes, beliefs,
behavior, career, lifestyle, relationships, health. For first-time visitors the
Institute offers two programs, Shortcuts to Happiness and Stress-Free. The cost
for
each
program is $1,795 and includes 5 nights lodging, meals and seminars. Also
offered is The Happiness Option Weekend. This 3-day seminar is $495 and includes
lodging, meals and seminars. All programs are held on the Massachusetts campus.
According to Option Institute’s literature/website,
benefits of the program include the following:
Personal Growth:
We'll help you become clear, happy, empowered, loving and open--with the
strength and know-how to sustain these changes long after the program ends.
Love Relationships:
Become a more loving, exciting, supportive and passionate friend and lover . . .
and learn to invite these qualities in your partner.
Health:
Improve your health and vitality by learning to use the power of your thoughts
and attitudes.
Sexuality:
Create relaxation, comfort and clarity about your sexuality, and the ability to
derive greater satisfaction and delight from your experiences.
Learning To Love:
How to open your heart, experience communion and connection with others, and
make love last.
Money:
Creating ease and comfort with what you have and the freedom to pursue what you
want.
Work:
Improve your effectiveness and enjoyment of what you do. You'll develop tools to
increase your success in your existing work or empower yourself to pursue a more
satisfying career.
Spiritual Growth:
With acceptance and support for your personal convictions, we'll encourage you
to hear your inner voice and use its guidance to invigorate your existing
beliefs or to create a new awareness of yourself and your place in the universe.
This institute also has a free online newsletter of
events, and operates the Option Indigo Press, a catalog of books, tapes, and
videos about self-improvement topics, relationships, self-empowerment, health
and parenting.
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