The Option Institute

Specialties

— The mission is to help individuals and families from around the globe live happier, more successful lives.

— 18 unique learning and training programs are offered each year.

— Programs are engaging, interactive and dynamic.

— Programs teach a Stimulus-​Belief-​Response model.

— Program participants learn how to effectively change their beliefs so they can change their lives — relationships, careers, health and family dynamics.

— Personal-​growth workshops invite clients to challenge limitations, find their passion, and claim their power in their personal and professional lives through The Option Process.

— Innovative training programs are provided to parents and professionals who are caring for children challenged by Autism and related developmental difficulties by implementing the Son-​Rise Program, a highly effective, child-​centered method.

— Training and certification is offered to individuals who wish to become Option Process Mentor Counselors, Group Facilitato

History

Established in 1972.

–Founded in 1983 by Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman, who have taught The Option Process since 1972.

–Nonprofit 501©(3) charitable, educational organization.

–Mission: to help individuals and families from around the globe live happier, more successful lives.

–Located on a 100-​acre campus in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

–Offers 16 different self-​improvement workshops to adults, including Happiness Option Weekend, Optimal Self-​Trust, CouplesCourse, Radical Authenticity, Calm Amid Chaos, and Inner Strength.

–Individuals from almost 90 countries have attended programs.

–Employs a full-​time staff of over 75 dedicated individuals.

–The Kaufmans currently serve as Co-​Directors and teachers at The Option Institute.

–The Autism Treatment Center of America, a division of The Option Institute and home of the Son-​Rise Program, was also founded by the Kaufmans in 1983, after they fully recovered their son, Raun Kaufman, from Autism using the Son-​Rise Prog

Meet the Business Owner

Barry and Samahria K.

Business Owner

— Co-​Founders and Co-​Directors of The Option Institute International Learning and Training Center and the Autism Treatment Center of America.

— Teaching The Option Process worldwide since 1972.

— Co-​Originators of the Son-​Rise Program for children with Autism and developmental challenges.

— Barry Neil Kaufman is a noted international speaker, seminar leader, and Group Facilitator.

— Barry Neil Kaufman is the best-​selling author of 12 books on The Option Process and the Son-​Rise Program, including Happiness Is A Choice, Son-​Rise: The Miracle Continues, and PowerDialogues.

— Recipients of the Christopher Award twice and Humanitas Prize for writing books and a screenplay that celebrate the dignity and inspiration of humanity.

— Parents of six, including his son Raun Kaufman, who they helped to fully recover from Autism, and three children adopted from circumstances of trauma.

— Their work has been featured in over 2,000 articles and programs published or broadcast in major media including