“Four years ago, my relationship with my dad was extremely difficult. His history of alcoholism and abuse was such a powerful influence that I avoided close relationships. I built walls to protect me from being hurt, but the walls only kept me at a distance. I became cold and closed, too shy to allow anyone to truly love me—because, ultimately, I didn’t think I was worth loving. Through doing many dialogues at The Option Institute, I let go of my fears and trusted that I have something to offer. I realized that my dad had acted out of his own fears, and that his behavior didn’t mean I was worthless or deserved abuse. After my most recent program, Wide Awake, I decided to see my dad. The hours we spent were some of the best of my life, because I finally began the loving relationship that I craved for 20 years. I will always remember how good it felt to realize that it is never too late to love someone.”

- Carolina Kaiser, 26, Child Facilitator, Massachusetts

“I came to The Option Institute in 1988 to learn how to use empowerment in my electronic parts business and also sent senior managers here. I then completely changed our corporate management techniques, which was instrumental to our growth over the next 7 years. I had always been a control person but learned that, if I didn’t micromanage, I got more of what I wanted. I encouraged employees to take charge of themselves and their work. As they became happier and less stressed, they made better decisions, were more invested in the business, became creative in finding solutions, and worked more effectively with clients. Though I sold the company, the lessons I learned have been applicable every day of my life. My wife, daughters and several friends have also come to the Institute and, 16 years later, I’m still taking programs.”

- Dave Tully, 60, Investor/Consultant, Massachusetts

“I can still barely believe the radical change I feel in myself after only five days in Radical Authenticity! My new self-trust is so liberating and empowering. I used to cripple myself in my interactions with others, putting on a unique facade for every person and every interaction, in an attempt to be who I thought I was expected to be. Using my new powers of self-trust and authenticity I opened up to my platoon sergeant about the way we performed our duties. To my surprise, he was open to my suggestions and together we implemented many positive changes, resulting in a better workplace environment for ourselves and the soldiers we worked with every day. No more will I fear social situations or the judgments of others. Never again will I hold back my feelings for fear of repercussions. I have been so challenged to improve myself that the change in me is literally head-to-toe happiness!”

- Lenny Zappa, 22, Soldier, U.S. Army, Iraq/North Carolina

“Sometime during my life I lost myself and my way. Personally and professionally, I was not who I wanted to be. I stayed in a job because I was afraid to leave, and I poured myself out trying to make my husband happy. I had pulled back and shut down, not sure where to go—but certain I didn’t want to stay where I was. The Option Institute changed my life. In this environment of absolute love, I blossomed, grew and sloughed off old ways of thinking. I emerged strong, confident, happy, open-hearted, and alive! Thank you for giving me my life back.”

- Therese Leboffe, 50, Marketing Consultant, Massachusetts

“I used to think I was fat and unattractive, and I was unhappy about not being in a love relationship. These things felt like the end of the world to me and I would cry about them. Then I came to The Option Institute and the entire way I saw the world changed. I realized that judging myself and complaining wasn’t changing anything so I had to look at myself differently. I have since come to love every inch of my body and feel really good about being alone. I’m also looking forward to the possibility of having a fantastic, sustainable love relationship! I am finally ready. Thank you.”

- Abby Rappaport, 30, Son-RiseProgram® Child Facilitator, Israel

“Ever since I was a little girl I believed that my accomplishments defined me. I felt there were eyes looking at me to see if I was doing my best. It was a pressure-packed existence with a very hollow core. I didn’t know how faulty my operating system was until I discovered that my sister had been involved with my ex-husband before we divorced. I felt betrayed and very much a victim. I couldn’t work harder to fix this problem or control what people would think. Although I tried, I made myself sick and ‘needed’ antidepressant medication. As I came up the driveway for my first program, I read the sign, ‘A Place for Miracles,’ and thought, ‘I could certainly use one.’ It is not an exaggeration to say that The Option Institute saved my life. I am not afraid of myself anymore. I breathe lighter. I am more powerful and calmer at the same time. The Option Institute truly is ‘A Place for Miracles.’”

- Lois Atherton, 46, Museum Director, Massachusetts