Stan Cohen graduated from our Certified Option Process® Mentor Certification Program in January of 2001 and currently practices in Chestnut Ridge, New York. As a way to support and encourage private mentoring practice, we are pleased to provide a web page for each of our Certified Mentors. The following information has been provided to us by Stan.

Stan I. Cohen Two Janna Court Chestnut Ridge, New York 10977 Phone: (845) 356-3110 Phone: (845)356-9171 Fax: (845) 371-9218 E-mail: sic@bestweb.net

1. What is your mentoring background and related experience?

My first experience with the Option Process® Dialogue was at a Happiness Is A Choice weekend in June of 1998. During the summer of 1999 I learned a lot more about the dialogue process in the eight week Living The Dream course. During that summer, I mentored, on average, one dialogue per day. By the end of the summer and through January 2001, I was averaging 2 to 3 dialogues a week with other Living The Dream course participants. In January 2001, I was a participant in one of the most extensive training courses in my life. By the end of January, I became one of three people to become a Certified Option Process® Mentor/Counselor. Initially, after the course, I spent a lot of time creating brochures, business cards and other marketing information. Since that time I have been averaging 4 to 5 dialogues per week and my practice is beginning to grow.

2. Why did you become an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor?

For a period spanning over twenty years, I spent half as a CPA in one of the largest accounting firms in the world. I then became an executive officer and a member of the Board of Directors of a bank whose stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1998, I decided to successfully retire from banking in an effort to connect more with people and "give back" part of myself to the world. Doing dialogues is a way where I can do this and I am passionately enjoying my new ability to help others in my role as a Certified Option Process® Mentor/Counselor.

3. Why do you believe the Option Process® and the Option Process® Dialogue are so effective?

The Option Process® and the Option Process® Dialogue are so effective because they allow people to clearly look at their beliefs. These beliefs represent the filters that we use when viewing our lives. It's at the magical moment when we are able to slow down and see our beliefs, that the powerful opportunity to change or discard the beliefs become possible. Even if we choose to retain some of our beliefs we do so out of clear choice. We are no longer a victim. Instead, we are empowered to make the decisions that will profoundly affect our lives.

I have seen this construct work so many times for myself and for others. At this point in my life, after three years of extensive training, extensive reading and constant application in my life, I can say without a doubt that I am the happiest that I have ever been in my life. Further, I have become such an insightful student of myself. I feel so much clearer about what I want and so much more empowered in living the life that I want.

4. How can someone specifically use the Option Process® Dialogue to change their life?

We can look at our lives in a model of Stimuli/Beliefs/Responses. Stimuli are the things we focus on or put our attention on. Sometimes these things can be external to us, like rain, and sometimes they can be internal to us, like our thoughts. As human beings, we have beliefs that serve as our filters for the stimuli. It is directly from these beliefs (and not from the stimuli) that we get our responses in the form of feelings and behaviors. For example, if it rains today and I have a belief that rain is bad for me (let's assume that I want to take my family to a pool) the resulting response may be a feeling of sadness and a behavior of sulking. Alternatively, if I am a farmer and have a belief that rain is good (for my crops to grow), I may give myself a feeling of excitement on a rainy day. In both examples, the same exact thing happened. It rained! However, because of differing beliefs, the responses were totally different. One of the responses was based in unhappiness, while the other was based in happiness. Some people try to control the stimuli while others try to control the responses. Looking at your beliefs (our filters in life) can allow you to decide which ones to retain and which ones to change or discard entirely. The Option Process® Dialogue allows people a forum to make such powerful choices for their lives. As in the example above, the beliefs you hold will totally affect the way you perceive your life experiences.

5. How have you used the Option Process® Dialogue to change your life?

The Option Process® dialogue has changed my life in so many ways by making me happier than ever, clearer about myself and my wants, and more empowered than ever. Specifically, the Option Process® Dialogue has helped me with my relationship with one of my three sons who has special needs. The Option Process® and the Option Process® Dialogue has given me a way to be with my son like never before. After years of anger and frustration, I am now with him with so much love and acceptance. I am no longer a victim. Instead, I recognize this sweet little boy as one of the biggest gifts in my life.

6. Do you recommend anything to help someone prepare for a dialogue? (any specific reading, listening, viewing, etc.)

Prior to doing a dialogue, I recommend familiarizing oneself with Option Principles. One way would be by reading Happiness Is A Choice, Giant Steps or To Love Is To Be Happy With.

7. Do you have any quotes from any clients that you would like us to include?

"Dialoguing with Stan has been one of the greatest gifts I could give myself. To have someone who listens without judgment, no matter what I say, and lets me find the best way to my own answers is not only a great comfort but helps me see a clearer path to my true self."

Marnie A. - Seattle, WA.

"During the weekly dialogues that I have been doing with Stan, I have changed scores of unhappiness producing and limiting beliefs. I have come to hear and know myself much more intimately, and have made new and happier choices as a result. Stan's peaceful, loving and accepting presence is a gift to any self- inquiring person."

Jane W. - Rye, NY

"Stan has such a loving and accepting attitude, along with the skills and desire to help others in discovering their path to happiness. It is a privilege to dialogue with Stan."

Adam T. - Boston, Ma.

8. Please include a brief statement on what being a mentor has meant to you, along with any inspirational stories or updates on your progress as a professional mentor.

During Certification 2001, I mentored a volunteer who had an issue that she had struggled with for years in traditional counseling. With the gift of one probing question (probably never dared asked to her before) she was able to see the belief that was the cause of years of unhappiness and self-defeating behaviors. At this moment of clarity, she took the powerful opportunity to change her belief and, in essence, changed her life. It was a few minutes after this dialogue that I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. I was and still am so honored to be with her and so many others in their journeys.

I knew a very long time ago that I wanted to leave the financial world and find something that I wanted to do when I "grew up." Mentoring is so clearly the thing that I want to do. This spiritual experience has not only provided my life with something I consider so meaningful, but I have become so much more centered, present, and loving with the people around me.