Back to program page. Bears Kaufman Samahria Kaufman Raun K. Kaufman Clyde Haberman Beverly Haberman Stan Cohen
Bears Kaufman
“I thought I was coming to a training program that would teach me a practical skill, but that was maybe 5% of it-the other 95% was learning-once and for all-to get really comfortable in my own skin- because it is only from this space of self-acceptance and love that I can deliver the simple, useful questions of the dialogues.”Erik Linthorst, Mentor / Film Maker, California
“Certification 2007 has without a doubt been one of the most significant and powerful months of my life. The program has been delivered with excellence; the classes were fun, clear, well-balanced and very useful. The love and support from all the staff to learn and grow has been outstanding. Thank you so much for your willingness to take each step in training and self-studentship with each of us. It is an honor and a delight to now be a fully equipped mentor and an ambassador for this process in the world.”Rachel Jacobson, Psychology / Neuroscience University Student, United Kingdom
“This month has been life changing for me. Having uncovered how I generate has helped me allow myself to be me, to love me and to be whom I am with. What a Gift!”Benjamin Hoffmann, Design Innovator, Belgium
“Mentor training allowed me to look deeper, farther and more intensely into myself than any program I’ve ever taken. The gift it offers to you to bring to the world (the dialogues) is only matched by the gift it offers to you to give to yourself.”Chris Kisling, Mentor / Bus. Development Mgr., Los Angeles
“I learned to let go of anxiety, self-judgment and fear of others and to trust myself and truly listen to others in ways I never have before. I received tremendous love and support in conjunction with the challenges of learning and growing. I realized in much greater depth that we can change what we think and feel at any time.”Jon Hillegeist, Workforce Development / Organizational Effectiveness, Connecticut
“Certification 2007 was a phenomenal training program and the biggest opportunity for the most profound personal change. I took that opportunity to become accepting and loving towards myself which resulted in accepting and loving others (teachers, participants, volunteers, staff).”Steffan Golt, Mechanical Engineer, Texas
“The tools I learned in mentor training are the top of the line. I have used them to totally redesign myself and my life for the better. I sincerely felt like I didn’t have to die first before I could experience Heaven. This training program is a month of Heaven on Earth! And I will take this experience with me in every moment of my life.”Heather DAmore, Photographer / Therapist, Maryland
“I have learned the amazing transformative skill of The Option Process Dialoguing, which I will joyfully share with the rest of the world. I have uncovered and changed more self-limiting beliefs than I ever thought possible. It was a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience that I highly recommend everyone to experience.”Mark Walker, Life Coach, United Kingdom
“Have you ever had a moment or an experience so extraordinarily beautiful and rewarding that you felt your life would be complete even if that moment was to be your last? For me, Certification was an astounding collection of such moments. I cannot imagine another environment for profound personal growth and rapid, deep learning that could rival the efficacy of this program. The changes I have made in this month are radical, fundamental, and solid. What I’m taking away with me can scarcely be described in words, but the first ones that come to mind are surely love, gratitude, and joy.”Susan Griffin-Towbin Freelance Writer California
“Imagine being kept in an incubator for a month; kept warm with love and support; fed and strengthened daily with your own learnings and insights; inner wisdom brought out through gentle, probing questions from those who teach. Imagine growing stronger in who you are, in what you know, and finding that deep place of trust inside that enables you to help birth empowerment in another human soul. Finally, at the end of the month, picking through the last of your shell and spreading your wings, and realizing in that moment that you are, and always have been, a magnificent eagle. The depth of my learning in Certification has taken me soaring to new heights, singing louder, loving bigger, and feeling deeper. I am so blessed to now have the skills to help birth this wonderment and joy in others.”Therese Leboffe Marketing Director Massachusetts
“Certification has been a fantastic journey for me, and a really amazing education in understanding the human dynamic. My intention was to learn The Option Process® Dialogue fully so that I could help other people, but throughout the program I learned so much more about myself than ever before, and that was the greatest gift I have ever received. I am refreshed, ready, and capable to give and share love with other people. Thank you very much for all we have learned.”Niels Hojer Manager Denmark
“I came to Certification to learn one of the most powerful tools for human development and self-studentship in loving that I have ever found. I received so much more! The faculty consistently taught us with the highest level of excellence and expertise in The Option Process® Dialogue, while encouraging us to expand our studentship and apply ourselves intellectually, passionately, and with complete dedication to each task at hand. We became a magnificent learning community for each other and each day we became more of the teaching we came here to learn: to be present, to be nonjudgmental, to see everyone as their own best expert, and to consistently and passionately want the best for ourselves and each other. I will carry these teachings with me into everything I do from now on!”Erika Cohen Tutor/Educational Consultant New Jersey
“Certification has touched my life in ways far beyond what I ever imagined. My intention was to learn to be an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, in order to share the amazing tool of the Dialogue with others. I am finishing the training program not only with excellent skills and excitement about sharing the Option Process® Dialogue, but also having experienced incredible life changes. During this month, I had the opportunity to really confront my doubts and challenge my fear of letting my light shine in the world in a big way. I am leaving the program knowing that in letting my own light shine brightly, I am not overshadowing others nor dampening their spirits, but am, in fact, encouraging others to let their own lights shine. I am incredibly grateful for the skills I have learned, but even more for all the love and acceptance that encouraged me to uncover my light and share it.”Lee McLendon Educational Counselor Vermont
“Certification was far and away the most powerful program I have ever taken, anywhere. I learned more about myself and about living a truly accepting life than I had ever imagined. I will be a totally different person and foster parent because of this experience. I see my love as spreading out like ripples on a pond and touching everyone.”Bob Roos Foster Parent Minnesota
“Certification has been the ultimate learning experience of my life. I have learned so much more about myself and The Option Process® Dialogue. I have let go of the person I was in order to be the person I could be”the best and biggest Robin
“I signed up for Certification because I wanted to share The Option Process® Dialogue, which has enabled me to overcome what I once saw as unmovable obstacles to peace and happiness. What I walk away with is so much more”a deeper sense of who I am, what I want, and what I am truly capable of. Even though I came here happy and content with my life, I was able to uncover and discard several beliefs that I wasn’t even aware had been holding me back from reaching my potential
“Certification has been an amazing, life-transforming journey for me. In learning to be an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, I have learned how to live my life in a completely different and incredibly fulfilling way. We have been so blessed with a skillfully crafted program and dedicated, loving, and talented teachers. This has enabled me to learn how to be truly loving, completely present, and accepting as a Mentor and in my life. The gift of a question and the power of the dialogue have given me a new way of being and the tools to continue to transform myself, moment by moment, day by day forever! Thank you with all my heart.”Leah Taylor Roy Philanthropic Foundations Chair Massachusetts
“The 1-month Certification immersion program is an awesome way to learn mentoring. Learning about mentoring is not merely learning a technique, although there are specific skills involved. This month has been a tremendous opportunity to learn about being the kind of person I have aspired to be: totally loving and present with myself and those whom I mentor. To be immersed in this program for a month has afforded me the opportunity to be reborn”dropping self-judgments; facing and conquering fears; learning to trust myself, the dialogue and the explorers; and growing my love bigger! In addition to all that, I also learned the science and art of being an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor.
“Without reservation, the monthlong program, Certification, was an absolutely priceless opportunity to recreate myself into a more self-aware, loving, accepting, clearer, and happier person. I made concrete and specific changes in how I am with myself, not judging or needing to be afraid of others’ judgments anymore. The most freeing and empowering lesson is to recognize that we are not static but always changing. Since I’ve learned to totally love and accept myself, I can now more clearly deliver this with excellence and clarity to others.”Nancy Love Counselor Massachusetts
“During Certification, I learned through mentoring as well as exploring that deep inside everyone, including myself, there is only ‘goodness.’ Whatever we do, even if it appears to be self-defeating or sabotaging, we are always doing our best to take care of ourselves. Having this knowing in my heart gives me trust and confidence to be myself, to dare to go for my wants, to be open to whatever comes in my life.”France Frascarolo Research Psychologist Switzerland
“There has never in the history of my life, been a program like Certification, that supported its participants with the love, encouragement, and pure desire to make winners out of each and every member of the group. It was in that incubator of absolute helpfulness and prayer (from teachers, staff, volunteers, and fellow students) that each and every one of us birthed a brand new person into being.”Lynette Louise Writer Texas
“What I learned to let go of in Certification is perhaps even more valuable than the mentoring skills I acquired. I see myself more loving of self and others, and more relaxed, open, accepting, and present to the miracles of life. These attributes, in addition to helping me to be an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, enrich my whole life. I’m so grateful for a new and wondrous way to walk in the world.”Honey Freidman Chiropractor New York
“What a wonderful journey Certification has been. I had the opportunity to really get to the roots of my self-judgment”and therefore all judgment. I found a way out of myself in learning The Option Process® Dialogue
“Up until now, I thought going to the eight-week course, Living The Dream, was the best gift I’ve ever given myself in my life. Well, now I have a new best gift. I came to the Certification program originally to improve my mentoring skills, but I leave here with so much more. I went to the deepest depths I’ve ever gone with respect to the studentship of myself. On this incredible journey, I not only saw beliefs that supported areas of unhappiness and self-defeating behaviors, but I changed them in an instant. I always heard about the ability to do this, but when I changed some pinnacle beliefs, so many other non-supportive beliefs folded like a deck of cards. I am so excited as I live my life with new beliefs to support a so much more user-friendly world. Oh, I also learned how to be a mentor, and I absolutely love it!!!”Stan Cohen Retired New York
“The Certification program is the most comprehensive, well thought out and implemented program I have ever experienced. My results are a comprehensive knowledge of the Option Process® Dialogue, growth in every area, and a passion for mentoring and for life that will never leave me. If you’ve thought about mentor training, and want to know yourself in a whole new way, this program is for you!”Ellen Stanley Educator Maine
“Certification has been the most fantastic experience of my life. I can say truly I have never worked so hard and had so much fun, personal growth and insights as I have had this month. I find it amazing that any organization could provide so much love and support while holding the highest standards and clarity for a complete educational and life experience.”Dave Tully Investor/Consultant Washington
“What an Incredibly Amazing Process! I am honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to learn how to truly love myself and accept myself. The true gift is that I NOW have the ability to share this experience with others. The gift of love, the gift of acceptance – how can you put a price on it? To appreciate the time we spend with ourselves and those we love is one of the gems I will take with me and share with others. Certification taught me about how I live my life and how I then could live it with love and trust. By making my own personal transformation, I now have the ability to give someone else the same gift!”Jeanine Eckensburg Psychiatric Social Worker Massachusetts
“Certification was absolutely awesome for delivery, for the sheer pleasure of learning, taking apart human dynamics and for one month of looking at me. With or without a certificate, I got for myself a priceless gift – deep belief in myself as a completely whole human being. It was awesome this month; I learned incredible lessons. I’ve spent years going after achievements, diplomas, and degrees as a way to earn the right to believe in myself. I saw, finally got, that belief in myself is free, a gift/decision I give to me. I have this and a deeper love for this incredible process and way to be with people, and a deep love for all the teachers and staff who help create what happens here and the possibilities of lifetime change. My love and heartfelt gratitude to all of you – Bears, Samahria, Raun, Clyde and Beverly and The Option Institute staff.”Mim Burkholder Development Coordinator/Nurse Connecticut
“Certification was invaluable as a way to sharpen and deepen what I know and I now have even more clarity of the Option Process® Dialogue. It was an opportunity to renew and remember what it is I want for myself in my life. It was wonderful to see old friends and share with them the experience of learning, participating, and supporting a terrific class of mentors-in-training. Many thanks!”Deborah Evans Option Process® Mentor/Counselor Washington
“The opportunity to audit the Certification program was an unparalleled gift. I have deepened my learning of the Option Process® Dialogue in profound ways that will impact my practice and the experience of my clients. Taking this time to stand back and reflect upon my logic has grounded my understanding and increased my confidence and trust in myself as a Mentor. I know so much! And I have so much more to learn about this awesomely simple yet profound process. When’s the graduate course for Mentors? I’ll be there!”Kathleen Joyce Consultant/ Option Process® Mentor/Counselor Minnesota
“I feel privileged and honored to have had the opportunity to be here, review and learn more and be in the presence of such greatness (meaning not only the extraordinary teachers but the new Mentors as well, to witness their passion, perseverance and dedication).”Isis Maria Cohen Option Process® Mentor/Counselor New York
“By changing myself, I change the world. The Certification program is an excellent avenue to facilitate change.”Jassendra Kent Student Kansas
“The Option Institute’s commitment to excellence was evident in the planning and delivery of the Certification program. The words ‘brilliance’ and ‘genius’ come to mind. Illuminating and challenging. Total immersion in the dialogue process for a month is an experience I know I will always remember and cherish. The atmosphere of love was infectious and overflowing.”Isis Maria Cohen Mentor New York
“Certified or not certified, I have already received a return on my investment in this program far beyond anything I could have imagined. The discipline of choosing to be fully, deeply, passionately present, as a mentor in a dialogue, as a student in class, or in my interactions with those around me, has brought a richness and depth to my life that I had not known possible. I can’t wait to bring this new happier, more loving me home to my family, my friends and my work. I now have a deep, clear path to follow to be an awesomely effective and useful human being. I am becoming what I was meant to be. The best way I know to express my gratitude is to share this beautiful way of being with others as an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor!”Kathleen Joyce Consultant Minnesota Certified as an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor
“My original intention for doing the Certification program was to be certified as an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor. After one week that goal paled into insignificance, as my life was changing rapidly in so many wondrous ways. I was learning to love in a way that was not imaginable – I was so much more present with others and this opened up a new meaning of life – to be actually there 100% with someone. I found a clarity of purpose – to serve others for the rest of my life – a new beginning!”Ron McDiarmid Business Manager Australia
“I have always looked for a place to learn how to activate unconditional love with no tricks and manipulations. The Certification program was my answer to that prayer. I am going to be so much more effective in giving, teaching and supporting others with honor and love. I feel blessed.”Lior Taube Special Education Israel
“This program is the fast track to mastering the dialogue process and technique. It is fast paced but exhilarating. While the emphasis is not on personal growth per se, the growth work is inevitable as we learn how to mentor with love and acceptance. This has been a month of profound learning not only about the Option Process®, but also about myself. Learning how to mentor has been learning how to love and trust myself in a very deep and profound way.”Grace Tomai Mother/Wife New Hampshire
“I have been blessed to have taken other programs previously at the Option Institute – all of which have been amazing, particularly Living The Dream. However, even knowing from those experiences of the Institute’s capability and passion for excellence could not have prepared me for the delivery of excellence I experienced during this program. They created a curriculum, learning environment and teaching style that is unparalleled.” “No one could ever get certified in a month, I doubted – especially me! But what I learned to be true is that no one had ever tried – especially me! Trust the process, trust the teachers and trust yourself. This has been a guidepost of life learning that I take with me.” “This month has been a fantastic journey of love, learning, growth and laughter. I received such incredible love, support, guidance and inspiration that I am now capable of giving to myself and to others as never before. As they say, if you have a dream – begin it! Begin it now! It only gets better from here.”Emily Sims Massachusetts
“A marathon of mind, body and spirit where you discover what it means to love.”Mary-Beth Gangemi North Carolina
“I came here to learn how to be a mentor, which I certainly did – and I had fun doing it. What I never expected was how much I learned about myself on this incredible journey and how much closer I am to being the person I always wanted to be. I shall leave here knowing that I can and will create the life I want and I know what I have learned this month will benefit me and those close to me for the rest of my life.”Michele Getkate Banker The Netherlands
“During Living The Dream I heard about this program and the other ways to do mentor training. I didn’t believe the course could be taught and learned in one month and thought that a longer time was necessary. More importantly, I didn’t believe that I could do it in a month because of beliefs I held about how I learn best. It was with a big gulp that I committed to doing the Certification program. At the end of the first week I said that if I had to leave for some reason, it had already been worth it. It isn’t supposed to be a class on personal growth but one of learning the Option Process®. It was both – it would be impossible not to grow. This course can be taught and learned in a month, and I am so grateful this is how I chose to do it. I learned that there are no limits, only the ones we put on ourselves. I learned that I can stretch myself and do well at what I thought was impossible before. The Certification program isn’t just about becoming certified. It’s about what you leave with within yourself, a way of being in the world and with yourself for the rest of your life.”Deborah Evans Interior Design Consultant Washington
“I came to this program as if I was jumping from an airplane with a parachute that I knew would open, but wasn’t open yet. I dared myself in all areas of my life to go to the edge. I am leaving, not with an open parachute, but walking safe on the ground! I have created so much in my life – I can see the future calling and I am walking toward my wants. “Deodete Packer Engineer Brazil
“I don’t want it to be over. I don’t want to leave. Never have I been able to challenge myself, learn and grow as I have done this month. I have found wonderful parts of myself I never knew existed – done things I didn’t believe I could do. I have had two careers with companies where delivery of excellence and caring were a fundamental and joyful part of the culture, but I have never experienced such excellent support as I found this month.”Jeanie Metzger Retired-Corp. Management Alabama
“The course was high powered and very informative. I wondered after the first week why they didn’t charge more for it! Many life enhancing learnings that I am very excited about taking into my own life as a wife, parent, teacher, and friend.”Dawn R. McMamara Self-employed Massachusetts
“This Certification program took all what I learned about myself in the Living The Dream and gave me the opportunity to take it in a new level. The beliefs cannot be on the surface any more, they go deeper and deeper every dialogue.”Efrat Compagnano Israel
“I feel like I have tools to take out into my world which I can use for myself and for others. I have learned so much about how I operate in this world in a personal level along with learning how to be there in the most empowering way I know how as a mentor for another.”Laura McDiarmid Shop Owner Australia
“I learned I could do more and be more in an intense short period of time, with passion and love. I learned that by facing my discomforts and fears I could understand them, and they disappeared. By exploring my issues I can change my life and be the person I’ve always wanted to be… me! I learned I could love more than I ever thought possible.”Karen Fitch Option Process® Mentor/Counselor Ohio
Samahria Kaufman
“A big burning ball of love and insight.”Chris Kisling, Mentor / Bus. Development Mgr., Los Angeles
“I really love Samahria’s passion and humor. She teaches wonderfully and makes even the seemingly must troubling situations playful and fun.”Jon Hillegeist, Workforce Development / Organizational Effectiveness, Connecticut
“Samahria is pure love and fun. I learn how to love and accept myself and others in her presence. Samahria is a beautiful model of strength and love. Thank you for your unique gifts”Fran Liantand, Mentor, Maine
“Samahria always teaches with such observable love and joy. The classes are filled with laughter and gentle playful questions. I was very inspired to think exactly how I want to be and feel as a mentor, asking questions in a dialogue and in all my life.”Rachel Jacobson, Psychology / Neuroscience Student, United Kingdom
“The sessions with you were magical and memorable for their wonderful wisdom and amazing feeling of love and joy. I would love to spend more time with you.”Mark Walker, Life Coach, United Kingdom
Raun K. Kaufman
“Raun is a rock star. He’s so accomplished as a teacher, yet so accessible and easy going. You feel like you are, at once, in the presence of a significant teacher and a buddy.”Erik Linthorst, Mentor / Film Maker, California
“The man can think on his feet. Incredibly quick, agile, and personable. Takes a more athletic approach to the dialogue.”Chris Kisling, Mentor / Bus. Development Mgr., Los Angeles
“I love Raun’s centeredness and intellect. His ability to hear what is said, to discern the laser-sharp question, and to explain why it is a great question is phenomenal and inspiring”Jon Hillegeist, Workforce Development / Organizational Effectiveness, Connecticut
“Always seems to create such happiness and excitement about teaching the dialogue and what question to ask! Tape reviews are superb – Raun is extremely clear in explaining the value of and contrast between questions as well as other concepts such as layering.”Rachel Jacobson, Psychology / Neuroscience Student, United Kingdom
“Your combination of brilliance and love is very inspiring.”Thera Valster, Teacher / Seminar Leader / Publisher, Switzerland
“He’s so funny and real – being himself in everyway. He teaches with his whole being. It’s not like he is delivering only class material – but he delivers an experience of his passion and love for all of us.”Heather DAmore, Photographer / Therapist, Maryland
Clyde Haberman
“Clyde has such a keen eye for what is going on with people that his classes always cut deep and get really “meaty”. His fearlessness in getting to the substance with people makes him a remarkable change agent in the classroom.”Erik Linthorst, Mentor / Film Maker, California
“I am so grateful for Clyde’s loving, relaxed teaching style. His warmth, caring and passion creates such a safe and trusting environment. I have learned so much, and thank God for Clyde’s presence at The Option Institute.”Jon Hillegeist, Workforce Development / Organizational Effectiveness, Connecticut
Beverly Haberman
“Loving, sweet, caring. A brilliant teacher and Mentor bomb in a small package!”Benjamin Hoffmann, Design Innovator, Belgium
“Insightful and caring. I especially love her during tape reviews. Some of my greatest learning for the dialogue (and life) this month came during those sessions.”Chris Kisling, Mentor / Bus. Development Mgr., Los Angeles
“Beverly’s love and joy is wonderful to behold. In regards to teaching mentoring, she has a phenomenal ability to hear what is said, discern a laser-sharp question, and explain why it is a great question”Jon Hillegeist, Workforce Development / Organizational Effectiveness, Connecticut
“Incredibly loving and accepting – the perfect example of a mentor! Classes have been taught with energy and enthusiasm, and are always very clear (e.g. past, present, future class). Tape reviews are also fabulous – I love that Beverly takes the time to think of different ways to explain the same thing and help people learn and grow.”Rachel Jacobson, Psychology / Neuroscience Student, United Kingdom
“Beverly, I have no words; I can only cry when I think of our last dialogue. And I also love your classes and your being and your love and faith!!! Thanks to you I grew up.”Thera Valster, Teacher / Seminar Leader / Publisher, Switzerland
“Your presence this month has been so loving and supportive of us all and I personally feel blessed to have you loving and guiding me towards my wants.”Mark Walker, Life Coach, United Kingdom
Stan Cohen
“He has a sparkle in his eye, a smile on his face – he is playful, loving and felt very much like he was rooting for us each time he taught.”Heather D’Amore, Photographer / Therapist, Maryland
” Great class, grand attitude and big love! Your awesome! Your love and clarity are so ingradable.”Thera Valster, Remedial Teacher / Publisher / Seminar Leader, Switzerland