Whether you’re just getting acquainted with the Option Institute and our teachings or are simply looking to expand your knowledgebase, we have a wealth of resources available to offer you. Our books, CDs and DVDs contain topics covered in our programs including our ground-breaking work with autism. If you’ve already attended a program at the Option Institute, you’ll find these materials provide an ideal way to keep yourself “in the attitude” throughout your daily life.
Optimal Self-Trust – Make Choices with Absolute Confidence Having trouble making decisions? Does each option seem to have only negative outcomes? Do you constantly ask yourself “am I making a mistake?” Your inner voice can be a source of incredible strength, wisdom and guidance – but only if you hear it! Too often, our inner voice is drowned out by anxiety, self-doubt and fear. In this CD, through the experiences of participants, you’ll find out how to increase the volume of your inner voice, drown out the fear and confusion, and make decisions and charge ahead in life with a sense of rock-solid self-trust and excitement!
Power Dialogues – The Unlimited Power of A Question This CD is the perfect introduction to the concepts behind and the concrete tools of PowerDialogues, the ultimate system for personal change. Through the examples of actual class participants, you’ll discover why we react the way we do to the world around us, learn how to get to the underlying beliefs causing that reaction, and find out that we are in charge of those beliefs and can change them anytime we want. PowerDialogues is the tool that gives us that potent pathway to change. Fearless – Become A Hero In Everyday Life Fear is the greatest single obstacle to living a happy, loving life full of freedom and fun. It saps our ability to make decisions, move forward, or reach for the things that we want from our life. It sabotages relationships and careers. Contrary to what we are told, fear is not an instinct. It’s something we produce and we control, and therefore something we can do away with. This 2 CD set, pulled from the dynamic interactions of actual class members, will teach you the anatomy of fear, why we use it, and the tools to let it go. Free from fear, you’ll be able to go after the things you want in life with comfort and joy! Exceptional Woman – You … Without Apology Being exceptional has never been easier–or more exciting! The four lectures on this CD, delivered by Exceptional Woman teachers, provide core perspective on how to live an extraordinary life as a woman, full of passion, strength and brilliance every single day.
NeverSettle Singles – A Radical Solution for Singles You want to find the relationship of your dreams, but sometimes the world of a single person feels more like a nightmare, fraught with game-playing, inauthenticity, and wasted time. Get ready to change all that! This fast-paced seminar will give you the tools to find out quickly if someone fits what you’re looking for, to let them go with love if they’re not, and to negotiate the dating and relationship world with ease and comfort, so that you’ll never settle until you get that relationship of your dreams. Calm Amid Chaos – An Unshakable Foundation for a Turbulent World From losing your job, to a friend diagnosed with cancer, to the collapse of the housing market, to earthquakes in Asia, to a bombing in Barcelona – the world can seem chaotic, overwhelming, unfair. This 2 CD set will show you that it need not be. In it, you are introduced to the Intellegrid, a system of interlocking beliefs that enable you to quickly and easily make sense of seemingly senseless events, so that you can stand comfortably and move forward effortlessly in the face of adversity and challenge. Empower Yourself – Going For (and Getting) What You Want Author, mentor and group facilitator Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman leads participants through a moving, interactive adventure on the road to personal empowerment. From the concept of living unrealistically, to detaching from other’ expectations, to the six key principles of an empowered person, Bears outlines beliefs to adopt and steps to take to live a truly empowered life. Radical Authenticity – Never Hide Again
Living a life of constantly creating an image of yourself in order to fulfill others’ expectations of you not only takes a tremendous amount of energy, it also creates stress and fear within you. Wouldn’t it be great to simply be yourself without worrying what someone else thinks? Think of all the relief and strength that would bring! Well now you can have exactly that. This 3 CD set, using dynamic, in-class interactions, gives you simple, concrete tools to remove your shackles, drop the image, and live as the person you truly are, all without fear or regret.
Whether your relationship is facing challenges and you want to get it back to where it once was or it’s already good and you want to make it great, this 3 CD set has all the tools to revitalize and enrich your relationship. Through teachings and through the examples of the workshop participants themselves, you’ll find how eliminate the blame-game, increase the depth and effectiveness of your communication, and bring your relationship to a whole new level of joy, love, passion, and fun!
Does it seem at times that the challenges of parenting bring frustration and unhappiness where you would like to feel love? Are your relationships with your children good, but you want to make them great? Then this comprehensive 5 CD set is what you’ve been looking for. In it you’ll find tool after tool for creating deep, loving, fun relationships with your children, through instruction by The Option Institute teaching staff and the real-life examples of the workshop participants. A must-have for any parent.
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The Option Institute® International Learning & Training Center
Invitation to Change
Amanda Louison
Director of Operations
Deputy CEO
Senior Son-Rise Program Advisor
Former Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator
Personal Statement
“I came to the Autism Treatment Center of America in October of 2008 where I took the position as the Intensive Coordinator. Before coming to the Autism Treatment Center of America, I worked with special children for 13 years, and upon my arrival fell in-love with the Son-Rise Program®. The modality of “Bonding through acceptance” opened my eyes to a world of love and acceptance for my own son, who has ADHD, and inspired me to want to live a happier, more loving life. I soon set the intention of doing the Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator Training so I could share my love with children on a much deeper level. I spent six months observing and learning the Son-Rise Program, and in April of 2009 was accepted into the Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator Training Program and in July of 2010, I became a Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator staff member and cherished my time in the playroom as a facilitator.
I continued my training at The Autism Treatment Center of America to become a Senior Son-Rise Program® Advisor. My love of Son-Rise Program® inspired me to talk with parents who are just beginning their journey and who are continuing journey with their children using the Son-Rise Program® principals and techniques.
Through the years, I found myself wanting to help our staff grow and the organization flourish, so I have now moved into a managerial role while still working as a Senior Program Advisor. I am currently the Director of Operations and Deputy CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America and the Option Institute and look forward to working with our staff and with parents of children on the Autism Spectrum for many years to come.”
Fun Facts:
Amanda has been married for 24 years and has two amazing children, a son age 22 and daughter who is 18. Some of her favorite hobbies are hiking, reading, finding tag sales, traveling and spending time with her family.
Raun Kaufman
Global Education Special Projects for the Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of America™
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1998.
Seminar Leader for Business Executives and Educators in North America and Europe
Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher Trainer
Degree in Biomedical Ethics, Brown University
Advisory Board Member, United States Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA)
Certified Son-Rise Program Teacher and Teacher/Trainer
Fun Facts about Raun K. Kaufman:
What’s your favorite movie? American History X – an earth-shattering movie about race in America, bigotry, personal change, and redemption, that ends with a powerfully gutsy conclusion.
Two current projects I am excited about: Conducting studies on The Son-Rise Program to be published in peer-reviewed journals and development of new curriculum for the Institute’s business programs.
Testimonials:
Raun is a ball of fire and a great spark in our midst. An excellent facilitator, Raun’s rapport with us was unique. He created energy constantly, and I was jazzed every moment with him. Raun is a wise, insightful, articulate philosopher and true humanitarian. Donna Hal, Management
Raun is energetic, dramatic, wise, articulate, immensely loving and delightful. He kept the group spell-bound. Jane Buckle, Director, New York
Raun is the most outstanding teacher I have ever encountered. Truly exceptional. Raun has such enthusiasm – it radiates from him. Hilary Farmer, Dyslexia Educational Consultant, England
Suzanne Pruss
Practicing The Option Process for 25 years
Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselor
Certified Son-Rise Program Instructor for 20 years
Mentor Liaison for Certified Option Process Mentor-Counselors world-wide
Fun Facts about Suzanne Pruss
Growing up in Australia I attended a one-room, one-teacher primary school, ‘Little House on the Prairie’ style.
Love traveling: have lived in 6 different countries and love that The Berkshires is now home.
Greatest accomplishment: curing my body of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, & Lymes Disease.
Client Testimonial:
Suzanne is a kindred spirit and a powerful teacher. I love this woman & truly appreciate her (dialogue). Love the twinkle in her eyes. ~Barbara Bachelder, Pilates trainer, Canada
This was a profound experience I have never had: someone listening to me that really cared about my feelings. Amazing how simple questions can make you think, feel, cry and make you realize things about yourself. ~Patty Hendricks, PA
Incredible – I was able to gain so much direction/clarity in my session and I’m thrilled and grateful for my time with her. ~Naomi Webb, Australia
Everything we feel, say, and do has a chosen belief which fuels it
We filter all our experiences through our beliefs and mindsets (about ourselves, others, and events around us). These beliefs, in turn, determine how we feel and what we do. Most importantly, people’s beliefs are changeable. We can help you to examine and then re-choose beliefs which fuel comfort, happiness, and the inner strength to overcome life’s challenges.
You have your own answers
Oftentimes, we look for our answers from experts, institutions, the media, and the people around us – everyone but ourselves. We believe that you possess all of your own answers to the personal issues that mark your life. We can teach you to access and rely upon your own internal insight.
Happiness Is A Choice
Though many of us speak as if our emotions happen to us, we believe that they are responses we choose in an effort to take care of ourselves. Misery, fear, anger, distress, anxiety, and discomfort are optional, not inevitable. We can show you how to meet crises and challenges with comfort and ease – and to create personal happiness in a sustainable way.
Changing the way you see things changes everything
Most of us think that events in our lives are inherently good or bad, and we can only hope for more good than bad. We give you tools to change your point of view about life events. We have seen, over and over again, that learning to change your perspective on external occurrences changes your entire internal experience – which then changes how you deal with external occurrences.
We do not teach “the truth”
We do not teach “the truth.” We do not teach “the right way to live.” What we do teach are practical tools, principles, strategies, and perspectives for being, overcoming life’s challenges, and sustaining personal happiness.
Authenticity, not people-pleasing, builds close relationships and safety
Throughout our lives, we are taught to say what people want to hear, to mask our true selves, to focus on who others think we should be rather than being who we sincerely are. Most of us see this as safe – and crucial to maintaining our relationships. We see personal authenticity and honesty as the key to feeling safe (because you don’t have to live in fear of being “found out”) and creating close, meaningful relationships (because each person can know and love the other for who they really are).
We aren’t the victims we’re taught to be
At every turn, most of us are treated as though we are victims – of our genes, or our upbringing, or our subconscious, or outside events. We have specific self-empowering strategies to enable you to capitalize on your own ultimate capability to be in the driver’s seat in every circumstance.
Self-criticism and self-doubt may be “normal” (as in “usual”) but they aren’t “natural” (as in “a necessary part of the human condition”)
You are not condemned to live the rest of your life thinking that you are not good enough, that something is wrong with you, that you are not whole, that you are not okay as you are. These are learned beliefs, and we can teach you different, more self-supportive ones. Why? Because we don’t believe that anything is wrong with you, and we do believe that you are okay just the way you are.
Being non-judgmental is powerful, not passive
Most of us see making judgments (“that’s terrible,” “he’s mean”) as crucial to our moral compass and our ability to take decisive action. However, we see judgments as leading to discomfort, anger, clouded perceptions, and muddled decision-making. That’s why we help you to drop judgments, thus increasing your focus, decisiveness, and ability to handle crises.
Stan Cohen
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 2003.
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher
Previous background: Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors for a publicly traded bank
Fun Facts about Stan:
Favorite Place to Be: “On a beach in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, overlooking the beautiful white sanded beach in front of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.”
One Way He Loves to Spend His Free Time: “Training with my children, as a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.”
Testimonials:
Great, wonderful enthusiasm, and sense of humor. He expressed amazing interest in all of us. Julia K. McCaughey, Real Estate Salesperson, New York
Stan exudes a calm intensity that gently pushes me to my limits and then some. I felt his wisdom and love through his teaching. Joel Witherspoon, Counselor, North Carolina
This man has amazing skills! His energy lit up the room. His questions challenged and delighted everyone. We played, we worked and we celebrated our discoveries together. I want more Stan. Mark Lindsay, Boatbuilder, Massachussetts
Bryn Hogan
Practicing The Option Process since 1994.
Executive Director of Autism Treatment Center of America
Son-Rise Program Teacher and Teacher Trainer in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Previous background: Special Education Teacher and Case Manager
Fun Facts about Bryn Hogan
Greatest Accomplishments: “Running my daughter’s Son-Rise Program, adopting my children, healing my body of cardiac health challenge and directing the Autism Treatment Center of America for 15 years.
Greatest Realization: That I create my own internal experience and that I could teach others to do the same
Favorite Indulgence: Watching Netflix while I do cardio
Testimonials for Bryn Hogan
Bryn is a superb facilitator who delivers her subject brilliantly with humor and style. She is a sincere, genuine person who is sensitive to the mood of the audience. I have learned so much from her in 5 days. A personal message for Bryn: ‘I will be forever indebted to you for everything I have learned. You are a true inspiration!’ Sean Driscoll, Translator, Wales
Bryn is powerful, sharp, keen-witted, intelligent and fearless. One just knows that Bryn can move mountains and does. She is a powerful facilitator. Laine Jastram, Therapist, Texas
Her warmth, her ability to connect, her humor and her love radiated in the room. She’s a dynamic speaker who can also bring you to tears in an instant, because she lets you see her love, and her heart. Barbara Partazana, Insurance, Florida
I have never been in the presence of a more powerful, beautiful, articulate speaker. Oh, and she could easily be a successful stand-up comic. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve shared this week. I am a better person for having known you. Jill Liebler, Mother/Homemaker, Texas
Clyde Haberman
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1996.
Director of Major Gifts
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher/Trainer
Previous background: Professional Musician and Performer
Fun Facts About Clyde Haberman
The best thing I’ve done for myself this year – take Wide Awake and be a student again
A perfect morning: up at 5:30, exercise till 6:30, practice clarinet till 7:30, breakfast and off to the OI
Testimonials for Clyde Haberman
Clyde’s relaxed, calming and loving style was an inspiration to me throughout the program. His genuine belief that happiness is a choice was clearly articulated and convincingly put forward. His non directive and inclusive approach towards the group was balanced and effective. Without doubt, a master facilitator. Wayne Thomas, Learning & Development Consultant, England
Clyde delivers the teachings with great clarity, conviction and fun. …He comes from a place of genuine understanding and humility and invites you to step forward with trust and honesty. He is brilliant at creating a safe learning place that is easeful and profound. Starr Cornell, Administrative Assistant, Great Barrington, MA
Clyde is nurturing, fun, playful, considerate, poetic and loving. He created a safe environment to explore the inner parts of myself, the shadow-side that was aching to be noticed. Jane Buckle, Director, New York
Clyde is a great teacher and leader. I enjoy the poems he shares, his exuberance and excitement about being here, and being part of our process of authentication. Julia K. McCaughey, Retail Manager, Connecticut
Samahria Lyte Kaufman
Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Option Institute.
Practicing and teaching The Option Process since 1975.
Co-Originator of The Son-Rise Program for children with Autism and developmental challenges.
Co-Author of A Sacred Dying.
Fun Facts about Samahria:
Greatest Accomplishment: “Nurturing my son out of autism.”
An Inspiring Book That She Recently Read: Man’s Search for Meaning, by: Viktor E. Frankl
Testimonials:
I bring Samahria my questions, the ones I feel most vulnerable with, and seeing them through her eyes, with humor, compassion, and wisdom, I find the next octave of me. Wendy Musk, Teacher, Newton, CT
Energetic, outrageous, exceptional woman, an absolute inspiration; she embodies everything we can be. Samahria’s energy is so powerful that she fills the whole room and is so giving, loving, and accepting of everybody. It’s like she has a fine tuned radar to know who to go to and how and when to stretch them. Zobeeda Madsen, Son-Rise Mom, Spain
I wish I could take this graceful lady home with me! What a bubbly, effervescent wealth of knowledge and experience Samahria is! Tammy Patchell-Evans, Son-Rise Program Mom/Dance Studio Owner, Canada
Delightful. Joyous. Irreverent. Samahria is a fun teacher! Who could be better? She is a gem. Valerie Gilbert, Actress, New York
"Bears" Barry Neil Kaufman
Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Option Institute.
Practicing and teaching The Option Process® since 1975.
Author of 12 books on The Option Process
Noted international speaker, Group Facilitator and teacher
Co-Originator of The Son-Rise Program® for children with Autism and developmental challenges
Fun Facts about Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman
Favorite Indulgence: Starbuck’s Mocha Frappuccino
Greatest Accomplishment: “Taking responsibility for my happiness and unhappiness.”
Testimonials for Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman
The search for peace in the world must start within the human heart and within our own families. Barry Neil Kaufman understands that. By personal example and through his writing and counseling, he gives a compelling vision for the building of inner and outer peace. President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
If there were a Nobel Prize for love, I’d want the Kaufmans to be the first to receive one. Dr. Wayne Dyer, Author, Change Your Thoughts — Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
Barry Neil Kaufman champions making the choice to believe in ourselves, to be hopeful and seize the power of loving ourselves and others. Lou Holtz, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame
Inspiring, groundbreaking and visionary. Barry Neil Kaufman’s work is the science of love, compassion and insight which will transform the world. Deepak Chopra M.D., Author, Quantum Healing
I have never experienced a more brilliant teacher. Bears consistently puts every participant in the ‘playroom’ and constantly and lovingly gives each of us the opportunity to question ourselves, love ourselves even more, and to find out what our ‘new’ best self is. My love for the man whose courage and curiosity created The Option Institute is only slightly less than my overwhelming gratitude. Shelley Stravitz, Educational Consultant, California
Leah Taylor Roy
Practicing The Option Process for 14 years
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher
Previous background: Management Consulting and Finance
Fun Facts about Leah Taylor Roy
An Inspiring Book That She Recently Read: The World is Flat, by Thomas L. Friedman
Favorite Types of Cuisine: Moroccan and Mediterranean
Testimonials for Leah Taylor Roy:
I feel she has a softness and understanding of everyone she comes in contact with. She communicates straight from the heart. Her teachings and messages are amazing. Debbie Mokhlessin, Banker, California
Excellent bundle of brilliant energy, clarity and curiosity. Excellent dialogue processor! Dennis Dougherty, CEO – Landscape, Mill Valley, CA
Leah displays a delightful presence. She is open and accepting and loving. She is so accepting and wants the best for you so it is easy to grow in transforming and powerful ways. Patrick Davenport, Venture Capital, Massachusetts
Beverly Haberman
Practicing The Option Process for 21 years
Special Projects Communications Coordinator
Certified Option Process® Mentor-Counselor, Group Facilitator and Teacher Trainer
Previous Background: Professional Musician and Teacher
Fun Facts about Beverly:
Favorite Pastime: Strolling through the streets of Great Barrington with Clyde as we eat and shop our way through a Saturday afternoon.
Greatest Accomplishment: “Learning to stand tall in who I am.”
Testimonials:
Beverly’s excitement for The Option Process is what got me here! Her continued excitement surrounding what she does here is amazing. I enjoy being around someone who is so passionate. When she walks into the room, I find that I want to hear everything she has to say. Kristine Jones, Interior Designer, New Jersey
Beverly is a sweet soul who quietly teaches with confidence and compassion. She passes on her knowledge succinctly and clearly. Her explanation of the Option Process® Dialogue is to the point and easy to understand. Clarity is her trademark. Michael Pearl, Lawyer, England
Lauren Astor
Practicing Option Process for 19 years
Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor since 2001
Working at The Option Institute as Mentor/Counselor and Special Projects since 2000
Previous Background: NYC Teacher, MA Ed.
Founder/owner Manhattan Bookstore
Fun Facts:
Wrote 85 original songs including the hit, Exceptional Woman
Cooks up an awesome chicken matzho ball soup
Client Testimonial:
Lauren has been my counselor for over a year and I always, always look forward to our dialogues together every week. She helps me work out the big issues and the little ones and, through it all, she offers the gifts of deep love and acceptance, both quite palpable. When I develop comfort and conviction about something, I can feel her cheering me on. I am pursuing a new career and have had a number of doubts and fears along the way. Our weekly sessions have enabled me to get past each obstacle I encounter. I feel so comfortable and safe with Lauren that I have discussed just about every aspect of my life with her! Lauren is a gem, a jewel, a precious gift to me and others. ~Abigail L. Austin, TX
I have worked with two other therapists, but our work together was by far, the most effective, rapid and so easy. Although we never met in person, I instantly felt comfortable. Your gentle, but probing questions helped me breakthrough my deepest circular and unhappy thinking patterns. I now have tools to use for myself and I see so many situations differently. You have given me the insight for how I make my world. Thank you for holding up that mirror. I finally feel more grounded and responsible for myself than ever. I will certainly recommend you to everyone. I’m so thankful! ~Julie C. New York, NY
There have been areas of my life where I have felt stuck. I have tried yoga, therapy, mediation and wine and I just couldn’t move past the psychological barrier. Your methods, compassion, and generosity have helped me see things from a brand new perspective. This has been freeing and is helping me move to a whole new chapter in my life. ~Elizabeth B. Millbrook, NY
Zoe Zappa
Senior adult program counselor
Practicing The Option Process for 22 years
Used to be an operating room scrub nurse
3 children – 30, 26 and 24 (all of them take programs here)
Fun Facts about Zoe
Greatest Accomplishments: When I realized that I am fully responsible for what I think and feel and moving from the mountains of Colorado to work at The Option Instituteto support others with their journey to personal happiness.
Favorite pastime: Walking in nature – collecting rocks, wood, feathers and interesting bugs, and surrounding my life with nature.
Dane Griffith
Director of Administrative Services
Working at the Option Institute for 15 years
Previous Background: Engineering Management
Current Interest: Holistic Nutrition
Fun Facts about Dane
Favorite place to be: At my home in Sheffield, on the deck, in a lounge chair next to Liz, dogs playing in the yard, tea mug in hand, deep blue sky with white puffy clouds overhead, nowhere to go and nothing to do – it doesn’t get any better than this!
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Jan-Marie Gundacker
Son-Rise Program Senior Program Advisors
Practicing The Option Process for 15 years
Previous background: executive director and development director of nonprofit agencies feeding the hungry and teaching adults to read; counselor and coach; published writer.
Fun Facts about Jan-Marie
Favorite place to be: walking the beach and boards of the Jersey Shore talking to God and basking in the joyful, exquisite beauty of our world.
Greatest Accomplishments: my son and daughter, my two biggest miracles; learning to love by watching my mother; seeing the gifts in cancer, twice.
PRE-REQUISITES for attending Advanced Power Dialogues are:
Completion of The Option Institute’s PowerDialogues program.
If it’s been more than 5 years since you attended PowerDialogues, please call 413-229-2100 to discuss options.
NOTE: Attendance of live sessions via Zoom are required to complete this course.
Jeannie Reid was searching for answers to the challenges she and her family were facing. Jeannie and her husband Stuart’s son, Carson, had been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a condition on the Autism spectrum. For Carson that meant being completely involved in obsessive behaviors and only using minimal words to identify objects, as well as frequently and completely melting down.
Soon after, Jeannie found the book, “Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues” and when she read it, she KNEW she had found what she was looking for. She began using some of the Son-Rise techniques described in the book on her own until she was able to come to The Autism Treatment Center of America for the Son-Rise Program Start-Up. As she put into practice what she learned there, Carson’s world was opening up. Today Carson is attending a Montessori school as a 'typical' student and functioning at or above typical grade level, being fully verbal and conversational, and very interested in learning about the world and interacting as much as possible with other people. He is even taking swim lessons at the local YMCA and doing great!
“It has been wonderful to get, and stay connected with other people and Son-Rise parents from all over the world. My son’s progress had already come very far, but now I truly believe we can go all the way!”
Jeannie wrote.
Stuart Reid then attended the Empower Yourself course and brought home a new sense of clarity, balance and personal power. He shared his new empowerment with Jeannie and she in turn gained in confidence, strength and enthusiasm. Their own relationship began to flourish anew, as well. Life-altering changes were happening for Jeannie and her family.
Jeannie journeyed again to Sheffield, this time for the Fearless course at The Option Institute to help her recognize and overcome her personal obstacles. Jeannie wanted to continue her amazing journey as she had found using the techniques she learned in The Son-Rise Program and in Fearless had absolutely changed the lives of everyone in her family.
But, because the Reids’ finances had been seriously stretched by then, their next steps were put on hold. Then an amazing event changed everything. Jeannie’s college roommate and lifelong friend decided to start a Son-Rise Program scholarship fund for people from the Cleveland area. Since then Jeannie has been able to move ahead with her courses, taking Radical Authenticity, Son-Rise Maximum Impact and Son-Rise Wide Awake ... and eventually she became a Certified Group Facilitator.
Jeannie Reid’s story is about wanting BIG and making it happen. She is about to embark on her renewed private practice as an art therapist, and plans to be a super advocate for The Son-Rise Program in her area. Her wonderful new life is a product of her persistence and belief, and of the wheels she helped set in motion for others when her friends learned of how she and her family had been impacted by The Son-Rise Program.
“I know I will be able to give back by helping others, and that will be the top of my personal mountain! Thank you to everyone who donates! You are making a big difference in the world!
Jeannie Reid
Dear Donor
Two years ago, Antonio's kindergarten teacher told us something was not quite right with our little boy. He was not socializing, he somersaulted all the time and hardly spoke at all. At the time I was working for a municipality close to Florence, Italy and basically I had nothing left after seeing to basic necessities.
In the meantime, I looked up Autism with Google and as I was also looking for happiness and personal growth, I was guided to The Option Institute, thence the Autism Treatment Center of America. I read up as much as I could and started trying to apply the “Happiness is a Choice” suggestions. I'm not quite good at it but it has helped me with attitude, and everything else that seemed trying is really different after all this.
When I decided to come for The Son-Rise Program Start-Up, I really had little or no money to pay for it. I spoke to my friends, old and new. My mother helped me, friends I thought couldn't [help] tried their very best and the scholarship did the rest.
What the scholarship did was give a HUGE boost to my fundraising. About six friends contributed the rest, at the travel agency a very kind lady who I may now call a friend helped me some more. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. Here I am, happy to have attended the Start-Up program and looking forward to learning more and praying to God for guidance.
So the gist of the matter is, I am a happy mum who hopes to implement a wonderful relationship with her child and is riding a not so easy moment with lots of hope in her heart and THANK YOU is not enough for what I feel. I still remember William's words, “If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always got.” Now I'm trying to do different, bit by bit, day by day. I feel the difference already.
About Antonio ... we are going on with the Italian program and I play with Antonio after school in a quiet room in the house. Knowing what the little guy is exposed to (he's always putting his fingers in his ears and he seems to have problems with too much light in his eyes), I find him very brave as he bears it tolerably. Drums a lot to digest it all.
When we went to the doctor, just weeks after starting the program at home, she told me that she found him more attentive. His attention span has increased. He is also tagging or pulling at one's arm when looking for attention. The child psychologist last Saturday reported the same thing and what's more, my son has always required that I enter the room, hence assisting in every session. Well, this time he went in along with the doctor and told me, “See you later.”
At school, his teacher who speaks English as well, read up and watched my DVD (Kyle’s Journey, Jade and “I want my little boy back”). Now she's changing, bit by bit and I do appreciate that very much. He seems to be OK with her and actually sent me away from class this morning, again telling me, “See you later.”
He is now ONE HUGE GREENLIGHT and I'm hoping to be able to really have volunteers (still looking), raise funds and settle down to business.
God bless,
Jackline
Dear Donor,
I am the mother of three children, all on the Autism Spectrum. Before I heard of the Son-Rise Program and the Option Institute, I was a desperate, angry and depressed person…. I was on Anti-depressants, sleeping multiple hours of the day, and for a period of time, using alcohol to run away from my pain.
Then I heard of the Son-Rise Program. I called to find out more about it and thought “this if for me!” But I could not afford it. You see raising one child with Autism is very expensive but raising three is just outrageously expensive with all the therapies and dietary interventions that we were doing.
But I was offered a full scholarship to the SRSU program. I have since attended all of the Son-Rise Programs and many of the Personal Growth programs offered by the Option Institute. Each time I have been given a scholarship and each time I go I learn more about who I am and I change for the better each and every time. Because of your most generous support, my children are recovering from Autism, I have found happiness in my life! I am no longer on anti-depressants and I have so much more energy.
YOU are the reason that my family is in recovery. It is because of YOU that my oldest son now is enjoying school. YOU are the reason my second son is speaking. YOU are the reason my daughter is no longer as rigid and controlling as she once was. Thank you does not even begin to cover how much gratitude I have for you. I thank God every day for you and I do not even know you.
Please know that you are changing lives with your donation to ATCA and the OI. It is because of you that every day people are getting the help that they need. Thank you, thank you and thank you!