The Option Institute

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Sheffield, MA
The Option Institute

The Option Institute International Learning and Training Center is a nonprofit, educational organiza

Foundational Principles of The Option Process®

1) Happiness Is A Choice
2) You have your own answers
3) We do not teach “the truth.” We do not teach “the right way to live.” We do teach practical tools, principles, strategies and perspectives for overcoming life’s challenges and sustaining personal happiness.
4) Everything we feel, say and do has a chosen belief that fuels it and is something we

can change
5) Being non-judgmental is powerful, not passive
6) 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")
7) We aren't the victims that we're taught to be
8) Authenticity, not people pleasing, builds close relationships and safety
9) Changing the way you see things changes everything

10/06/2025

After more than 40 years of learning and growth, the Option Institute® will pause all programs in December 2025 as we transition our full focus to the Autism Treatment Center of America® and its rebranded flagship program, Do Autism Differently® (formerly The Son-Rise Program®).

This next chapter allows us to deepen our commitment to families and continue spreading love, acceptance, and hope.

👉 Learn more about the transition and our continued mission at https://option.org/

07/29/2025

What if happiness wasn’t a destination, but a decision?

At the Option Institute, we believe you don’t have to “earn” happiness—you can choose it, now.

💛 Tell us: What’s one belief you’ve chosen to let go of recently?

07/28/2025

Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. At the Option Institute®, we encourage you to embrace your progress and build momentum toward your goals.

👉 Start your journey here: https://option.org/

07/24/2025

We would love to hear your thoughts and insights on the questions below from our amazing community. Please ❤ and feel free to comment below.

“What would today look like if you believed you were enough?”

www.option.org

07/23/2025

Wisdom Wednesday Tip!

🧠 Option Wisdom:

Every belief you hold is a choice. And every choice is an opportunity to feel free.

👉 Tip: When you feel stuck, ask:

What belief am I holding right now that’s creating this feeling?

www.option.org

07/22/2025

Shift your perspective, and you’ll transform your life. 💛 At the Option Institute®, we believe in the power of thoughts to shape reality. Let us guide you toward a more empowered mindset.

Learn more: https://option.org/

07/21/2025

What does the below quote mean? It's simple, really. Happiness is not dependent on external circumstances—instead, it's a conscious, internal decision. Even when life presents challenges, setbacks, or pain, we are not powerless. We have the ability to choose how we interpret and respond to those experiences.

Rather than seeing happiness as something that comes and goes randomly (or only when things go our way), this philosophy invites us to see it as a skill or mindset we can cultivate. How we frame our thoughts, assign meaning to events, and adopt attitudes determines whether we suffer emotionally or feel peace, even in difficult times.

YOU are empowered to take ownership of your emotional well-being by changing your perspective—not your circumstances.

07/14/2025

You're not alone!

No matter the challenge, there’s always a way forward. Through compassion, understanding, and proven strategies, the Option Institute® helps you find clarity and move toward your goals.

Feel 'stuck"? We'll help you find your next step.

Discover your strength: https://option.org/

07/09/2025

Your potential is limitless, and the journey to uncover it starts with you. Join us at the Option Institute® and explore a path of self-discovery, personal accountability, and growth.

✨ Begin today: https://option.org/

07/07/2025

Change begins with a single choice. At the Option Institute®, we help individuals, LIKE YOU, explore how their choices shape their experiences—and how they can transform their lives by changing the way they think.

Ready to start your journey? https://option.org/

07/03/2025

PERSISTENCE

HOW FAR CAN YOU/WILL YOU GO? There is an adage, “Practice to failure,” which means, for example, if you can lift twenty pounds, try twenty-two or twenty-five, maybe even more, until you reach a weight you can’t lift. Go beyond what you know you can do by daring to do what you've never done (climb a higher mountain, run a half mile further, offer to help more, listen more intently, take the microphone even if you’ve never held it before).

The idea: always take a step beyond what you’ve done or believe you can do until you actually can’t hit the target. Then you’re just over your edge. Now you can see the next place to go. And even if you don’t hit the target, get up and do it again. Uncommon success is marked by uncommon effort!

Go to your edge, and then go further. Break through any invisible barrier you have erected, and you will find that triumphant sweet spot.

- Barry Neil Kaufman.
Co-founderr of the Option Institute® and Autism Treatment Center of America®. Author of 12 books, including Happiness is a Choice.

Address

2049 S Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA
01257

Telephone

(413)2292100

Website

https://option.org/give-the-gift-of-hope/

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