The Option Institute Reviews

I would not recommend working for this company. Essentially, the founders and family are making out financially (and through people's misery) while everyone else is hardly paid (and continually made to feel bad that they are not working hard enough). Unless you agree with all the teachings, you are on the outside and will never be accepted. The teaching roster consists mainly of the Kaufman family without any outside sources coming in to teach. Because of this, they are considered a cult and I would agree with this statement. Barry Neil 'Bears' Kaufman wants to be venerated and worshipped - you practically have to eat out of his hand when he enters the room (or be treated cruelly by him for the rest of your time there). He uses his power to tear people down only to build people back up the way he wants to. He incarcerates and ensnares the weak with his manipulative tactics and narcissistic antics. His wife is not much better. They are sham artists who clearly don't care about people as they treat their employees horribly (hardly paying them, asking them to work continuously, making them feel bad about themselves by verbally attacking them), while by comparison the guests and participants are treated very well. These are not do-gooders, rather they are powermongers who just want to be idolized and venerated. I have personally encountered Bears Kaufman calling people morbidly obese (fat-shaming is one of his favorites), stupid, and lazy, for all intensive purposes. He says it all under the guise of 'wanting to help them and love them by speaking from an authentic place.' I really do not know how this guy does not get sued every day. They are constantly attempting to downplay their 'cult' reputation by spinning damage control. Even if you look at the reviews on this site, you will see that clearly that employees were told to write good reviews at a certain period in time. They were contracted in January of 2014. It is obvious. The reviews are mostly from current employees and are flowery in description. In my mind, this is not professional in the slightest. If you treat your employees well, clearly you would not have to do co-erce employees to show their respect for your company online and contract them to do so. Not a place I recommend to work. I wish I could say the opposite was true.

No one on staff has any medical training or psychological degrees, however they know what's best for you. You will be indoctrinated with their philosophy from the moment you are hired. You will be required to attend and participate in their programs (such as Happiness Option Weekend) whether you want to or not. They preach an atmosphere of "non-judgment" however, you will be judged every single day by your "supervisor" to help you improve. The use of coercion and bullying on the part of "supervisors" and directors is unprecedented in my previous 25 years of work history. They pay abysmally low wages. They create a hostile work environment by encouraging employees to turn in any coworker who grumbles discontent (because that employee is not demonstrating abject obedience - which is the Option way). In conclusion, if you are not a sycophant ready to grovel for approval at Barry Neil Kaufman's feet don't bother with this one. Chances are you won't make it six months.