13 CHARTER MEMBERS ARE THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO BE CERTIFIED IN MINDFULNESS-BASED STRENGTHS PRACTICE
Congratulations to the inaugural group of 13 passionate practitioners who have completed VIA's Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Certification! MBSP Certification recognizes practitioners who have completed several months of exclusive study and practice on how to teach MBSP to individuals and groups. The charter member group spans educators, business leaders, coaches, and psychologists who hail from 10 different countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Mexico, England, Netherlands, Ireland, France, and the United States.
MBSP Certification was a natural addition to VIA's mindfulness offerings. The evidence-based, 8-week program, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) has gained traction in research and popularity since its inception in 2013. Created by psychologist Dr. Ryan Niemiec, MBSP blends the latest science and practice of mindfulness and of character strengths. It helps participants target their best qualities–their character strengths–to overcome adversity/problems and to build areas of well-being, such as personal relationships and life meaning. Hundreds of practitioners in more than 50 countries have taken MBSP, attracted to the program’s unique positive focal point, its connection with mindful living habits, and its practical applications.
2021 CHARTER MEMBERS
We congratulate these 13 MBSP-Certified individuals, the charter cohort! In alphabetical order by last name, they are:
Jane Anderson
Danielle Casioppo
Lutz Hempel
Maria Hofman
Jaume Gallifa Maqueda
Claudia Morales Cueto
Elke Müller
Lien Nguyen
Steinunn Eva Þórðardóttir
Orlaith O'Sullivan
Matthijs Steeneveld
Dana Walden
Diane Weinbrandt
REFLECTIONS FROM DR. NIEMIEC
When asked about his impressions of this first (charter) MBSP Certification cohort, Dr. Niemiec said: “I was incredibly impressed with the dedication and care of everyone in this charter group. I got a chance to get to know each person during the certification process, which included interactive courses and several one-on-one, Zoom meetings with each person. It was a privilege for me to be a small part of their personal and professional growth, as relating to mindfulness and character strengths.
"We discussed their struggles, challenges, successes, strengths, their mindfulness/strengths practices, and professional goals. From vexing client situations, personal issues during COVID, major accomplishments, and inspiring aspirations, I felt like I heard it all. In each situation, we discussed how the beautiful energy of mindfulness and character strengths could be brought into each situation.
It might seem cliché to say this, but I learned a lot from these wonderful human beings and I know their future clients/students/employees (and MBSP itself) will benefit in the long-run from their wisdom, engagement, and application.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT MBSP CERTIFICATION
The MBSP Certification program includes live, personalized training and evidence-based, transformative activities you can use to teach MBSP to individuals and groups. Participants experience group and one-on-one sessions with Dr. Ryan Niemiec, the creator of MBSP and global leader in mindfulness and character strengths. Learn more about the process and upcoming course dates for MBSP Certification.