Ryan M. Niemiec, PsyD, is the author or co-author of nine books, an award-winning psychologist and a widely traveled international speaker. Ryan is the creator of MBSP and has led hundreds of mindfulness groups over the last two decades. As education director of the global nonprofit, VIA Institute on Character, he's a leading voice in the education, research, and practice of character strengths. He lives with his family, which includes three young and zestful children, near Cincinnati, Ohio.
Courses
Wondering how character strengths can play a role in your journey? Whether you are searching for greater happiness or trying to get ahead professionally, our courses help you activate your strengths and provide you with a framework for reaching your goals. Our experts have crafted engaging, informative online courses to help you apply the science of character strengths to your life and work.
Courses for You
On Demand Course
Start with Strengths: Your Path to a Fulfilling Life
Apply science-based practices to activate your strengths, boost happiness and improve well-being.
Bundle
Start with Strengths + Total 24 Report Package
Purchase the Total 24 Report and the Start with Strengths Course together and receive over 15% off.
New
On Demand Course
Positive Relationships Mini-Course
Explore this asynchronous mini-course emphasizing strengths-based strategies to create stronger, more meaningful relationships.
On Demand Course
Mindfulness and Strengths in Daily Life + Mindfulness Report
Learn how to authentically engage with your strengths in everyday experiences.
On Demand Course
Positive Relationships Extended Course
Explore strengths-based strategies to create stronger, more meaningful relationships.
On Demand Course
Navigating Transitions
Discover how to rely on your character strengths to guide you through life changes.
Live Course
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)
Learn research-based skills to increase self-awareness, improve relationships and manage problems.
New
Course
Workplaces at Their Best for Individuals - Learning Path
This learning path is the first step to becoming certified as a VIA Strengths-based Workplace Professional. Get every workplace development course for individuals on-demand and work toward your journey to cultivate a strengths-based culture.
New
On Demand Course
Work Relationships at Their Best
This course equips learners with the tools to build authentic, psychologically safe relationships and implement radically candid communication, essential for professional satisfaction and success.
New
On Demand Course
You at Your Best at Work
This introductory course provides essential insights, tools, and resources that act as step-by-step guidance towards a strengths-based approach. Learn to build a culture that enhances employee engagement, performance, and wellbeing.
New
On Demand Course
Teams at Their Best at Work
This course empowers teams to utilize and explore resources, tools, and practices that foster effective collaboration. They will have the opportunity to explore strengths-based practices and activities as a team.
New
On Demand Course
Leaders at Their Best at Work
This course helps current and aspiring leaders discover their authentic strengths-based leadership style and equips them with the tools and strategies for exemplary leadership, enhancing individual well-being and organizational performance.
New
On Demand Course
Change at Its Best at Work
This course will support using your character strengths to navigate and manage change effectively in the workplace.
Courses for Leading Others
Live Course
Become Certified in Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice
For coaches, therapists, counselors, educators, and community leaders who want to bring MBSP to others.
On Demand Course
Character Strengths Interventions: Learning to Unleash What's Best In You and Your Clients
We are partnering with MentorCoach LLC, the leading Positive Psychology coach training school, to present this 8-week unique learning experience.
Are you a professional? You too can use these courses to elevate your work with clients, students or employees.
Learn More
Who These Courses Are For
Whether you're focused on personal growth or professional development, our courses are designed to meet you where you are.
They’re a great fit for:
Individuals looking to better understand and use their character strengths
Coaches, educators, and mental health professionals supporting others
Managers and leaders who are building stronger, strengths-based teams
Anyone navigating life transitions with a desire for lasting tools and insight
How It Works
We’ve made it simple to start learning:
Flexible formats - Choose from self-paced or live courses
Expert-developed - Content created by leaders in psychology and strengths research
Real-life application - Practical tools you can use right away at home or work
Access anytime - Learn at your own pace and revisit the content whenever you need
VIA Course Leaders
Dr. Donna Mayerson
Dr. Donna Mayerson, advisor for the VIA Institute, was Co-Founder of Hummingbird Coaching Services, LLC and Chief Coaching Officer. She was responsible for developing Hummingbird's training model and for maintaining its integrity. She was also Co-Founder of VIA Institute on Character, which has played an important role in helping to establish a new discipline in the field of psychology - positive psychology. In addition to her role as advisor for VIA, she is the director of clinical services with the Ohio Innocence Project providing an array of services and supports to the lawyers, staff, students, and freed clients. She also works through a charitable family foundation with nonprofits in the Cincinnati area.
Who Should Take VIA Character Strengths Courses?
Our character strengths certification and training programs are built for real-life application, no matter where you are in your journey.
These courses are ideal for:
Individuals exploring strengths-based personal development
Coaches, therapists, and educators looking to integrate VIA Character Strengths into their work
Managers and team leaders who want to build strengths-based organizations
Anyone experiencing life transitions and seeking evidence-based tools for growth and character assessment
What Our Learners Say About VIA Strengths Training
Lisa S., MBA, Executive & Leadership Coach
Canada
"This course was a worthwhile investment of my time. It offered a deeper understanding of the foundations of character strengths and their application to real-life client situations. Excellent! I began applying the learnings immediately."
Aml M.
Egypt
"I discovered myself more, gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and positive qualities, and became more focused on my personal growth."
Ashley S.
Kentucky, United States
"This gave me deeper insight into my mental and emotional well-being and helped me gain tools to better understand myself and others."
Ruth Pearce, Keynote Speaker & Coach
North Carolina
"As a long-time user of character strengths and VIA research, I’m seeing a remarkable transformation in how these tools and the supporting science are being made available to practitioners."