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VIA Institute On Character
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice

Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) - begins September 2025

Live Course

Learn research-based skills to increase self-awareness, improve relationships and manage problems.

$499.00 USD
  • Live Experience Engaging and interactive online program
  • Personalized Report Included (PDF Download) Learn your ratings for the 5 mindfulness skills with the Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report
  • 8 Sessions + Retreat Weekly sessions + ½ day retreat for progressive learning
  • 2- 2.5 hour Sessions In-depth sessions each week to further your practice
  • Prerequisites Working computer camera, mic and strong internet connection. Purchase Mindfulness and Character Strengths book
  • Part of MBSP Certification MBSP is a requirement to become MBSP certified
  • Earn ICF Credits 17 Resource Development (MBSP only) 22 Resource Development (MBSP + Retreat) CCEU’s offered for International Coaching Federation

About this Mindfulness Course

Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) is a live, 8-week evidence-based program that teaches you how to enhance well-being, improve relationships and manage life problems and challenges. Learn how to apply research-based mindfulness and character strengths practices to engage more deeply with life. You will also receive your personalized Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report to discover how you rate on the 5 mindfulness skills.

If you would like to become certified to lead MBSP, discover our MBSP Certification.
Mindful Speaking - direct, concise, specific, honest, from the heart, which strength?

What Will You Gain from this Mindfulness Course?

MBSP teaches you practical tips and techniques to use mindfulness and strengths to flourish. Mindfulness allows you to explore who you are, and how to activate the qualities that make you feel authentic, alive and engaged. This 8-session, integrative program:

  • deepens your knowledge of your best qualities and those of others
  • boosts mindfulness as an always-available approach to use in life
  • cultivates strengths awareness and strengths use to create positive life changes
  • offers concrete practices to boost happiness and manage stress and difficulties

Fall 2025 Session Dates

  • Tuesday, September 9, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, September 16, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, September 23, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, September 30, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, October 7, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, October 14, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Friday, October 17, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern (Half-Day Virtual Retreat)

  • Tuesday, October 21, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern

  • Tuesday, October 28, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern

To be notified of future sessions, sign up for our email newsletter.

Who Should Take this Mindfulness Course

Anyone interested in learning how to blend mindfulness and character strengths—two practices, each historically rooted in philosophy, theology, psychology and other disciplines—to create a holistic, positive approach to improve well-being and happiness.

Teachers, managers, coaches, and counselors may find it particularly beneficial to experience and develop their own practice of mindfulness and strengths before attempting to teach mindfulness/strengths to others.

For those interested in MBSP Certification, this program, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), is a requirement.

What You Should Know Before Registering

Attending Sessions: Due to the interaction and rigor of this program, it is important that participants attend all 8 sessions live. If you know of a conflict during one of the 8 sessions, it is suggested you wait to join a future round of MBSP. We understand that sudden or emergent conflicts may arise and you may need to unexpectedly miss a session. In this instance you can watch the session recording to count as your attendance (breakout discussions are not recorded).

Required book: The Mindfulness and Character Strengths Workbook. This workbook includes individual activities and will serve as a guide as you complete the program. Order from the publisher Hogrefe to receive a 20% discount or on Amazon. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Suggested Reading: If you plan to lead others in MBSP or to become certified in MBSP, we recommend purchasing Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practitioner’s Guide to MBSP. Order from the publisher Hogrefe to receive a 20% discount or on Amazon. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Technology: This course uses Zoom (click on Take Course from your MY Course page to access Zoom link) so please make sure you have a working camera on your computer (so you can be seen), a working microphone on your computer (so you can be heard) and a good connection to the Internet (so you don’t miss out on experiences).

Course Details

  • Live Experience Engaging and interactive online program
  • Personalized Report Included (PDF Download) Learn your ratings for the 5 mindfulness skills with the Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report
  • 8 Sessions + Retreat Weekly sessions + ½ day retreat for progressive learning
  • 2- 2.5 hour Sessions In-depth sessions each week to further your practice
  • Prerequisites Working computer camera, mic and strong internet connection. Purchase Mindfulness and Character Strengths book
  • Part of MBSP Certification MBSP is a requirement to become MBSP certified
  • Earn ICF Credits 17 Resource Development (MBSP only) 22 Resource Development (MBSP + Retreat) CCEU’s offered for International Coaching Federation

Program Preview: What's Inside

1

Mindfulness and Autopilot Insights and change opportunities start with mindful attention.

2

Signature Strengths, Character Strengths You can find greater well-being, engagement, and meaning by using your highest strengths.

3

Obstacles and Struggles are Opportunities Learn how to take a strengths mindset with life challenges and your meditation practice.

4

Mindful Living, with Strengths Any action (walking, eating, driving, etc.) has the potential to be infused with the energy of mindfulness and the energy of character strengths.

5

Strengthen Your Relationships Mindful attending can nourish two types of relationships: relationships with others and your relationship with yourself.

6

The Golden Mean Mindfulness helps you discover optimal strengths use to reframe opportunities, problems and life challenges.

7

Half-Day Retreat This is a practice day for everyday mindful living - exploring mindfulness in daily conversation, eating, walking, sitting, reflecting, and the nuances therein.

8

Authenticity and Goodness Are you working toward becoming better at “being you” (authenticity) or are you focused on becoming a “better person” (goodness)?

9

Your Engagement with Life Learn how to stick with practices that have been working well and watch your mind’s tendency to revert back to automatic habits that are deficit-based, unproductive, or ultimately self-defeating.

Course Faculty

Dr. Ryan Niemiec

Dr. Ryan Niemiec

Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D. is a leading figure in the education, research, and practice of character strengths that are found in all human beings. He is creator of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), an evidence-based program that integrates the science and practice of mindfulness and character strengths. It is the first, and one of the only mindfulness programs in the world to offer an alternative to the deficit-based approach, by targeting what’s best in people rather than targeting problems.

Learn More about Ryan

The MBSP program provided a lifelong learning experience I am grateful for. Each class is built upon the previous one to provide a well-rounded experience. The conversations were so fruitful. There were many learning opportunities that I will continue to leverage daily.

— Ashley W., Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Pennsylvania
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)?

Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) is an 8-week, empirically-validated program that blends the science of mindfulness with character strengths to enhance well-being, resilience, and meaningful living. Created by Dr. Ryan Niemiec, MBSP is designed to help participants integrate mindfulness and strengths into their daily lives through striking experiential activities, guided exercises, interactive discussions, and practical applications.

What’s included in the MBSP Course?
  • Eight Weekly Live Sessions – Interactive learning with expert-led guidance.
  • Guided Meditations & Strengths Practices – Over 30 practical exercises to integrate into daily life.
  • Personalized Mindfulness Report – Insights into your unique character strengths.
  • Small Group Discussions & Community Support – Connect with a global group of like-minded learners.
  • Recorded Sessions & Course Materials – One-year access to all resources.
  • Official Recognition of Completion – Demonstrating your commitment to strengths-based mindfulness
How do strengths and mindfulness give optimal results?

Mindfulness helps you become a better observer in life – to notice the details of the world around you. It means to take more control (i.e., self-regulation) of your attention, and to be curious, open, and accepting along the way. Character strengths are your natural, untapped potential that help you foster resilience, joy, and purpose. When combined, they create a powerful framework for navigating challenges, deepening relationships, and living more authentically. Research studies show that together, these provide a broader range of well-being benefits than either one alone.

Remember: mindfulness without character strengths is directionless; while character strengths without mindfulness are hollow.

Is prior knowledge or training on character strengths and/or mindfulness required?

No prior experience with character strengths or mindfulness is required. MBSP is designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering depth for experienced practioners. You will receive a personalized Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report to support your learning throughout the course.

Do I need to attend all sessions live?

You can miss up to two live sessions—recordings will be available on your course page so you can catch up at your convenience. If you anticipate missing more than two, we recommend registering for a future cohort to get the most out of the experience.

How much time is required to complete the course?

The course consists of eight weekly sessions, each lasting approximately two hours, along with a half-day virtual retreat. Participants are encouraged to engage in personal reflection and practice exercises between sessions, typically taking 30-45 minutes per day.

What materials and technology do I need for the MBSP course?

Required book: The Mindfulness and Character Strengths Workbook. This workbook includes individual activities and will serve as a guide as you complete the program. Order from the publisher, Hogrefe, to receive a 20% discount or on Amazon.

Suggested Reading: If you plan to lead others in MBSP or to become certified in MBSP, we recommend purchasing Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practitioner’s Guide to MBSP. Order from the publisher Hogrefe to receive a 20% discount or on Amazon.

Technology: This course uses Zoom so please make sure you have a working camera on your computer (so you can be seen), a working microphone on your computer (so you can be heard) and a good connection to the Internet (so you don’t miss out on experiences).

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

What are the requirements to receive a Recognition of Completion?
  • Attend all eight live sessions (or watch the recordings for any missed sessions).
  • Recommended to complete the weekly mindfulness and strengths activities/practices.
  • Engage in small group discussions and activities.
What’s required to get certified to get Mindfulness Certified?

To get Mindfulness Certified, there are two main steps:

  • Complete the 8-Week MBSP Program: Start with the research-backed course that combines mindfulness and character strengths to enhance well-being, resilience, and performance. You’ll engage in daily practices that help you build confidence and deepen your personal understanding.
  • Register for MBSP Certification: Make it official by registering for the certification program. You can enroll at any time—before, during, or after completing the 8-week MBSP course. >> Click here to get started with certification.