Ryan M. Niemiec, PsyD, is 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.
Start with Strengths
Apply science-based practices to activate your strengths, boost happiness and improve well-being.
- On-Demand Get started immediately with videos and handouts added to your VIA account
- 7 Sessions Includes research-based lectures, stories, examples and activities
- 1 Hour Sessions Learn at your convenience
- Self-Paced Access to course for 1 year from date of purchase
- No Prerequisites Available for anyone to join
- Language English offered (closed captioning available)
- Earn ICF Credits 7 Resource Development CCEUs offered for International Coaching Federation
About this Course
In this course, you will learn guiding principles to explore your character strengths and how to use them to improve the areas of your life that matter most to you—whether that’s your work, with your family and friends, or in your community.
What Will You Gain From Taking This Course
Research shows applying your character strengths can improve your well-being. This course teaches you how to use your best qualities to:
- be happier
- reduce stress
- find meaning in life
- boost relationships
- live authentically
- reach your goals
Who Should Take This Course?
Anyone interested in personal growth and development, greater well-being, and finding strengths-based solutions to problems.
Helping professionals who work with others to make positive life changes, including consultants, coaches, managers, educators, psychologists and social workers.
Course Details
- On-Demand Get started immediately with videos and handouts added to your VIA account
- 7 Sessions Includes research-based lectures, stories, examples and activities
- 1 Hour Sessions Learn at your convenience
- Self-Paced Access to course for 1 year from date of purchase
- No Prerequisites Available for anyone to join
- Language English offered (closed captioning available)
- Earn ICF Credits 7 Resource Development CCEUs offered for International Coaching Federation
Expert Guidance to Explore Your Strengths
Purchase the Total 24 Report and the Start with Strengths Course together and receive over 15% off.
Course Preview: What's Inside
Strengths 101 Explore why your positive personality traits are core to your identity.
Increase Happiness Learn research-based pathways to greater happiness.
Boost Relationships Improve your relationships by focusing on your strengths and the strengths of others.
Improve Work Engagement Find more engagement in your work by aligning your tasks to your most essential strengths.
Manage Stress & Health Shift your mindset to see how stressful situations stimulate learning and lead to greater growth.
Find Meaning & Purpose Build a meaningful life around your core values.
Accomplish Goals Learn how your character strengths can be pathways to reach small goals and your highest aspirations.
Course Faculty
"It’s fun, informative, grounded in science and offers real ways to start targeting strengths."
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I have handouts that I can keep and review at a later date?
Yes, in each module there are PDF handouts that you can download for the practical exercises that we recommend.
- Do I need to pay for any other materials such as textbooks?
No, all the material you need is included in the course content. After you take the VIA Survey (before starting this course), you can consider purchasing one of the more in-depth reports.
You may also be interested in the new practical book The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality, by Drs. Ryan Niemiec and Robert McGrath. This book reviews the what, the why, and the how of each of the 24 character strengths and is now the go-to book in applying strengths in a personal way.
- Can I purchase a course for multiple individuals in my organization?
Yes, and we offer bulk discount pricing when purchasing multiple courses. Please contact us at info@viacharacter.org with course name and quantity for more information.
- What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase?
We feel confident you will find VIA products valuable, but if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may request a refund. Refunds are issued based on product purchased. See our Refund Policy for details. Terms of Service