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.
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)
Live Course
Select the course that fits your schedule. Full list of times/dates below.
$499.00 USD
2025 Course Offerings
May - June 2025
May 7 - June 25, 2025
Wednesdays, 3:00 AM - 5:00 AM Eastern/8:00 AM - 10:00 AM BST
Retreat: Friday, June 13, 3:00 AM - 8:00 AM Eastern/8:00 AM- 1:00 PM BST
Led by Dr. Roger Bretherton
September - October 2025
September 9 - October 28, 2025
Tuesdays, 12:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern
Retreat: Friday, October 17, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern
Led by Dr. Ryan Niemiec
Live courses, of 8 weekly sessions including 1 half-day virtual retreat.
2025 Course Facilitators
Dr. Ryan Niemiec, founder of MBSP and Chief Science and Education Officer at VIA.
Danielle Casioppo, Education Specialist with Being Well at Yale and Certified MBSP Instructor.
Dr. Roger Bretherton Clinical Psychologist & Academic in the Centre for Positive Health Sciences
A Science-Backed, Expert-Guided 8-Week Path to Greater Well-Being
Designed for anyone seeking personal growth, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) combines mindfulness and character strengths to help you deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and strengthen personal and professional relationships.
91% of participants reported increased overall well-being
87% improved their ability to manage problems
9 out of 10 would recommend MBSP to a friend or colleague
What is Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)?
Developed by Dr. Ryan Niemiec and launched in 2014, VIA’s Mindfulness-Based Strengths Program (MBSP) was the first globally available program to integrate mindfulness and character strengths.
Unlike traditional mindfulness programs that focus primarily on meditation, MBSP integrates mindfulness into everyday moments, making it immediately practical and personally meaningful. More than just science-backed or evidence-based, MBSP is an empirically validated program — supported by rigorous research demonstrating its benefits. Participants often experience reduced stress, greater happiness, and stronger relationships as they apply mindfulness and character strengths in daily life. Through the live, interactive 8-week program, you’ll build a powerful well-being toolkit to cultivate more joy, balance, and success in your daily life. MBSP is more than a course — it’s a transformative journey that empowers you to navigate life with a strengths-based perspective.
Want to become Mindfulness Certified and teach MBSP?
Join the global network of VIA Certified MBSP Practitioners and help others experience the power of mindfulness and character strengths.
Gain the expertise to confidently lead MBSP sessions.
Learn from top experts in a research-backed, strengths-based approach.
Expand your impact by bringing MBSP to individuals, teams, and organizations.
Why Choose Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice? Key Program Benefits
1
Live & Interactive Learning Engage in expert-led weekly sessions with a global community.
2
The Best Mindfulness & Strengths Practice 30+ practical exercises, meditations, and reflection activities.
3
Pesonalized Strengths Insights Whether you are new to character strengths or are intermediate/advanced in your knowledge, you will gain deep personal and professional insights into strengths application and use.
4
Supportive Group ExperienceLearn from and connect with like-minded learners through small group breakout experiences.
5
Proven Tools for Well-Being Learn evidence-based strategies to build resilience, reduce stress, and enhance personal growth.
6
Professional Development Credits & an Official Recognition of Completion Earn 22 Resource Development ICF CCEU hours to advance your career and receive an official recognition of completion documenting and appreciating your growth in strengths-based mindfulness.
7
Comprehensive Course Access Enjoy ongoing learning with exclusive one-year access to all resources, including session recordings.
8
Real-World Application Experience immediate benefits as you seamlessly integrate mindfulness and strengths-based practices into your daily life.
Course Faculty
Danielle Casioppo
Danielle Casioppo is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a certified yoga teacher, and meditation instructor. She brings over 10 years of experience creating and delivering transformational programs that enrich the well-being of participants. Danielle is one of 15 international charter certified Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) instructors and a proud faculty member with the VIA Institute on Character. She's a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid and she is the Education Specialist and Coordinator with Being Well at Yale University.
Dr. Roger Bretherton
Dr Roger Bretherton is Programme Director for the Professional Diploma in Positive Health at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He is a UK accredited Clinical Psychologist, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
He is the director of Character Lab Lincoln, which conducts training, consultancy and research on character strengths interventions. His research team is currently investigating the benefits of humility in leaders, the role of mindfulness in character development, a strengths-based approach to pro-environmental behaviours, the role of wisdom in business leadership, and character strengths in entrepreneurs. He has authored two books, and dozens of articles and book chapters, and is a reviewer for several leading academic journals in applied psychology. He delivers coaching, training and keynotes across a broad range of public and private sector organisations.
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.
- 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 for both beginners and experienced practitioners. You will receive a personalized Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report to guide your learning throughout the course.
No prior mindfulness experience is necessary. MBSP introduces foundational mindfulness and character strengths concepts and practices, making it accessible for those who are new to the topics while offering depth for those with prior experience.
- 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. 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).
- 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 facilitate MBSP?
To become certified to teach MBSP, 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.