Once you’ve enrolled in the MBSP Certification program, you may find new questions arise as you begin your journey. Below are answers to some common questions that come up after joining the program.
How many people do I need in each of the two MBSP cohorts I lead as part of the certification process?
→ One of your cohorts needs to be a group of three or more people. The second can be any number—this could be an individual, a couple, or a larger group.
What matters most is your practice in leading MBSP and the quality of the engagement, not the quantity of participants.
How do I find participants for the MBSP cohorts I lead? Can I charge participants while in training?
→ Many practitioners begin by reaching out to their existing network or community—people already interested in mindfulness, strengths, or personal development. This could include fellow coaches, clients, colleagues, students, or even friends and family.
→ While many offer the program for free during training, others choose to charge a fee—and both options are perfectly acceptable. VIA does not place any restrictions on this. However, we recommend that you inform participants that you are currently in training and not yet certified.
How do I facilitate MBSP for the first time?
→ The Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practitioner's Guide to MBSP (2nd edition) book provides a complete, session-by-session breakdown of MBSP, including structure, timing, facilitator tips, and more.
Chapter 6 is especially helpful for understanding the underlying principles of MBSP and gaining insight into both the facilitator and participant experiences.
→ This book, along with the Advanced Practice Course, MBSP Leader Resource Guide, and your Personalized Training Session, are your key tools for confidently and successfully leading MBSP.
When do I complete the MBSP Project?
→ You’ll dive into the MBSP Project during the Advanced Practice Course, which is designed to inspire and support your project ideas.
The project should integrate mindfulness and character strengths and be personally meaningful to your development as an MBSP facilitator.
Do I have to complete all the certification components by the end of the coursework?
→ No. In fact, it’s encouraged to give yourself time to reflect, absorb, and apply what you’ve learned across the different phases of certification. Some people choose to work on elements in parallel (e.g., the project and courses), while others move through the components one at a time. There is no rush, and the program is designed to allow for flexibility and depth of learning.
Still have questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at info@viacharacter.org — we’re happy to help!