OI is a destructive cult. Investigate and learn more about cults. Read negative "Glass Door" reviews for OI. Many people leave OI mentally and financially broken. Brain washing and mind control is far more complex than restricting bathroom use. Physical, mental and verbal abuse does occur at OI. If 50 women speak out against Bill Cosby to bring justice, how many have to speak out agains
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

“The worst place on earth ” Feb. 23, 2015 Current Employee - Volunteer in Sheffield, MA I have been working at The Option Institute Pros Encouraging colleagues to get some confidence and self respect enough to leave and enjoy real world employment Cons Management systematically breaks down your free will and optimism under the guise of helpful critique.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The "staff" at the Option Institute have no training other than that from the Kaufman family. They are NOT professionals. The Kaufmans are selling a product which they made up so that they could make money. They have NO interest in helping children or families. All the top "teachers" at the Option Institute are Kaufman family members. No one there has any credentials/training
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Found a great site called "Glassdoor" which has recent comments from ex employees/members of Option Institute Cult in Sheffield Mass.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Option Institute and Fellowship in Sheffield Mass. Owned and operated by the Kaufman family. Destructive cult which ruins the lives of individuals and families. After leaving this cult I had to educate myself about cults and mind control. Very important for us to tell our stories and warn others. Many ex members of cults afraid to admit they were duped and manipulated. Extremely common to go from
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Option Institute is a destructive cult. Many specific reviews by ex employees on "glassdoor" website.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

I'm truly sorry that your wife is there. If you threaten/suggest to O.I. (Option Institute) any type of legal action, I believe they will quickly "invite" your wife to leave; they hate "bad press". If your wife has any money at all, they will soon find a way to have her "donate" it to them. they also hate being called a "cult". typical cult beh
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I believe they are an extremely destructive cult. I would not recommend that your friend/family member get involved. There is more information about OI if you "search" Steve Hassan's website "Freedom of Mind". They are a nasty bunch.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

People who have lived/worked/visited a cult don't like to confess that they been ripped off, lied to, taken advantage of. After you spend TEN THOUSAND or MORE dollars at OI (Option Institute) you aren't likely to want to "advertise" it; "oh yes, I was in a cult". Who wants to admit that? Similar to a rape/abuse victim, you feel shame. "How stupid of me to hav
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Someone who did intensive programs there (spent thousands, TENS of thousands) did more than "sample the fruit"; no offence, but you "drank the coolaid". Blessings to all children and familes. I've "been" there and know many others who have. The Kaufmans only let you know about the "happy" endings.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

"People who are dissociated live in great peace. But this is only because they have blocked their negative feelings. The enlightened person resolves his negatives feelings, and thus his peace is not false." People who left OI (Option Institute) after many years did have psychotic breaks. Perhaps you can only pretend to be happy for so long. Option Institute/Kaufman Family were on
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

If families have a lot of money to spend (and they'll need it with OI) perhaps it is a different experience. but if a family is poor, OI will take every penny they have (happily!) and if that family doesn't cure their child, it's their fault because everything is a choice and of course if you fail, then you obviously made the wrong choice. Like it's a poor person's faul
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's definitely a lot of bunko - anyone been to one of these courses at this place? From the website it seems like a bunch of ropes-course stuff, but who knows how serious and LGAT-ish they get... It's a cult. People who have lived and worked there have been extremely damaged by it, and for the most part don't talk about it (and sometimes go on to other cults, and/or start thei
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'd like to start a discussion about the Option Institute in Sheffield Mass. It's definitely a cult.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's always good to ask questions. Even the Buddha taught to that to question is good. There are many Buddhist Groups. FPMT I feel is a good one. I've taken many teachings with HH the Dalai Lama and he is an excellent teacher.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The Option Institute and Fellowship in Sheffield Mass. was the cult that I was involved with. When other people write about their experiences of OI and sound just like me, it helps me to know that I'm not the crazy one. The people still there are the ones with the problem. I had two good therapists who specialized in cults and also an exit counselor. I was a mess when I left but havi
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I worked at the Option Institute. I knew the Kaufmans. The cult aspect for me was for the people working there. Paying guests, those there just for the day or a weekend, are treated better. I'm curious to know why there isn't more known about this place being a cult? It is a bad place, but why is it still so successful? Are people contacting the Mass Attorney General? IRS? U
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

I was at the Option Institute. I had a very bad experience there. I might like to talk with you if that's possible. I'd like to know more about you and your experience. Are you still involved with the Institute?
Forum: Coercive Persuasion and Undue Influence

I'm new to this site. I'm trying to get information about this cult.
Forum: Coercive Persuasion and Undue Influence

I'm trying to get in contact with people who know about the Option Institute in Sheffield Mass USA, run by Barry and Suzi Kaufman.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I'm looking for information about this cult.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"