FAQs

Who created the Option Method?
Bruce Di Marsico created the Option Method in 1970. He taught many people from all walks of life for over 27 years. Since his death in 1995, his students and their students have continued to teach and share the Option Method with people worldwide.
Hear Deborah Mendel explain the Option Method to interviewers Dr. Bob Noziak, author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It, and Aymee Coget, M.A., of Adrenaline Radio. The podcast lasts about 1 hour and is a 12MB download.

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How does the Option Method help people become happier?
The Option Method accomplishes this in several ways. First is Option’s attitude of love and the non-judgmental approach to exploring what exactly is making us unhappy. This attitude combined with the Option Method questions unravel the mystery and “cloud of confusion” that usually surround our emotional upsets. The Option Method helps you let go of those beliefs that are fueling your unhappiness.
How is the Option Method different from other kinds of self-help methods or therapies?
The most basic difference between Option and other methods is the understanding that we are our own best experts. We each have our own individual, specific reasons for becoming unhappy when we do. The Option Method Questions are designed to help us identify those reasons. Unlike other modalities, the Option Method does not require you to rethink, memorize, or adopt a new belief or thought pattern. The Option Method Questions present a painless process that allows you to simply let go of self-defeating beliefs. The profound yet simple questions are unique to Option and were created by Bruce Di Marsico nearly 40 years ago.
How does an Option Method Dialogue appointment work?
The Option Method Practitioner will guide you through your own process of self discovery. A skilled practitioner will ask you the Option Method Questions to help you uncover the core beliefs that are holding you back and causing your unhappiness. Trained to be an acute listener, completely non-judgmental, never projecting or making assumptions, the practitioner will help you to identify the beliefs behind your bad feelings. Most dialogues are one hour as this is usually plenty of time to address one and sometimes more than one unhappiness in your life.

“It’s been my experience both on a personal level and as an Option Method Practitioner that having someone ask you the Option Method questions in this dialogue process can be a profound experience. There is an awakening oftentimes when we hear ourselves reveal a belief out loud that we had no idea we were believing. It’s a unique experience that will help you understand the questions, how they work in practice, and how to continue to use them for yourself in the future.”— Deborah Mendel

What are the Option Method Questions and how are they used?
The Option Method Questions are:

  • What are you unhappy about? (identify)
  • What do you mean? (clarify)
  • Why are you unhappy about that? (identify)
  • What do you mean? (clarify)
  • What are you afraid would happen or
  • What are you afraid it would mean if you were not unhappy about that?
  • Why do you believe it would mean that?
Bruce designed and created this Option Method Dialogue that reveals the beliefs behind our bad feelings and unhappiness. Through this dialogue process you will discover it is painless and easy to let go of the beliefs that cause your unhappiness. Schedule an Option Method Dialogue with Deborah Mendel or use her workbook, Be Happier Now: Your Personal Roadmap to a Life of Joy and Happiness — The Option Method Workbook.
Are there any books about the Option Method?
Yes. Please visit our Option store.
What is the difference between the Option Process and the Option Method?
Bruce Di Marsico created what he called the Option Method nearly 40 years ago. Many of his students have shared the joy of what they learned from Bruce with others. One of these students was Barry Neil Kaufman. Mr. Kaufman has chosen to trademark and identify his work as the Option Process.
It is now possible to experience the same classes Mr. Kaufman learned from through transcribed study courses and actual archival records of Bruce’s Option Method classes and workshops. Please visit our Archives.
The Option practitioners listed on this site are not currently affiliated with Mr. Kaufman’s work, nor are we up to date on his current teachings.
How can I learn how to use the Option Method to help others?
Deborah Mendel, Bruce’s widow, offers individual training in the Option Method. Contact Deborah by phone at 916-776-2266 to learn more. Or visit our Archives and begin a self-guided study course based on Bruce Di Marsico’s actual classes and lectures. You will experience Bruce Di Marsico’s teachings through transcribed study courses and archival audio recordings.

Updated February 3, 2011