Bruce’s Original Option Questions
When you are unhappy it is because you believe you should be. You feel it is necessary. Whenever you are unhappy (or angry, sad, frightened; use your own words) you can become happy by asking yourself:

“If it were possible, would I like to be happy and suffer less?”

If you answer YES, then ask yourself the Option Method Questions.

What are you unhappy about? (identify)
What do you mean? (clarify)
What [is it] about that, that makes you unhappy? (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 would it have to mean that? or
Do I still believe that [being happy would be bad for me right now]?
 

History of The Option Method

Who Created The Option Method?
Bruce Di Marsico, (1945 – 1995), creator of the Option Method, began his studies in a Catholic seminary, and later switched his academic pursuits to the study of psychology and philosophy at Seton Hall University. A kind, loving, charismatic man and teacher, Bruce’s true calling was helping people learn how to be happier. The Option Method grew from a gradual personal awakening as Bruce studied, observed, and practiced his questioning process to help himself, close friends, and clients discover and release the limiting beliefs behind their unhappiness. His personal examination and transformation, as well as his work as a psychotherapist, inspired him to develop the Option Method as a self-help, self-discovery tool that people could use to become happier in their everyday lives.

When Was The Option Method Created?
Around 1970, Bruce formally introduced his method in New York City at the Group Relations Ongoing Workshop, (G.R.O.W.), a school for group counseling and therapies. Bruce was to become one of the most popular teachers at G.R.O.W. as word spread of his exciting new method and self-help tool.

Why Did Bruce Create The Option Method?
Bruce realized that people were unhappy because they believed they needed to be, or should be, not because they were made to feel unhappy by outside circumstances or another’s behavior. Bruce created a simple questioning process that revealed that beliefs were the cause of unhappiness. Using the Option Method, people began to see they actually choose to feel exactly as they believed they should feel. Discovering they had a choice in their emotions empowered them to choose differently. Bruce discovered that once people understand it’s not necessary to be unhappy, they will choose to feel good.

How Has The Option Method Evolved?
Since the Option Method’s inception it has been taught to teachers, psychologists, therapists, social workers, clergy and other practitioners, as well as to individuals seeking to make personal improvements in their lives. Many of Bruce’s original students went on to teach Option and help others transform their lives. These special students took their love and understanding of Option, developed it in their own unique fashion. We celebrate all their efforts, which include published books, interactive websites, teaching centers, and institutes that educate people throughout the world about their power to create happier lives.