Welcome to Hoffman

About the Hoffman Institute 

Established in 1967 by Bob Hoffman, the Hoffman Institute is dedicated to helping participants transform counterproductive beliefs, perceptions, and emotional patterns that limit joy, satisfaction, and authenticity in their lives. By learning how to live from their positive aspects, participants find they can be more loving, spontaneous, joyous, and whole. The Hoffman Institute offers programs that serve a wide range of people who are seeking clarity and improvement in all aspects of their lives.

  • Our Programs
  • Our Approach & Methodology
  • Who Attends Hoffman?
  • Registration & Tuition
  • Resources to Learn More
  • Contact Us

Our Programs

Our Foundational Programs

Hoffman Process logo

For almost 60 years, the Hoffman Institute has offered its signature program, The Hoffman Process®, to more than 125,000 people throughout the world. Based on the Negative Love Syndrome® that was originated by Bob Hoffman in 1967, The Hoffman Process offers transformative family-of-origin work by identifying and transforming negative thought and behavioral patterns on emotional, intellectual, and physical levels, thereby creating lasting transformation. The week-long, digitally disconnected, in-person retreat allows participants to align with their authentic selves and cultivate the ability to respond to life from a place of conscious choice.

We offer the Process at our beautiful retreat sites located in California, Canada, and Connecticut.

To learn more about Hoffman Processes offered in Canada, click here.

Learn More

Hoffman Fundamentals logo

Hoffman Fundamentals: An Experiential Introduction© is a new program that utilizes Hoffman’s proprietary methodology. During this 2-day, in-person program, we’ll work with family-of-origin belief systems and you will learn how to identify and transform counterproductive perceptions, ways of being, and emotional patterns that are limiting your life. You will come to understand and know how to live from the positive dimensions of your being, resulting in a life that is more open, loving, whole, and authentic.

Learn More

Hoffman Essentials logo

Hoffman Essentials© is a 2-day virtual program designed to support participants in understanding and experiencing the foundational principals and concepts of our work. While not a prerequisite for the week-long Hoffman Process, Hoffman Essentials provides participants with the space to dis-identify from negative patterns of thought, behavior, and belief while cultivating tools and practices that support them in embodying their authenticity and staying connected to their inner wisdom.

Learn More

Our Graduate Programs

Graduates of the Hoffman Process and participants in the Hoffman Essentials and Hoffman Fundamentals are invited to continue their work through graduate retreats, 1-day Refreshers, weekly webclasses, coaching, grad groups or transformation circles, and other resources.

To learn more about the various Process graduate resources, click here; to learn more about Essentials and Fundamentals participant resources, click here.

Our Approach & Methodology

Our Methodology

The proprietary methodology of The Hoffman Quadrinity® Process was created by founder Bob Hoffman in 1967 and is based on the constructs of the Negative Love Syndrome® and the Cycle of Transformation© (Awareness, Expression, Compassion & Forgiveness, New Ways of Being). The Negative Love Syndrome is the understanding that, as young children, we take on patterns of thought, behavior, and belief, which become automatic and compulsive in order to get our needs met for love, connection, and belonging. The patterns that we “take on” during our childhood are often modeled by our parental figures. In doing the work offered at Hoffman, participants are able to break free from these patterned ways of being and learn how to embody the positive dimensions of their Self.

A review of existing research of the unique, intensive, psycho-emotional education program from 1985 to 2013 shows lasting, positive effects on overall psychological adjustment. The Process and its techniques align with contemporary scientific disciplines and evidence-based methods in a structured, experiential format.

To learn more about NLS, download the booklet or watch the video. To review the research on the Process, click here.

What to Expect at Hoffman

Our programs are offered within a group environment and they are grounded in experiential learning. Experiential learning is a technique of learning by doing. In the Hoffman Process, Hoffman Fundamentals, and Hoffman Essentials, this is done through group discussions, reflection, guided visualizations, and embodiment exercises. Teachers use these modalities while also employing an empathic, supportive approach that respects the dignity of each person. Although the majority of the work is done in a group setting, every student is doing their own internal and individual healing work. Very little personal information is exchanged among participants.

Important Things to Know

As you consider attending a program at Hoffman, it is important to know the following:

  • The basis and focus for all of our work is grounded within a family-of-origin framework. 
  • The Hoffman Process, Hoffman Fundamentals, and Hoffman Essentials programs are not intended as a substitute for psychotherapy. Many people have reported that the Process is an important addition to their therapeutic experience, and many psychotherapists use the Process as a complementary adjunct to therapy. If you are currently in therapy, we do ask that you consult your medical doctor and/or therapist about your choice to participate.
  • Attending the Hoffman Process retreat requires participants to digitally disconnect. This means that telephone calls, emails, and texting are not permitted, including connecting to the internet and other “outside” means of communication. Your family will still be able to reach you if there is an emergency.
  • Prior to attending our programs, there is a comprehensive pre-work assignment that is due 3 weeks prior to your program start date. This assignment is provided upon enrollment and it gives students with the opportunity to reflect on their childhood, family of origin, and current life experiences.
  • Participants cannot take the Hoffman Process, Hoffman Fundamentals, or Hoffman Essentials with a friend, colleague, spouse, and/or family member. This is an individual program in a group setting and we want each person to focus on their own journey.

Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page:

Visit FAQ

Who Attends Hoffman?

Who Attends Hoffman?

Our programs are designed for people who are looking for concise and real results, getting to the bottom of what is holding them back from living a fulfilling life. They want more love, success, creativity, peace, and empowerment in their lives.

Participants attend Hoffman from all income groups, professions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs. They range in age from 21 to over 80. Those who come to the Process have a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives and a deep desire to change.

Take a Free Self-Assessment

Wondering if Hoffman is right for you? Take our free Self-Assessment Questionnaire by clicking here.

Registration & Tuition

How to Register

Once you’ve decided on your program – The Hoffman Process, Hoffman Fundamentals, and/or Hoffman Essentials – you can register at any time by going to our Dates page to see upcoming and available program dates. Once you have found a date that works for you, click on the Register button to sign up.

Or, call us at 800-506-5253, Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM Pacific time.

Tuition and Program Costs

Tuition for the Hoffman Process:

Tuition for the Hoffman Process includes lodging, all meals and food, over 90 hours of professional instruction, individualized attention, all materials including post-Process manual and recordings, and a one-on-one post-Process call with your teacher.

We offer a tiered pricing structure designed to expand access and invite ongoing support of our work. As a non-profit, we recognize the diversity of our community and believe that personal transformation should be accessible for all.

Sustainer Rate – $6,950 USD
This is our standard rate which covers basic program costs.

Sponsor Rate – $9,950 USD
Our standard rate with an added U.S. tax-deductible donation for those who are able to support.

Supported Rate – Varies (Scholarship Assisted)
This rate is supported by donations, allowing us to offer inclusive access to our programming. Click here to learn more about scholarships.

To learn more about the tuition for the Hoffman Process offered in Canada, click here.

Tuition for Hoffman Fundamentals is $950 USD. The tuition covers: 

  • Orientation / Welcome Call with an Enrollment Counselor.
  • Limit of 40 participants, in person, per program.
  • All program materials.
  • 2 full days of experiential curriculum led by Hoffman teachers.
  • Post-program class integration call.
  • One free webclass credit to use after you complete the program.

To learn more about Hoffman Fundamentals click here.

Tuition for Hoffman Essentials:

We offer a tiered pricing structure designed to expand access and invite ongoing support of our work.

Sustainer Rate: $450 USD
This is our standard rate which covers basic program costs.

Sponsor Rate: $600 USD
Our standard rate with an added U.S. tax-deductible donation for those who are able to support.

Supported Rate: $300 USD
This rate is supported by donations, allowing us to offer inclusive access to our programming. Click here to learn more about scholarships.

Scholarships

We offer partial financial assistance through the Hoffman Institute Scholarship Fund. To apply for a scholarship, click here. Awarded scholarship amounts cannot be combined with other discounts.

Resources to Learn More

Download an Information Packet

Our Info Packet is a collection of articles and writings detailing the efficacy and spirit of our work. Download an Info Packet today and learn more about The Hoffman Institute. Mailed Info Packets are available upon request. To request an Info Packet, click here.

Free Intro Calls on Tuesday Evenings

Our free, 45-minute weekly Intro Call takes place on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM Pacific time. Hoffman Institute staff members and teachers, who are trained to support and respond to people who are considering the Process or other programs, will answer questions from callers.

To learn more about our Free Intro Calls, click here.

The Hoffman Podcast

Love’s Everyday Radius is an inspiring collection of conversations with Hoffman graduates and those impacted by their ripple of change. Tune in and discover how the work that happens at Hoffman remains alive within their everyday life.

To listen to the Hoffman Podcast, click here.

Media

Discover the latest articles, podcasts, and other media featuring the Hoffman Institute.

To view our media library, click here.

Resources for Therapists

Many mental-health professionals and life coaches have found the Hoffman Process to be a powerful adjunct for their clients who are in individual or couples therapy or coaching. For understanding more about the Process and for addressing some of the important questions and concerns associated with recommending the Process to clients, please see the resources listed here.

To view our Therapist Resources page, click here.

Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page:

Visit FAQ

Contact Us

For more information about our programs, please contact our offices:

US Enrollment Office:

Canada Enrollment Office:

For media inquiries, please contact media@hoffmaninstitute.org