If one hundred people were randomly selected to join a cult, I would be the last one to join. As an older, professional, personally conservative male, "personal growth" has not been in my lexicon. I am a skeptic by history and historically I don't "join" groups talking about personal growth. I am proudly an attendee of the Wright Institute Year of More. Critics of the program suggest that the training is "pseudo-psychological", or superficial, or so extreme to be outside mainstream thinking and "cultish" -- very contrary views of the same program. What I have found is that the concepts introduced at Wright Institute are very similar to those expounded in "Success" magazine and numerous self-help articles and books. The genius of Wright Institute is that one doesn't go for a weekend, get pumped, and then reenter the "real" world and return to ground zero. It is a combination of weekly assignments, group classes, team support and individual coaching. Wright Institute describes it as "assignment living", and it offers a daily opportunity to change your life for the better. WI can be challenging. It asks me to reexamine my beliefs and ways of being in order to claim the useful and beneficial ones as my own, and to discard those beliefs that I adopted from birth that do not serve me well. WI challenges me to create authentic relationships with my friends and family. This can be scary. I sense a great deal of fear in some of the negative reviews in Yelp. I can understand the fear to change, I can't understand demonizing an organization as a reaction to that fear. Some critics suggest there is a coercive atmosphere at Wright to force people to attend. I have never seen that. I know individuals who chose not to participate in Year of More after attending an introductory weekend. I personally left an introductory weekend midday without a thought of repercussion. One of the critics suggests that the Wrights have only their self-interest as motivation for their work. Ignoring the mind reading aspect of this conclusion, I have seen first hand the Wrights' desire to provide a program that allows people to grow personally and professionally. There is no question in my mind that they walk their talk, both personally and as it relates to their business. The reason that I am writing this review is because some of the critics of Wright Institute use scary words with awful connotations as a way to scare readers from really checking it out for themselves. Wright Institute may not be right for you. But if you are reading this review there is probably something about your life you would like to change. Why let some anonymous critic with an ax to grind make that potentially life changing decision for you? Check it out yourself. You can experience the Wright Institute for a weekend for free. If you give any credence to the scare tactics in some of these reviews, bring a friend, or two. There's safety in numbers - not that you need it. The only thing scary about Wright Institute is the fear to face our own limitations. read more

If you have any sense of self worth, run the other way, fast! Bob Wright prays on the emotionally vulnerable. I worked with Bob Wright in '99 when he then called his organization "The School of Exceptional Living". VERY interesting that this school is not mentioned anywhere in his Linked-In profile, as it was a full-out cult, complete with demanding that participants work for him unpaid to solicit new "members" by cold-calling and other methods. His sole purpose for which was to pad his bank account, and I assume that I was not the only one that he was abusive to. Be aware that he holds an LCSW designation, but hasn't licensed with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation since 1999, as he chooses not to be held to the level of professionalism, non-judgement, boundaries or honoring of client self-determination that an LCSW would be held to follow. He has chosen to represent himself as a "coach" or "trainer" instead, dropping the LCSW designation from his name, with free-reign to call his own shots, and not make his time billable to insurance companies. And, as a bonafide ego-maniac, he utilizes name calling and belittling of his clients as "tools". When I chose not to work with him anymore, I received scathing emails from him demanding that I come in for a session and pay him $200 (in 1999!) "to finish what I started", being threatened that if I didn't comply he would "deal with things unilaterally". Then he informed me that he was going to bill me for 30 minutes of his time for writing the threatening email. I was also informed that I was "forbidden" from seeing another therapist I was more comfortable with that was an hour closer to my home, and accused of "being more committed to convenience than other life quality issues". His techniques are totally abusive, he's passive aggressive and authoritarian and his ego-maniacal power trip preempts any care or compassion for his clients whatsoever. His Women's Essential Experience weekend included having my luggage gone through by his staff, pulling my undergarments out and ridiculed, and having to stand in front of a panel of men in a bathing suit and my body 'critiqued".This treatment went on and on. I cannot stress enough what a manipulative and ego-maniacal man Bob Wright is, and that you should be VERY WARY of his organization. read more

Stay the hell away from these people, and anyone associated with the Wright Institute. I got suckered into attending one of these so called "self-help" events while I was living in Chicago. I was at a job networking event, and they gave out free passes to one of the Wright Institute's events. I thought maybe this self help event will help me make contacts to find work. I was dead wrong. They had a whole wknd ordeal that was a complete joke. Judith Wright and her husband Bob or whatever his name is are crooks, and should be in prison for the absolute bullshit that they try and feed people. They try and make you feel like there are so many things wrong with you and that you need their help to try and fix these problems. This is their way of trying to convince you that you need all these other nonsense classes they offer that are outrageous in cost. Sadly some people bought into all their propaganda, and it is truely sad. There was a beautiful Hispanic woman in the group from another country who did not have great English and she had no idea what she was saying or partaking in and it broke my heart. While I was at this event I was immediately both angered but entertained as well. They do this thing where they have everyone get up and dance and sing to apparently get stress out. I was thinking to myself the whole time if these people try and get me to come up on stage and sing and dance they have another thing coming. We also went out to lunch and one of the "team leaders" tried to get me to say and do ridiculous things at a restaurant to apparently make me feel comfortable with myself. They also split people up into groups and try and get you to share personal information about your life and emotions that is no one's business, especially people you just met. All sorts of people were crying and going nuts. It was extremely uncomfortable and very very unprofessional. Yup this is definitely a sick cult and should not be in business. Someone should really call the BBB on them and make complaints on how they are hurting people emotionally. I really wouldn't send my worst enemy to this place. The rest of these people that gave this place one star are spot on. Do not listen to anyone from the Wright Institute they can only do more harm then good. read more

I didn't know what to expect or want when I attended my first seminar at Wright but am glad I took the risk, blew off my weekend plans, and gave it a shot. In many ways I had my life together and wouldn't have been a person who sought out personal development and leadership training outside of the professional track I was on. But the introductory weekend, the More Life Training, in a compact and powerful way, helped me name and grasp the importance of a couple of nagging concerns about my career direction and my relationships. Moreover, it gave me a vision for how I could build skills to be more powerful and authentic in both. As with anything that really stands to change things for the better, Wright's perspective may make you feel like your sacred cows are lining up on the Weber grill. I had numerous times throughout that first weekend where I plotted not coming back because what I was hearing was so far from anything I'd considered. And once I knew there was something here for me, I still looked coast to coast for alternatives before committing to the year-long course, just because coaching and training of this nature was totally new to me. I found no one offering anything like what I could get here - coaching, seminars, assignments, and small-group support in a coherent package. In a few years of sampling almost all Wright has to offer - from the signature year-long program to sales to parenting - I've had lots of results I'm proud of. Tangibles are easiest to mention: almost double the income I had before starting, a three-year relationship that breaks the martyr mold I'd otherwise have defaulted to, and great systems and support that paradoxically help me stay lighter, happier, and healthier the more responsibility and challenge I take on. I don't regret a minute of it. read more

I have been attending the Wright parenting program since I was eight, and over my time here I have also attended the Year of Transformation and Summer Leadership training. I can honestly say that this foundation has had a profound affect on my life, and I would not be where I am now without the support and feedback that this community has given me. When my parents brought me on my first parenting weekend when I was eight, I was unconnected socially. I didn't play well with other kids and I struggled to interact with adults. The program was critical in helping my parents and I connect with each other, and also improve my ability to work in a group with other kids. When I turned thirteen I became a young leader, and honed my leadership skills through the program. This helped me to understand group dynamics in my life, and build my personal confidence. I joined the Year when I was in the process of transitioning between middle school and high school. It helped set the ground work for my high school success, helping to change me from a quite kid to an engaged young adult who was actively a part of many aspects of my school. Now, as I begin the transition to college, I have attended the Summer Training, an intense, awesome week of growth and emotional exploration. It defiantly set the groundwork for how I begin my life as an adult in the bigger world. The work that Wright is far from easy, but it is defiantly worth it in the end. I have seen my life change dramatically as my engagement in the work has continued. I can safely say that I am a better person for being part of this community, and I am dedicated to growing with it in the years to come, just as it grew with me. Thank you Wright! read more

As I continue to 'enroll' people into the upcoming 3/19 More Life Weekend, facilitated by the most capable, compassionate, engaging, Fun Judith and Bob Wright, I recall 'My Weekend' 2 years ago. Since I had done 'similar' 'Work' through PSI Seminars/no longer in Chicago, I wasn't going to do 'another Weekend'. Shame on me! For those of us who have 'taken the path' of Personal Growth - 'Change is inevitable, Personal Growth is a Choice'. . ., I should have realized - as I do now. . .there's Always 'More'. . .And that's what I learned in my Weekend - Judith and Bob had something 'More and Different', and that Weekend enriched my Life, giving me even more 'Tools' to meet Professional and Personal 'Challenges' that we all have. Being in the midst of my greatest 'challenge' of losing my adult daughter, Maggie, on Thanksgiving Day, my 'Work' that 'Weekend' has provided me with 'reminders' /Strength in 'moving forward. . .The More Life Weekend is just the 'tip of the iceberg' within the walls of the WI and beyond. . .You see, I don't want to overlook the people I've met - others who want 'More in their lives', which includes both students and Leaders within the WI. These are the kind of people that I choose to 'hang out with', the people with whom I want to 'engage'. . .I know that I am always heartily 'welcomed' when I walk into any WI Event/Experience. The WI and the More Life Weekend (each of the 3 sessions is a yr. of what we never learned in school) is an 'Opportunity', and I strongly suggest that you 'open that door' and. . .run in! Enjoy as you 'Grow' and enrich your life! Gail S read more

I was a student at the Wright Institute for 3 1/2 years. I left a year ago when I woke up to how much time, money, and energy I was expending to benefit the Wrights. My life had shrunk, and revolved around the institute. Now that my eyes are open, I look back and realize how much I was conned. No ethical therapist/life coach would assign and charge you big bucks to do menial work for them as a way to teach you leadership skills. They would lose their license which is what happened to the Wrights - for this and other unethical practices. Like peeling an onion, the outer layers are more benign and designed to attract the seeker, those hungry to belong, and anyone in a life transition that is easily led. The deeper I went, the more I was exploited. Students are subjected to mind control tactics, intense psychological experiences, exercises in submission, and used as free labor. There are no trained psychologists on staff to deal with the fallout. Ask why with all the profession of respect for women, they are coached in their presentations by a Playboy VP? If you attend their "free" weekend, read up on mind cults before you go, so that you can recognize their mind control techniques. My biggest personal growth gain was in leaving. read more

I was shocked to read some of these other reviews claiming that this place is a cult. I did their weekend seminar as well as their "Year of More" program, and while I chose to end my participation at that point (mostly due to my schedule), I would recommend their programs to anyone who is serious about taking on big goals for their life and/or developing themselves socially, emotionally and professionally. True- it's not for everybody. It can be a confronting experience, and is not always warm and fuzzy. But they definitely encouraged me to be my own person and set my own goals (as opposed to conforming to any greater identity). And I can definitively tell you that I am doing my professional life, my dating life, and my home life differently as a result. They are not coercive- they are salespeople, which I think anyone can reasonably expect from a for-profit business, and they totally own that. They also welcome any questions about who they are and why/how they do what they do. They're high integrity people that offer a product that while foreign to most of the general public, comes from old and well-accepted scholarly sources. I recommend at least giving it a shot and deciding for yourself. read more

I just returned from their women's weekend, the Woman's Essential Experience (WEE), and I am in awe of the leadership training. There are a growing number of research studies out there talking about the power of women in the C-Suite to affect significant organizational change, that having women in senior management leads to greater organizational effectiveness, more collaboration and resulting innovation, and an improved bottom line. This is the most powerful training I know of that trains women to lead with feminine power and energy, without apology, rather than trying to compete "like a man". I can be a full woman, with my emotions and intuition, AND get sh@t done. If every woman learned to value herself the way we learned at this weekend, I can't help but believe there would be lower rates of eating disorders, fewer divorces, and more women owning their authority and power to go make a difference for the things that matter to them most. There were 3 teenagers on the training and I could not help but feel jealous that they learned about these things at such a young age. I feel tremendously grateful for what I learned, and I hope the word gets out about this training! read more

My adult son encouraged me to attend the More Life Weekend a couple of years ago after he completed the Year of More. A friend of his from Grinnell College had recommended the program to him, and although I was initially skeptical, I began to see the changes in him--more confidence, better able to identify and express his desires for a more meaningful life, more open. I was scared to attend the weekend, but so thankful I did. I signed up to do the Year of More and completed the four quarters a year ago. My daughter also completed the year long program and is doing additional work at the Institute. My husband attended the More Life Weekend after seeing the changes in me and two of his children. This has been a priceless journey for each one of us in our family. I would encourage anyone who is ready do do some pesonal transformational work to atttned a More Life Weekend. Leave your fear at the door and be open to the possibility of a creating a better, more fulfilling life. It is truly an invaluable opportunity to work with intelligent and diverse people, committed to living a more meaningful life. read more

Life changing experience. This organization helps to open people Real themselves around the World. This the way how to become the Best who you can be in your life. They help to achieve you the goals that even were afraid to dream of! There are many obstacles in our lives and ONLY we create them. Ever asked yourself a question why someone is President and another is working all the life for minimal paychecks? This is all in our heads! Take responsibility for your life, change it and live happy, radiant life being the best what you can be. I am with them less than a year yet and it is profound experience that brings amazing results. Is it easy and comes overnight? Of course not. If you tired of the life that you are living now and want to change it this is the place! It offers endless possibilities. Only you are the limit of yourself. All reviews having less than 5 stars are left by people who are full of sh*t and afraid of changes and themselves even if they know they live miserable lives. read more

The introductory programs offered such as the Foundations Training weekend and the Year of Transformation program provide many useful skills and a thoughtful presentation of life skills and how to improve one's life as formulated by history's great psychologist and philosophers. However, one should always be aware of the steady pressure to "accelerate your personal growth" by enrolling in more and more of their programs, most of which contain requirements to participate in yet other programs and/or to donate service, labor, and sales and marketing efforts to further the Wright "mission." Participants should also be aware of the past practice of the Wrights to hire their clients and program into staff positions (at well below market rates) or otherwise engage them in their marketing and sales efforts without remuneration. Advice to participants: get what you can out of the program or programs, but guard your boundaries and trust your instincts when something feels off. read more

The people who work here seem to be rude, have a bad attitude and aren't the most accommodating to applicants when they apply for a job. When going in for a job interview the lady I interviewed with didn't seem to have the best personality. When I showed her my work she wanted a copy of it which was shady. After the interview she wanted me to do an assessment test which was also odd. Most companies don't require "assessment tests" when making a decision to hire a candidate. When I told her my concerns about taking it she wrote me a rude email stating: "Given how problematic you found this process, I can tell you there will be many other aspects of how our company operates that you find equally problematic and it's best for us not to pursue you for this position, and vice versa." Pretty certain other people would have a problem taking a test before given an answer on how much a job pays. read more

The Wright Leadership Institute has helped me to transform my life. I was referred to the Institute after I lost my dad to cancer and felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. I did not know how to verbalize all the pain, hurt, and sadness I was feeling. A friend that had read Dr. Judith Wright's book "The One Decision" suggested I attend the More Life Training weekend, and I eventually decided to enroll in the Wright Leadership Institute's Year of More program. The program has helped me connect with my deeper fears and hungers. With weekly assignments, I learn by doing. I am striving each day with the support of a group, a coach, and a community to help propel my life forward. This training has inspired me to open my own firm focused on social media consulting and to start dreaming of a future that I once never thought would be possible. read more

I first want to say that I think that the Wright Institute is a great place for people to gather and meet. I have been over there only once, and must say that I am impressed with the quality of women I have met. My primary goal in attending Wright Institue is to sleep with as many women as I possibly can. As many as I can convince to sleep with me that is. I would like (& YEARN FOR) as many female sex partners as I can get. It is really nothing more that a "Soft Addiction", and would also like to get into full-blown relationships with these women....maybe even live with 2 or 3 if at all possible. We live in a city with an over abundance of women, and they need a male to "CONTRIBUTE" to their needs. That is why I am here.... to meet them and love them. Wright Institute is a perfect venue to make my dreams cum true. read more

My experience with Wright has been, let's say very 'experiential'. I did the free More Life Training more than a year ago, and my life has definitely changed and improved as a result. I have become more aware of my emotions and what I am feeling, when I have charges with people, and how I interact in groups and with relationships, I can definitely tell when I am disconnected. As a result of the Year of More program, I am starting to dig deeper in my family upbringing, and as a result becoming more close with with my family than ever before. I now know what's possible in my life if I go the extra step, take risks, and be honest and open in my relationships with others. I look forward to doing more growth work with Wright and inviting my friends and family to participate as well. read more

These people are freaky!!!! I attended a free event and was sickened by their tactics. Wow, do they have preying on those who are at a bad spot in their lives to a science! I am secure enough with myself to know that I don't need them to live a full life and know that I don't need or want the "more" that they advertise. And what I found very sad was that those who were there representing the organization seemed a sad lot - either angry or mean or overly meek. Not one of them seemed like a balanced person. And they are frighteningly quick to ask for credit card numbers - even for "free" events. That in itself should be a huge red flag to everyone! I canceled the card I'd used to register right after the event. read more

I recently attended the Woman's Essential Experience, a weekend training led by Dr. Judith Wright, and I highly recommend it to any woman who wants to have a deep understanding of how we, as women, value and don't value ourselves. Dr. Wright covers the differences between masculine and feminine power--and how this understanding helps women learn how to tap into their unique power as women, to be authentic and present. The curriculum is well-designed and has helped me have richer and closer relationships. I have learned that I can use the skills of feminine power to quickly build relationships and be a more effective leader. It's a beautiful experience of women supporting women with vision-holding, caring, and truth. read more

Wright has a parenting and family program that is unlike any other program I've ever experienced. It is based on family systems theory (Murray Bowen, etc.) and it really helped me see my relationship with my daughter and my husband from a systems perspective, which helped me identify the dynamics between us that were and weren't working, and the roles that we were each playing out in our family. I also got to see how my parenting style was and wasn't like my own parents' parenting styles, and it helped me see that I could actually choose how I wanted to be as a parent. I highly recommend it if you want to have a high-functioning family in which you support each other and work well as a team. read more