Strengths to Thrive is a foundation course in Mindfulness-based Strengths Practice (MBSP). It is offered online and consists of 8 sessions (2 hours per week) + a half-day retreat.

Orlaith is one of the first 15 people worldwide to be certified to teacher MBSP by the VIA Institute.

Find out more about how to start your strengths journey!

I would strongly recommend this course without exception. It is both a transformative experience in itself, while also opening the way to continued healing and personal strength development. The course facilitator’s experience and depth of personal practice expressed itself naturally in the gentle wisdom with which Orlaith helped us bring out our best selves - as individuals and as a group.
— Pro Mukherjee

About the course and approach

Mindfulness-based Strengths Practice was developed by Dr Ryan Niemiec, Education Director of the VIA Institute on Character.

Dr Niemiec blends the latest science on character strengths with the practice of mindful living as shared by Thich Nhat Hanh / Plum Village tradition.

Orlaith is a Leader in Mindfulness-based Character Strengths, having trained with Dr Niemiec at VIA Institute. She is one of only 15 people worldwide to be Chartered Certified in Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP).

This course is a space to:

  • discover our own signature character strengths, where we are naturally at our best

  • learn (or re-experience) the foundations of mindfulness practice

  • intentionally appreciate and cultivate our unique character strengths

  • engage our natural strengths to energise or refresh our mindfulness practice

  • explore the effect of underusing and overusing strengths

  • celebrate the gifts that we bring to this moment of our lives

  • deliberately draw on our strengths with mindfulness to help us thrive in relationships, work and life


A beautifully facilitated course - Orlaith’s wisdom and kindness allowed for a rich, insightful exploration into the value of noticing and developing character strengths.
— Ciara

Dates, times & good things to know:

The next course dates will begin on Tuesday 6th June 2023 at 6.30pm (Ireland). It will run until Tuesday 25th July 2023.

  • 8 weekly sessions of 2 hours plus a half-day practice retreat

  • resources and guided practices will be offered weekly to support your home practice

  • it’s a Zoom-lite space, so you’re welcome to have your camera off and the weekly notes help reduce the need for slides

  • as part of the course you complete a character survey and receive a report on your 24 character strengths

The 24 character strengths are:


I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain deeper insights into themselves, their relationships and life itself. It is wholesome and uplifting. It is very nourishing and contains excellent resources presented gently and lovingly by Orlaith who provides a safe space for everyone to be themselves. There is so much to be gained from participation. It has had a profound effect on my spiritual practice for which I am very grateful.
— Noreen Joyce

Sample the practice: 3 strengths breathing space

In this practice we tap into three of our strengths to ‘aerate’ the moment.


Course Cost

8 weeks + half-day retreat + weekly resources €240

You can secure your place with a deposit

If you have difficulty paying this cost and would like to participate, please email me and we can figure it out!