Personal Success Institute

Empowering individuals to realize a life of liberty, purpose, and passion through transformational personal growth tools and seminars.


PSI Seminars, officially known as the Personal Success Institute, is a private company specializing in large-group awareness training (LGAT) seminars aimed at personal and professional development. Founded in 1973 by Thomas and Jane Willhite in Lake County, California, PSI Seminars is the oldest continuously operating personal and professional training company in the United States. The company’s headquarters are situated in Clearlake Oaks, California, and it operates programs across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and other worldwide locations​​​​.

History and Background

PSI Seminars was established with the vision of teaching personal success principles that significantly impacted the founders’ lives. Following the tragic death of Thomas Willhite in a plane crash in 1983, his widow, Jane C. Willhite, took over as CEO, continuing to drive the organization’s mission forward. The company also has a non-profit branch, PSI World, based in Clearlake Oaks, which aims to provide free training seminars, offer training to at-risk youth, and organize volunteer service projects to benefit the community​​.

Programs and Impact

PSI Seminars offers a variety of programs designed to enhance personal and professional development. These programs include the PSI Basic Seminar, the Life Success Course, Leadership Seminars, a Leadership Summit, and coaching programs. Each program is designed to cater to different aspects of personal growth, such as awareness, commitment, vision, alignment, and integration. The seminars have been cited for their positive impact on participants, with many attendees reporting lasting changes in their lives, particularly in the area of relationships​​​​.

Evaluations and Reviews

The seminars have undergone evaluations and reviews, with studies showing mostly positive experiences among participants. A study conducted by Debra Holland, PhD, found that PSI Basic graduates described their experiences as positive, with notable improvements in relationships, communication skills, and self-awareness. However, the study also noted some negative comments regarding pressure to attend advanced seminars or to enroll others​​.

Community and Vision

PSI Seminars envisions a cooperative and harmonious world where individuals are empowered to achieve their full potential. The synergy between PSI Seminars and Benchmark Courses, founded by Tim O’Kelley in 2011, emphasizes the importance of conscious decision-making and overcoming limiting beliefs to achieve one’s dreams and goals. PSI aims to create an atmosphere that fosters connection and allows individuals to fully engage in their lives and accomplish their objectives​​.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *