Read what others have to say about Dr. Tharp's materials:

Dear Dr. Van K. Tharp,

I've read scores of books about trading and I've done extremely well, but I know there are numerous areas where I can improve so I bought your book on impulse at a bookstore. I'm half way through my first read of Super Trader and I'm convinced it will be the most useful book on trading I've ever read. I feel lucky because I was in the process of writing down key experiential lessons so I don't make the same mistakes and you provide a wonderful template to follow for that and so much more.

My undergrad is in Psychology and doctorate in Organizational Behavior. I directed the Organization Development function for several Fortune 500 Multinational Companies before getting sick of the corporate politics and moving on to full time trading. I mention this because I have extensive experience in both consulting and training, as well as trading. Perhaps this is why I think so highly of your book. You've done a superb job by laying out the psychological mindset background before moving into the key areas of business planning, system development, position sizing, etc.

I think most people who read a great book seldom take the time to thank the author. So I just want to say thanks $14+ trillion and counting for your immense contribution to our field."—Sincerely, Richard B. Cogan, Ph.D.

"Just a short note to express my gratitude for the recent courses in Berlin. I can’t overstate how profound the experience was for me or what an impact it is already having. When I returned home, I felt much more at ease with myself and my trading. Add the benefit from incorporating some of the course material into my daily routine and I can see a tangible improvement in my trading performance already. After only three days of trading, the courses have already paid for themselves several times over in terms of incremental (not just absolute) profits. Somehow that seems to be almost beside the point when compared to the bigger and more exciting prize of self-mastery and personal growth.

I’m very much looking forward to working with you further, and I’m excited about the journey ahead." —Client Feedback from Peak Performance 101 and Blueprint for Trading Success Workshops

"I read your two books and found them extremely interesting. I’m incorporating your strategies to my personal life and finances....I have read a great number of books and articles on these subjects. However, I found your strategies much more logical and original than any other ones." L. Ginette, Quebec City, Canada

“…I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for the life changing training experience I had five years ago at your seminar in North Carolina….My trading has resulted in over 2 million in profit this year and prior to my experience in your program five years ago, I would have to say I had never been truly profitable trader. 

"My sincerest thanks and appreciation for the study you have made of “modeling” other professional successful trader and imparting their correct psychological habits and techniques to those of us who desire to attain the status of trader for profit.”
—J.C. 

“Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for all your help and to give you some feedback on my progress…after completing your course and developing a game plan and journal I started back to trading…To make a long story short, I have had 8 trades since the end of July when I started trading. I lost four and was profitable on four. The last two were also quite spectacular, netting a total of over $37,000 in two weeks…your course and  inventory Profile helped me to get a hand on my more self defeating tendencies.”
—E.W. 

"I just finished Volume 5 of the Peak Performance Home Study Course...

"I can summarize my learning experience in one sentence: "All causation is mental." This isn't my quote but, for me, it exemplifies the power of the mind. Robert Kiyosaki interviewed Dr. Tharp on a tape that was included in the CashFlow 202 game. I was completely absorbed by the approach (so different from most trading commentary), that Dr. Tharp used in his thought processes. What held my attention was the similar 'it's in your mind' component of the BE - DO - HAVE equation that Kiyosaki teaches. I see crystal clear that the seed of the results we get in our lives is germinated first in our minds. The growth or death of that seed also depends on our minds. To me, in hindsight, it's obvious that the most important part of trading is the one doing the trading. The trader is completely controlled by the trader's mind.

"I heard it said once that, in healthy human evolution, we proceed from dependence to independence to interdependence as we grow and mature. This [Peak Performance] course has introduced ways to think dependently, independently, and interdependently; I believe there are useful ways to employ all three modes that will support successful trading.

"The course taught me the basics of fishing instead of depending on someone to give me a fish. The real benefit is the fact that the material can put the power of the material where it should be - between the ears. I anxiously look forward to reviewing the course, using it as a model to build my trading business, and studying further with Dr. Tharp's material.

"Hopefully, you find this useful and an encouragement to keep up the good work!" — Rick Redel


“As I mentioned by phone, your course is the most powerful material I have ever come across on trading. It is challenging and therapeutic for those who want to be better traders and less neurotic in their personalities.”
—J.M. 

“A few months ago I purchased your ‘Peak Performance Course.’ I can honestly say it’s the best investment I have ever made towards my career and aspiration to trade y own money from home.”
—E. M. 

About the Workshops....

Peak Performance Trading 101 Workshop

"An absolute must for anyone wanting to become a consistently successful trader." Alex Rudolph

"For me this was a revisit to the course. As a trader you can never go wrong by repeating this course. Every trader should do this course. The fact that they don't gives me an edge in the market!" Kevin Thomas

"I liked identifying my beliefs and finding out the conflicts between beliefs and reality." L. Farrier

"I am amazed. There is no other word for it!" D.C., Belgium

"Definitely worth the time-wish I could have stayed longer...Saw first hand how I would sabotage myself and how I need to approach it...Before I had just bearskins and stone knives for tools in how to deal with all of the things related to self-Now I have whole new toolbox-20th century style!" S.P. Arlington, Texas

"Excellent resource: A great global perspective on what is important to be a successful trader. S.S., Panama City Beach, FL

"This course has come at the right time in my trading life. I would attend this course again." J. Baddour

"Words can not describe how I feel about the Peak Performance seminar but I will try my best. I came to your course with very high expectations. Your program came highly recommended by a friend. However, I never thought that I would come away with such powerful tools to use both in trading and more importantly, in life. …But nothing could have been better than making my largest winning trade the very next day [after the workshop]. I was able to let my winning trade run instead of cutting it short the way I usually do. This results in turning a $500 winner into a $2,100 winner. If I keep this up, who knows what’s possible!”
—M.S. 

“Very positive. I was able to discover and refocus on issues that I am dealing with, leaving with a plan of attack and the confidence to implement it on a daily basis.”
—B.K. 

“It was good to see other people in the same boat, seeking to improve themselves. Your long-term clients taught by example, too…the seminar struck the right balance between structure and informality. On the whole I felt it was a very positive experience. 
—P.N.

“Having the successful traders in the room helps immensely. Using the modeling technique is smart and points me in a new and more productive pathway.”
—P.D. 

"I just wanted you to know how much I took your 'million dollar' ideas from the Peak Performance Workshop to heart. Today marked one month since the workshop, and I have realized a 37.5% return on my entire portfolio in that month (true return, not annualized) and most of that in the past two days.
I am fired up." --P.S., FL

"Van Tharp brings simple but effective wisdom backed up by practical resources to enable any trader with commitment to succeed where others fail. I liked his style, pace and effort to maximize the learning. The 10 tasks and the final plan will help me achieve success. I'll be reworking my plan and sticking to it. Thanks!" —David Sanders, Australia

"Great course. I got lots from it and it went much deeper than I thought it would. Now I have lots of tools to take home." —Paul Hoogendyk, Australia

"This course has opened up a part of me that has me feeling very positive and seeing things in a new way...I am looking at everything anew and anything is possible. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to have learnt these things..." —Mateusz Miszczuk, Australia

"This is a fantastic course, I totally recommend it. Trading is a personal performance. This course explores the personal to get the performance. Thank you for making it available in Australia." —Cameron Munro, Australia

"Great Course - Many Thanks!  had expected the workshop to be a walk-thru of the home study course. Very pleasantly surprised to find it quite different." —Ian Thomson, Australia

"100 of out 10!" —Tom Stojanovic, Australia

"This course has opened my eyes to new ways to improve myself that are very easy and simple." —Barbara Muller, Australia

More Info about Peak Performance 101

Peak Performance 202 Workshop

"Finally finding a purpose! I have been rushing through my daily life and never had the time to think and focus. To have someone guiding you on the way to find your own path was incredible. Much less frustration than before. And extra plus was that there were more 'professional' traders in this course. Fredrick Bodecker

“The workshop succeeded in really pushing my limits and opening my eyes to how the world really operates….I will never see the world the same way again.”  FL, San Francisco

"I met some incredibly wise, wonderful and talented people." Sara Rich

"Finally finding a purpose! I have been rushing through my daily life and never had the time to think and focus. To have someone guiding you on the way to find your own path was incredible. Much less frustration than before. And extra plus was that there were more 'professional' traders in this course. Fredrick Bodecker

"Glad I came! Too many area's of enlightenment [to write in] this space. Overall, I am walking away with a new look at my thought process." --Michael Herlehy, CO

“Great new tool.  Illuminates a spiritually based approach to life alternatives.”  T.P.G.

“Excellent.  I feel the course reached a highly empowering climax in the afternoon of the last day.  You really shifted the entire class.” B.D., Ireland

“I absolutely loved the workshop and I’m amazed at being able to begin trading and start with a plan to do so.  It educated me to a new, once impossible avenue, that is now possible for me.”  A.D., Ireland

"This is the best financial/trading course I have taken. It has given me the foundation to understanding my current financial/trading strategies and what I need to do to grow my skills." B.R.J., KY

"I can see how re-creating my life is not the same as transforming (re-creating is like moving the furniture in the same box). I have met some incredibly wise, wonderful and talented people."  S.R. GA

“I discovered and learned so much about myself from this.”  -- A.D., Ireland

"Understanding domains and wealth and trading games gives an extremely valuable insight into how each level made money. "B.R.J., KY

More Info about Peak Performance 202

The How to Develop a Winning Trading System That Fits You Workshop

"This class really provided the mechanics and practical methods of how to create a workable system." G. Kapraun

"Learned four new indicators that will enhance my system. Learned system improvements from Chuck and D.R." C. Williamson

"Great! Very professional. Chuck and D.R. are a great combination." R. Contreras

"I felt that all parts of system development were covered well." P. Robinson

"I enjoyed the course. I thought it was planned and executed very well." D. Scott

"Excellent. Loads of information. Good networking." E. Jefferson

“The focus on exit strategies, including stops, at the expense of entries was entirely appropriate. From my perspective, the ‘money management’ part of system development was the most valuable…For me this was the right seminar at the right time. My development as a trader was stymied by a number of questions concerning systems, indicators and most importantly, ‘money management’. And, as with most seminars at this level, it was instructive to learn what other traders are doing and how they view the markets.” —M.H. 

"Hugely informative, it has everything from the necessary basics to the very complex." —Tania Northey, Australia

"I believe it easily has the best (most valuable) content of any course I have done." —Peter Deck, Australia

"Highly valuable and great fun!" — Ian Thomspn, Australia

"Gave us what we could not achieve by reading books." — David Sanders, Australia

"Very informative. Extremely beneficial. Fascinating approach!"—Mateusz Miszczuk, Australia

"Excellent. Very productive and stimulating. Worth traveling a long way for." — Richard Luke, Australia

More About Developing A System

The 17 Steps to Becoming A Great Trader Workshop

This is the best conference I have ever attended. This is the hardest conference I have ever attended. I had to ask myself some of the most difficult questions I've asked in a long time...Van and Mel are not just great trading coaches, they are great people. You are a breath of fresh air in a industry full of hucksters. 
—S.W., Rancho Mirage, CA

“My self-discipline had been slipping for trading and with it was going my drive. This course delivered the structure for getting back on track. Thank you.”
— Richard Fotiades, Port Jefferson, NY

“I really like the workbook. The action step at the beginning of each chapter is great.”
— Tim McGavin, Australia

“For the first time out I thought the course was very well-organized and delivered. I especially liked the ordering of the material as it followed the sequential steps necessary to becoming a great trader. The course content will provide an excellent resource, not only in finishing my business plan, but also in keeping me on track in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found the content very useful. I actually feel like I’ve come away with a complete “blueprint” I can use to make sure I’m doing all the necessary steps to become and maintain myself as a great trader. It will be very useful in finalizing my business plan.”
— Rick Freeman, Dublin, CA

“A seminar that covers an enormous range of topics, but all were covered adequately. Very much appreciated Day 3—this was surprising to me as to just how critically important this is. The opportunity to learn this in a “laboratory” environment was terrific: I can’t imagine that my work on PPC [Peak Performance Course] would be the same (I’ll start it later this year) without this seminar. I suspect that I will look back at this seminar as a pivotal career moment (but I suspected this beforehand…)” — Forrest Ciesol, La Jolla, CA

“Challenging and very helpful. The best part was the complete structured program for becoming a great trader, around which the workshop is based, and the 52 exercises and worksheets that we are taking home. I really feel that I have what I need to continue this work at home in the upcoming months.”
— Daniel Fylstra, Incline Village, NV

“Prior to coming to this workshop I had come to a realization in trading that I needed help structuring a business plan, knowing how to approach and measure strategy development and how to deal with personal traits that reoccur and are not beneficial to me and trading. These expectations were met and exceeded. Two things I found particularly valuable 1) How personal beliefs translate through market beliefs all the way to the specifics of each particular strategy. 2) The structure of materials and workbook is laid out to easily take home and continue with the work.”— Jim Sterk, Lynden, WA

“I came to learn/confirm a valuable foundation/blueprint for becoming the best trader I can be. I got that and more. Good sharing of ideas with other attendees. Purpose for existence discussion was an enriching experience that I valued highly. Thank you.”
— Paul Beattie, Canada 

“The course was very worthwhile for me. I find that the broad summary of the overall process of developing skills allowed me to put things in a better perspective. I have a much better idea of which areas I need to put the most emphasis and work on. I also found the interaction with the other participants invaluable.” — Craig Herdman, Phoenix, AZ

“17 Steps to Becoming a Great Trader is a fantastic course! An incredibly comprehensive plan to take anyone willing to apply the steps taught to the level of a master trader. In fact, so much material is covered it would have been overwhelming if not for the open approachableness of Van and Melita to answer any and all questions. I feel like I’ve just been placed in the fast lane to market success! This seminar is very much worth the investment.”
— Peter Swanson, Lufkin, TX

More About 17 Steps Workshop

The How to Earn Bigger, More Consistent Profits in the Stock Market Workshop:

“Another great weekend of learning…Great group of bright people. Really enjoyed the interaction of like-minded interests.”
—K.G. 

“Excellent. Even though I understood the process intellectually, it was very helpful to simulate trading and position sizing and pay attention to may emotions telling me to scrap the system and try something else when the going gets tough.”
—D.D. 

“Awesome. Practical, direct, clear. Makes my wheels turn.”
—D.M.

“Had a great time at the seminar and learned more than I can possibly hope to describe. The info filled a lot of gaps for me. Just since the seminar I have made back the cost of the weekend!!!!!!!”
—D.G. 

Safe Strategies for Financial Freedom

What attendees said about this jam-packed two day event:

"Excellent workshop. Demonstrated a systematic approach toward financial independence. Now I know what I need to do." J. Damon

"Great workshop! It validates a lot of what I have learned and experienced in the last year. I wish I had taken this workshop one year ago before I started!." Wen Gong

"Very personal and very thorough. The workshop reinforced and rejuvenated much of the IITM curriculum previously experience. The new information is in a very practical format. Richard Fotiades

"I really enjoyed John's talk. I had never considered much of what he discussed. Also I enjoyed learning all the different ways to increase passive income." Lia Lane

"A tremendous value for the money. A must have for any investor or person interested in learning financially safe strategies." Steve Redding

"I wanted to know more about how to improve myself and ideas for passive income -- it gave me lots of good ideas for what I can do." Bret Chosney

"Thanks for understanding the help people need and developing tools for us." Jeff Crawford

"Excellent! I could not have hoped for a better overall presentation of the ideas and concepts presented." Richard Esponoza

"As a beginner, I found the information and presentation to be very informative and not over my head. There was a wealth of information in a variety of areas which opened up many possibilities for me... Financial Freedom had been a dream and now there is substance behind it that I can work with." Barbara Fotiades

"Excellent conference. I am exploring other avenues of money making and many ideas were presented. With my commitment this will be a life changing event in my life." Jeff Quinette

"Although I began the process with much fear and resistance, my experience was a real shift in my belief about myself and my ability to change. I felt like I made a breakthrough in my realization that I can learn ways to find out what I really want in life and how I can develop the means to have I want without selling my time in a job I do not enjoy. Thank you." Marie Fenderson

"Came away with two dynamite ideas regarding financial freedom which I intend to implement asap." Margaret Howard

Infinite Wealth Workshop:

"As always, mind blowing and many paradigm shifts experienced!" Rob Smith

"It totally changed my view of money and my life--past and future"

"Excellent. A great course and very beneficial to becoming financially free." --Steve

"Excellent material. Good group of Students." -- Wayne Howard

"Very good. Lots of ideas and I like the focus on the psychological side." -- Jeremy Martin

"Very relevant for what I am looking for/need." Peony Herrera

"Great course, very thorough. It gave me different sources of wealth generating ideas and ventures. Jordi Llobet Serra

"It was like being part of a family. A family that wants to see everyone obtain wealth." Barbara Lange

"I really enjoyed this course. The content was most helpful. We have listened to the previous tapes repeatedly [referring to the Infinite Wealth home study version], but this was new, fresh and full of new paradigm shifts." Beryl Pleasants

"It was very comprehensive while providing some actionable details."  Barbara Fotiades

"Nice variety of material - range of interests satisfied. Emphasis on working from the inside out continues to be a powerful and valuable approach." Tracey Earlywine

"The course was an eye opener for me. I think the course was well presented." Terry Smith

"Well organized with informative and knowledgeable speakers with lots to offer." Tom Lukat

Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds Workshop:

"Outstanding Value. If you want to become the best 'mechanical discretionary' trader you can be, take this course." David Smithers, United Kingdom

"Excellent. I would recommend it to anyone other than the absolute beginners. The fact that there were so many high-powered money managers in the class was quite impressive. Their attendance is a more powerful recommendation than any I could give."  Fred Link, GA

"The little guy rarely gets an opportunity to be mentored by someone who has developed, and an deliver, the complete package of trading beliefs and discipline. Add on top of that the privilege of getting to model his best strategies and methods and you have what was for the best value of my trading education experience." Grill Kull, CO

"Some of the most practical money making advice on trading systems that I have ever received." Tony Jackson, GA

"This is the third time I've [attended one of] Ken's seminars. And every time it's a whole new experience. He's the best in my book. A unique thinker, a great teacher, intelligent, humorous and last but not least a trader with more than a remarkable track record. I picked up more trading ideas in three days with Ken that I can back-test in 3 years." Leo Willert, Austria 

"It's a great course! Do you want systems? Ken gives you a whole load of systems on a wide range of time frames to choose from. And he does not hide anything from you. All his methods, reasonings and ideas he offers them to you without holding anything back." Jordi Llobet Serra, Spain

"One Word: Excellent....I learned how to fit ETF's into my current strategy. The "world model' created by Ken helped me identify macro trends much easier." Ferdinand Ledesma

"It's worth the time and money. [Ken Long is] very accommodating and responsive. He deserves more than a 10." Vito Pinto

"Superb! Great teacher, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable." Al Lizarraras

"Very helpful information that gave me a good foundation for putting ETFs into perspective compared to stocks and mutual funds." Mark Ledbetter

"Excellent stuff! Ken is a great teacher, human being and last but not least, trader." Leo Willert

"This was a great introduction to ETF's. I Especially liked that it showed me techniques for trading ETFs using short-term strategies. Al Mayo

"It's been exhilarating! I found Ken to be extremely clear and structured in his explanation and presentation of his systems, beliefs and techniques. Awesome information for traders of any level of expertise." Jordi Llobet Serra

"Very impressed. Ken over delivered on the course objectives and with a lot of his own real-world experiences, all with a good delivery and sense of humor. I leave feeling I can grow my account better than a market benchmark using a disciplined approach without a lot of weekly time and make a little extra using multiple strategies on ETFs." David Holland

"Outstanding. Most beneficial course I've attended." Michael Bonenberger

"Extremely comprehensive 'top down' approach to trading ETFs. Superbly presented by Ken Long in a very understandable format. I give this course a 10 out of 10. Good job! Ken is clearly a man of great integrity and because of this, he had my trust in the material he was presenting immediately." Tim Ridge

"Very thorough, detailed, with dedicated speaker who went out of his way. Great course Ken!" Mike Doseck

More about Mutual Funds and ETF Workshop

Day Trading Workshop

"Very good! It has opened my eyes in many aspects of my trading." —Jaroslav Dorda, Czech Republic

"This course provides the essential basics that every person who wants to become a day trader needs to know to have a chance of succeeding. Plus, offers concrete examples of trading systems that provide models of how to develop your own systems based on your beliefs." —Roman Franko, Toronto, Canada

"The course was excellent, well organized, great delivery, very practical, and clear, as well as extremely interesting." —William Trousdell, Florida

"The course was fantastic and D.R. and Brad are excellent teachers. I flew in from Hong Kong for one course and it was well worth it!" —Chris Aiello, Hong Kong

"Provided more than I expected, great introduction to day trading tactics." —R. J. Hixson, North Carolina

"Overall an excellent class. Both speakers are very knowledgeable, both are very honest." —Joel Rosenstock, New Jersey

"Very informative and practical. No fluff, and some outside-the-box thinking was refreshing." —Jeff Jordan, New Hampshire

"Extremely well done course. Great insight into the preparation and execution of a professional day trader's day. I appreciated the combination of rule-based and discretionary approach to trading the same system. Time spent on the 'softer' areas of expectations, and progression of a trading career, financial rewards and skill building were great. —Ed Pomicter, Vermont