A vibrant, multicolored sphere with blue, orange, and yellow wavy segments next to the text "School of Positive Transformation" on a black background.
A vibrant, multicolored sphere with blue, orange, and yellow wavy segments next to the text "School of Positive Transformation" on a black background.

Dr. Itai Ivtzan

Positive Psychologist | Author | Teacher | Therapist | Keynote Speaker |
Founder of the School of Positive Transformation

Dr. Itai Ivtzan is a positive psychologist, teacher, and author, whose work explores the intersection of positive psychology, mindfulness, and spirituality. For more than two decades, he has researched and taught the science of wellbeing, mindfulness, and personal transformation.

For the past 20 years, he has taught courses, workshops, and retreats for universities, professional training programs, private groups, and corporate organizations around the world.

He has served as a Professor of Psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London.

Itai also founded the School of Positive Transformation, an international training platform that has helped more than 15,000 students worldwide learn mindfulness, positive psychology, coaching, and personal transformation practices.

His work bridges rigorous psychological research with deep inner work, offering a practical and meaningful path toward personal and professional transformation.

Explore Dr. Itai Ivtzan’s Work & Contributions

BOOKS

Dr. Itai Ivtzan wrote 6 books in the areas of Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Personal Growth

VIDEOS

Dr. Itai Ivtzan released many videos on YouTube (including TEDx talks)

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

With more than 500,000 total readings Itai Ivtzan's articles on Psychology Today are popular

RESEARCH

Dr Itai Ivtzan has dozens of scientific articles in some of the best Psychological journals

Integrating Positive Psychology, Spirituality, and Personal Transformation

Dr. Itai Ivtzan’s work integrates positive psychology, contemplative practices, and personal transformation to support the development of human potential.

Positive psychology offers scientific insights into well-being, meaning, and human flourishing. Contemplative traditions contribute practical methods for cultivating awareness, compassion, and inner growth. When these perspectives come together, they create a powerful framework for personal and professional development.

Through this integrative approach, Dr. Ivtzan’s work explores how individuals can develop greater resilience, purpose, and psychological well-being as they move toward the fulfillment of their highest potential.

Featured Talks & Media Appearances

(TEDx Talks, TV Shows & YouTube Videos)

Blue Monday - TV Interview

TED Talk - Positive Mindfulness

What is Positive Psychology

Retreat Testimonials

Flow - BBC Four Interview

TED Talk - Moving deeper into yoga

Meditation Teacher Training Promo

What is Mental Health

The importance of Self-Awareness

A personal note

Through the years, I have worked with thousands of students and clients through my university teaching, workshops and retreats, online and in-person courses, and therapy sessions.

While I have had the privilege of meeting a wonderfully diverse group of people, it is striking how often we discover that we share similar challenges — and a similar desire to grow.

Growth and transformation begin when we approach the edges of our comfort zone. We learn to recognize our boundaries, and then gently explore a little beyond them. In doing so, we expand our capacity and open new ways of relating to ourselves and the world.

I warmly invite you to grow with me.

Working 1-on-1 With Dr. Ivtzan

Dr. Itai Ivtzan also offers individual therapy and coaching sessions for people seeking support, reflection, and personal growth.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in psychology, mindfulness, and personal transformation, these sessions provide a space to explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and cultivate meaningful change.

Whether you are navigating a life transition, seeking greater clarity and purpose, or wishing to deepen your inner growth, individual sessions offer a supportive and thoughtful environment for exploration and transformation.

Learn About 1-on-1 Sessions
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Carolyn Freyer-Jones

Kickstart Your Coaching Practice

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach, facilitator, and contributor to coaching education. Carolyn is associated with practical coaching training and learning resources, supporting coaches and leaders in developing effective, ethical, and reflective coaching practices.
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Rob Willson

Cognitive Behavioral Coaching

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach and educator contributing to leadership and coaching skills development. Rob is involved in professional training contexts, supporting the application of coaching tools and methodologies in organisational settings.
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Prof. Ilona Boniwell

Positive Psychology Coaching

Highlights & Achievements:

Professor of Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Ilona is a pioneer of applied positive psychology education in Europe and has founded and led postgraduate programmes in the field. Her work focuses on wellbeing, resilience, strengths, and evidence-based positive psychology interventions.
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Jon Williams

Coaching for Performance

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach and contributor to professional coaching education and training programmes. Jon is involved in leadership and coaching development initiatives, supporting skill-building and reflective practice within organisational and coaching contexts.
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Prof. Erik de Haan

Relational Coaching

Highlights & Achievements:

Professor, executive coach, and leading expert in coaching supervision. Erik is widely recognised for his contributions to relational coaching, organisational development, and reflective practice, supporting both individual coaches and leadership systems worldwide.
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Prof. Peter Hawkins

The Coaching Relationships

Highlights & Achievements:

Professor of Leadership and a leading authority in systemic team coaching and coaching supervision. Peter works internationally with boards, leadership teams, and organisations, and has written extensively on leadership, coaching culture, and systemic change.
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Prof. David Clutterbuck

Goals

Highlights & Achievements:

One of the world’s most influential figures in coaching and mentoring. Professor Clutterbuck has authored and co-authored foundational texts in coaching, mentoring, and organisational development. His work has shaped global standards for coaching practice, supervision, and mentoring relationships.
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Devon White

Communication

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach and leadership development practitioner involved in contemporary coaching education. Devon has contributed to professional coaching programmes and discussions alongside established academics and practitioners in the coaching field.
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Linda Aspey

The Coaching Relationships

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach, facilitator, and contributor to professional coaching education. Linda is recognised within the coaching psychology and leadership development community for her involvement in learning programmes, events, and reflective coaching practice.
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Dr. Chérie Carter-Scott

Psychological Foundations

Highlights & Achievements:

Executive coach, author, and pioneer in the coaching profession. Often referred to as “The Mother of Coaching,” Dr. Carter-Scott has been a leading voice in personal and professional development since the 1970s. She is a bestselling author and has trained coaches and leaders worldwide in motivation, leadership, change, and self-esteem.
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Prof. Jonathan Passmore

An Introduction to Coaching

Highlights & Achievements:

Chartered Psychologist, Professor of Coaching and Behavioural Change, executive coach, and author. Jonathan has published extensively in coaching psychology, leadership, and organisational change, including numerous academic articles and books. He bridges academic research and applied practice, contributing globally to coach education and evidence-based coaching.
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Dr. D. Ivan Young

The Coaching Relationships

Highlights & Achievements:

Coach, educator, and thought leader in professional and relationship-focused coaching. Dr. Young is frequently featured alongside senior coaching scholars and practitioners in advanced coaching education and professional development settings, contributing to the evolution of reflective and relational coaching practice.
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Catherine Bell

Psychological Foundations

Highlights & Achievements:

Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP). Catherine specializes in leadership transitions, executive presence, and sustainable performance. Her work combines positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and strategic leadership development to help leaders thrive while maintaining wellbeing and purpose.
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Yannick Jacob

An Introduction to Coaching

Highlights & Achievements:

Existential Coach, Positive Psychologist, Coach Trainer, and Supervisor. Yannick is the Programme Lead for the Accredited Certificate in Integrative Coaching at the School of Positive Transformation. He has taught coaching, positive psychology, and personal development at institutions including the University of East London, Animas Centre for Coaching, and The School of Life. His work integrates existential philosophy, coaching psychology, and human development to support meaningful change in individuals and leaders.

Highlights & Achievements: