Van Tharp Institute

The Van Tharp Institute (VTI) is a leading educational organization specializing in trading psychology, risk management, and position sizing. Founded in 1982 by the late Dr. Van K. Tharp, a renowned psychologist and trading coach, the institute focuses on the "internal" game of trading, operating under the philosophy that "you trade your beliefs about the market".

Current Status (as of 2026)
Operational: Despite earlier plans to cease operations in late 2023 following Dr. Tharp's passing in February 2022, the Van Tharp Institute remains open and active to continue his legacy.
Availability: Most core educational products, including online courses and workshop recordings, can still be purchased through their official website.
Super Trader Program: While the renowned multi-year development program is currently closed to new applicants, existing students are permitted to complete their training.

Core Teachings & Contributions
Trading Psychology: Tharp argued that 60% of trading success is psychological, focusing on overcoming self-sabotage and developing "Tharp Think" discipline.
Position Sizing™: A term coined by Tharp to describe the mathematical strategy of determining how much to risk on a trade to meet specific objectives while avoiding ruin.
Expectancy & SQN: He developed the System Quality Number (SQN) to objectively measure a trading system's performance relative to its risk and consistency.