Mindful Self Compassion Program
Join us for a 6-week MSC journey towards self-discovery and self-kindness.
What is the practice of mindful self-compassion?
The emphasis of the Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) practice is on enhancing your emotional resources to meet emotional challenges that arise, both old and new. It is the practice of the art of savoring and self-appreciation. It is a simple shift in the direction of your attention, recognizing that as a human being, you are a worthy recipient to both give and receive of compassion.
MSC Program Experience
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a research-backed, 6-week course designed to cultivate your self-compassion skills. The class meets once a week, for 2 hours each week, for six weeks.
Program activities include self-compassion meditations, brief talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices, all in a supportive environment. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in MSC. All are welcome!
Self-compassion has the paradoxical effect of both soothing our emotional distress as well as opening us to the pain that we may have been unconsciously holding inside, often for many years. Therefore, some difficult emotions are likely to surface during the program as we grow in our capacity to embrace and heal them. MSC teachers are committed to providing an environment of safety, support, privacy, individual responsibility, and a common commitment to developing compassion for oneself and others.
*A free one hour program orientation is available to learn more about this offering. Click here to register.
Continuing Educations Units (CEU’s) are available to earn the for specific licensed professionals who complete the MSC 6-week program. Learn more.
The Benefits of MSC Practice
Through practicing mindful self-compassion, you learn how to:
Incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion in your daily life
Gain a new perspective on stressful situations
Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
Motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
Work with challenging relationships, both old and new
Manage caregiver fatigue
Become your own best teacher
Interested in learning more about Mindful Self Compassion? Register for the free 1 hour MSC program orientation here.
Evidence Based,
Researched Backed.
MSC was developed by Christopher Germer, PhD, a leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy, and Kristin Neff, PhD, a pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion.
Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional well-being. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help you stick to your diet and exercise routine.
In the Health and Medical Community:
MSC is a useful tool to use in mental health settings. Mental health professionals and clients can use these skills to promote emotional regulation and self-advocacy.
From the New York Times:
“The research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic.
This idea does seem at odds with the advice dispensed by many doctors and self-help books, which suggest that willpower and self-discipline are the the keys to better health. But Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field, says self-compassion is not to be confused with self-indulgence or lower standards.
“I found in my research that the biggest reason people aren’t more self-compassionate is that they are afraid they’ll become self-indulgent,” said Neff, an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin. “They believe self-criticism is what keeps them in line. Most people have gotten it wrong because our culture says being hard on yourself is the way to be.”
“Mindful self-compassion has helped me personally and professionally. There are always areas to improve. I learned many ways to integrate bringing a gentle kindness to my humanness through this class. Further, I have used concepts learned in the Mindful Self-Compassion course to help clients adjust to living with cancer, with chronic pain, and dealing with trauma. I recommend every health professional take this class, as it helps mitigate burnout and can offer new ways to approach relationships with clients.”
- Margaret Heaton, MA counselor in Reno, NV
I was amazed at the number of helpful strategies I learned in the Mindfulness Self Compassion class! I regularly use my favorite ones, and am more grounded and calm. The class made me realize how hard I am on myself. I'm happier now that I am practicing kindness to myself.
- Nancy Carter
Register for the 6-Week Mindful Self Compassion Program
Upcoming Program Dates: Tuesdays April 16th - May 21st, 2024
6:00PM to 8:00PM, offered in-person.
*Join us for a free orientation class on April 9th from 6pm to 7:30pm. Click here to register.
