Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion

​This workshop is an introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically-supported training program based on the pioneering research of Kristin Neff and the clinical perspective of Chris Germer.

In this workshop you will learn the basic skills to help you to develop Mindfulness and Self Compassion and integrate this way of relating to your daily life experiences. Through short talks, experiential activities, videos, and group discussions we will explore ways in which we react to stressful or difficult challenges in our lives. We often harshly criticize ourselves for our inadequacies or perceived failures and use negative ways to encourage or motivate ourselves. We sometimes aren’t even aware of our own suffering or ways we unnecessarily add to our suffering.

This workshop will teach you ways to comfort yourself in difficult moments and to minimize “caregiver fatigue.” While the program is for everyone it can be particularly useful for those working in the helping or care-giving professions, for those who are caring for someone in their personal lives, and for those who have a strong inner critic.

About Mindful Self-Compassion

The Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) workshop is an intensive version of the empirically-supported 8-week MSC program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on groundbreaking research by Kristin Neff and integrated with the clinical perspective of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult emotions with kindness and understanding.

WATCH Dr. Kristin Neff's Ted Talk on Self-Compassion.

Participants will Learn

  • What self-compassion is and isn't
  • Self-compassion practices for daily life
  • How to motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
  • The art of loving-kindness meditation
  • How to handle difficult emotions with greater ease
  • How to explore challenging relationships
  • How to use self-compassion in care-giving situations
  • How to enjoy your life more fully

Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the three key components of self-compassion
  • Describe key research that supports the benefits of self-compassion
  • Practice techniques to increase self-compassion in everyday life
  • Use self-compassion to alleviate caregiver burnout

Target Audience

This program is designed for members of the general public, as well as for professionals who wish to integrate self-compassion into their work. All are welcome!

Participant Guidelines

The MSC course and workshop are a journey--an adventure in self-discovery and self-kindness. Compassion has the paradoxical effect of both soothing and comforting as well as opening us to emotional distress 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. The teachers are committed to providing an environment of safety, support, privacy, individual responsibility, and a common commitment to developing compassion for oneself and others.

Workshop Schedule

9:00 am - 11:00 am Online

Introduction to MSC Workshop Fee

The workshop includes handouts, guided meditations and instruction and is offered for $185 ($155 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course). 

UC SAN DIEGO EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT

UC San Diego Employees may take the course for $155 (or $125 if you pay in full 30 days prior to the start of class).

Continuing Education

Additional $50 fee for CE credits.

Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association and Board of Registered Nursing.

Psychologists: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 6.0 CE credit.

California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 6.0 CE credit.

Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 7.25 contact hours.

Cancellation Policy

A refund (minus $30 non-refundable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted by emailing mindfulness@healthucsd.edu on or before 30 days prior to the start of the course. No refunds will be allowed after this date. Registration, deposits, and funds are non-transferable.

In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee and not for transportation, hotel accommodations or any miscellaneous expenses.

The refunds are processed in the same method as payment were submitted.