A Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Teens (Ages 13-19)

Schedule and Registration

Note: CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per course. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this course.

Date Day & Time Register Teacher Location
May 8 - June 26, 2024 Wednesdays
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT  (May 15, 2024 = 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. PT)
Register Online Mariana Ampudia In-Person at the UCSD Population Health Building

Course Description

Adolescence is a time of change and growth. It is the period of life reserved for rebellion and self- discovery, but as the demands in life increase for teens, this time is often fraught with confusion, anxiety or depression. For many teens these challenges lead to disconnection and isolation.

To support teens in coping more effectively with the ongoing challenges of their day-to-day life, Karen Bluth, Ph.D., and Lorraine Hobbs, M.A., co-created Making Friends With Yourself (MFY), an empirically- supported, 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion in teens. It was adapted from the original Mindful Self-Compassion program for adults and is endorsed by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer.

MFY teaches core principles and practices that enable teens to respond to the challenges of these critical years with kindness and self-compassion.

Following in the footsteps of the adult MSC program, the teen adaptation is rooted in the three key components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindful, balanced awareness. These elements serve to open the hearts of teens to their own suffering so they can learn to give themselves what they truly need, recognize that they are not alone in their suffering, and encourage an open-minded acceptance of the struggle they are facing.

In this 8-week long course, which meets weekly, teens engage in developmentally appropriate activities and carefully crafted practices and meditations, which provide them with the opportunity to learn how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of life with greater ease. Backed by research, findings indicate increases in emotional well-being and greater resilience after taking the course.

MSC for Teens Course Fee

$435 ($410 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course)

UCSD Employee Rate: $410 ($385 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course)