Experience the proven power of self-compassion.
Founded by Dr. Chris Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff to be the global leader in self-compassion training and practice.
For Beginners
Anyone can learn and practice self-compassion! Self-compassion has many benefits for you, your loved ones, and your community.
For MSC Graduates
Self-compassion is a lifelong practice. After a Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course, continue to explore aspects of self-compassion through advanced skills workshops and classes.
Professional Training
CMSC offers Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher certification and professional development programs for healthcare providers, psychotherapists, educators, and more.
All Are Welcome
The purpose of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is to alleviate human suffering and to improve the collective well-being of our world through the practice of self-compassion. Welcome, we are so glad you are here.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Self-Compassion with Kristin Neff
December 12, 4:00 – 7:00 pm PT: Learn the essentials of self-compassion practice in this live online workshop with MSC co-founder Kristin Neff. Ph.D.
Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion
Multiple Times Available: Take MSC from the comfort of your home. Upcoming live online 10-week courses.
5 Day Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive
March 10-15, 2024 with Chris Germer & Sydney Spears in Sedona, Arizona: Join us in the wonderful landscape of Sedona for five days of MSC activities include short talks, experiential exercises, meditation, group discussion, and home practices.
Renewal Retreat
December 29th and 30th, 2023
CMSC Circles of Practice Public Offering invites you to join us for our free annual end-of-year silent meditation retreat “Renewal.”
Friday, December 29, from 4 pm – 7 pm PT
Saturday, December 30, from 7 am – 10 am PT
Group Rates & Private Contracts
Are you interested in bringing Mindful Self-Compassion to your organization or company? We would love to talk to you about how we work with professional, educational and health organizations with the proven power of self-compassion.
Free Practices and Meditations led by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer
Meditations and practices are drawn from the MSC program, and are presented in order of the particular MSC sessions in which they are taught. Recorded in English by MSC founders Chris Germer and/or Kristin Neff. All recordings can be downloaded by using a right click on the name of the practice.
Monthly Feature Meditation
Compassionate Body Scan Meditation with Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff guides us through this Compassionate Body Scan. This meditation is perfect for the end of a long day or right before bed time. This body scan allows us to take some time to show offer our bodies compassion and gratitude for all the hard work they do to support us and carry us through daily life. If you are ready to learn about MSC and develop a daily practice, Kristin Neff is teaching a live online Introduction to MSC workshop on December 12, 2023 from 4-7pm PT / 7-10pm PT. Learn more or register here.
Our Latest Blog Posts
The Wisdom of a Gratitude Practice During Challenging Times
Gratitude is noticing the good things that life has given us, both within us and around us. For some of us, we may say we’re grateful but we brush over…
Shame: The One Who Shall Not Be Named
Once we know shame is in the house, we can begin the journey of transforming this difficult human emotion with the alchemy of tender and fierce self-compassion.
She’s Going to Be Okay: Four Steps to Help Children Grow Self-Compassion
The process of helping children grow self-compassion involves four steps, which are built upon the foundation of a caregiver’s self-compassion.
Our Founders
The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) was founded in 2012 by Dr. Chris Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff to be the global leader in self-compassion training and practice. The Center is a US-based nonprofit that serves students and certifies MSC teachers internationally. Through online and in-person public programs, workshops, and professional training, we create a world that is kinder, healthier and more enjoyable for all.
