Experience the proven power of self-compassion.
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
New Workshops!
ntroducing a new series of workshops, these have been developed as an offering leading up to the Self-Compassion In Psychotherapy course that will be offered to all Mental Health providers, beginning January 2024. These courses are focused on professional development for Mental Health providers, as well as open to general public to attend and deepen their understanding of Mindful Self-Compassion.
MSC for Teens, with Lisa Shetler & Lea Christo
Wednesdays, September 20 – November 8, 2023 from 4:30 – 6pm PST: MSC-T (Formerly Making Friends with Yourself) teaches core principles and practices that enable teens to respond to the challenges of these critical years with kindness and self-compassion. The intention of this class is to help teens return to school, which we know can be very challenging. This course is only for 14-18 year olds only.
Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion for LGBTQ+ October 2023
Starting October 12, 10am – 1pm PT: This course meets every Thursday from October 12, 2023 – December 14, 2023 (with a 3-hour online retreat from 10am – 1pm PT on November 23) with Markus Bohlmann and Armel Law Wraight.
Cultivating a Multicultural Lens in Mindful Spaces: Integrating Compassion, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Starting October 31st – December 19th, 2023: These workshop sessions are instructed by Sydney Spears and Tracy Ochester and go for every Tuesday, beginning October 31, 2023 from 4 – 6:30 pm PT. This innovative diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) workshop series will provide self-compassionate reflection and guidance for mindfulness and MSC teachers to explore developing a multicultural, anti-oppressive lens.
Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion
Multiple Times Available: Take MSC from the comfort of your home. Upcoming live online 10-week courses.
Antidote to Shame Workshop, with Christopher Germer
November 1 & 9, 4-7 pm PT: Please join Chris Germer, PhD, clinical psychologist and co-developer of the Mindful Self-Compassion training, for a 6-hour, online, experiential workshop including talks, meditation, research, exercises, and discussion. We will take a fresh, non-pathological look at shame through the eyes of compassion.
Our Latest Blog Posts
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.
Spaces of Belonging
In the field of mindfulness and compassion, we need queer spaces alongside dominant spaces because we do not share the same suffering. We queer folks need to connect based on…
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.
