Participants will connect on Zoom to explore concepts and engage in practices that cultivate valuable tools to help them thrive in high school and beyond. This course will meet twice/week for four weeks.
Instructors:
* Dr. Kristie Engel, PhD (she/her) – Licensed Psychologist, Certified Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Practitioner & MSC-T Teacher
www.hopeandwellnessrising.com
* Heather Montague, MS (she/her) – Learning Specialist, Certified Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Practitioner & MSC-T Teacher
(click name below for teacher profile)
We are living in a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Current events, including the global pandemic and a surge in legislative attacks targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, compound the already significant challenges of adolescence for LGBTQIA+ teens, leaving them even more vulnerable to stress and disconnection. MSC for Teens (MSC-T) is an empirically supported, 8-session program designed to foster the skills of mindful self-compassion, helping teens to cope more effectively with the concerns of their day-to-day lives–even in extraordinary circumstances.
In this class, students will learn strategies to:
* calm their minds
* relax their bodies
* be less overwhelmed by intense emotions, social comparison and their inner critic
* remember their worth despite harmful messages from others (or their own inner critic)
* motivate themselves with kindness instead of harsh criticism
* clarify their values and stand up for what matters to them
* be more present to enjoy the good things in their lives
* recognize they are not alone in their experiences
* feel more connected to others
Preliminary research finds that MSC-T participants experience many benefits including decreased stress, greater resilience and increased well-being. The program also includes a workshop to support and empower parents and caregivers as they navigate adolescence with their teen.
Investment: $350 (If cost is a barrier to participation, please inquire about our partial scholarships). In honor of Pride Month, we are offering a special rate for June registrations. Please inquire for details.
Thoughts or Questions? Please contact Heather via email ([email protected]) or call/text (202-427-3394). To learn more about MSC for Teens, visit https://centerformsc.org/msc-teens-adults/
Kristie and Heather meet with each family for a brief orientation (20-30 minutes) to answer questions and share more about the program. If you would like to determine if this program is a good fit for your teen, please complete our interest form (link below under “register”), starting with your email address. After we receive your confidential responses, we will send a “welcome” email with some additional information and options for the orientation. We look forward to learning more about your teen!
