About Our Courses & Workshops
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. Below you can find information on our courses and workshops to support your MSC practice and learning.
For those new to MSC
Anyone can learn and practice self-compassion! Self-compassion has many benefits for you, your loved ones, and your community.
Circles of Practice
The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) invites you to experience the transformative practice of Mindful Self-Compassion. MSC public practice circles are live, online, and supported by your generous donations. CMSC offers these Circles of Practice to increase awareness of self-compassion and share the practice of self-compassion globally. Find the offering that best fits your practice below.
Foundations of Mindful Self-Compassion Video Series
The Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion workshop is in a 2.5-hour pre-recorded format with Kristin Neff, Ph.D. Co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and Co-developer of the MSC course.
Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion (LOMSC) Course
LOMSC offers around 95% of the material from the MSC program developed by Kristin Neff, PhD and Christopher Germer, PhD. The course is run weekly for 10 consecutive weeks (there may be a break for a week to accommodate holidays and teacher availability)
MSC Core Skills Workshop
This online workshop is taught by the developers of the MSC program, Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, and assisted by a team of mentors and affinity group leaders to provide a more personalized experience. It contains the core concepts and practices from the 8-week MSC program and occurs over 4 sessions, 3 hours each. It is an ideal introduction to MSC for people who want to start integrating self-compassion into their personal and professional lives.
5 Day In-Person MSC Intensives
MSC activities include short talks, experiential exercises, meditation, group discussion, and home practices. Past intensives have been held in wellness and retreat centers around the United States with varied natural landscapes.
MSC Teens
Following in the footsteps of the adult MSC program and endorsed by MSC co-developers Chris Germer, Ph.D. and Kristin Neff, Ph.D., the teen adaptation is rooted in the three key components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity and mindful, balanced awareness.
Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities
This abbreviated 6 hr MSC program (1hr each week or other format) was specifically designed for the healthcare professionals to address the unique time constraints, workplace culture, and stressors.
Self-Compassion Retreats
A silent retreat is a vital way to go inward and nourish our personal meditation practice. It is life-enhancing for everyone who attends (virtual or in-person) and particularly important for those who work with mindfulness-based interventions. Silent retreats offer long-term benefits and a way to be in community with other human beings, honoring the varying degrees of our diverse backgrounds and lived experience.
Workshops with Kristin Neff
Created by Dr. Kristin Neff, these specialized workshops run three times a year. They include a satisfying mix of experiential learning and science-based insights.
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.
Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates
As an MSC Graduate you are invited to join our free self-compassion practice circles created specifically for MSC Graduates (LOMSC 10-Week, MSC 8-Week, 5-Day Intensives).
Fierce Self-Compassion Workshop
Created by Dr. Kristin Neff, this three hour workshop draws on practices developed in her book Fierce Self-Compassion. It includes a satisfying mix of experiential learning and science-based insights.
Introduction to Self-Compassion for Shame
This 2 part, 6-hour, online, experiential workshop includes talks, meditations, research, exercises, and discussion. Take a fresh, non-pathological look at shame through the eyes of compassion.
Fierce Self-Compassion Course
This unique 8 Week course explores the action-oriented side of self-compassion that begins with the inner work of fierce self-compassion. Prior experience with self-compassion is recommended before taking this course. This course will take you one step further as you learn how self-compassion can help you speak up and claim your power.
Self-Compassion for Shame
Self-compassion is the antidote to shame. In this course, we’ll take a unique, non-pathological look at shame through the eyes of self-compassion.
After learning about the theory and research on shame, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the personal and cultural causes of shame in your own life within the context of self-compassion.
MSC Teacher Training
Professional Training Options through CMSC
MSC Teacher Training
The foundation for teaching MSC is to embody mindfulness and self-compassion, supported by a daily practice. Becoming an MSC teacher is a wholehearted and enriching endeavor. The training is designed for those who want to teach the full 8-Week MSC course, integrate mindfulness and self-compassion into their professional work (e.g., therapy, coaching, nursing, teaching), or have a professional interest in the field (e.g., researchers, administrators).
MSC Teen Teacher Training
This journey requires a big heart and a passion for the well-being of teens. The MSC-T Teacher Online Training establishes a basic level of proficiency sufficient to begin offering the program to the general public.
Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP)
This program is a response to the growing acknowledgment among psychotherapists of the importance of self-compassion for mental health and wellbeing. It aims to equip therapists who have benefited from Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) practices with the skills to incorporate these principles into their clinical work.