SCIP Certification Process

Becoming a Certified Self-Compassion-Based Psychotherapist (SCIP-C) includes working closely with a CMSC-approved SCIP Supervisor who supports your professional development.

This supervision process is a vital part of the certification pathway and is designed to help you grow in clinical skill, confidence, and integrity as you integrate self-compassion into therapeutic work.

CMSC Mission & Values

Our Mission

Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. We will accomplish this mission by:

  • Providing resources and training opportunities to anyone wishing to learn and practice self-compassion
  • Disseminating Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and adaptations of MSC in an effective, accessible, flexible and affordable manner to the widest range of participants
  • Providing quality training and continuing professional support to teachers of CMSC programs
  • Supporting and extending diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all activities of the organization and through our partners around the world
  • Collaborating with other mindfulness and compassion-based organizations to pursue our common purpose of a more compassionate world through intentional practice
  • Actively engaging with systems (e.g., healthcare, education, business, government, military) that would benefit from self-compassion training
  • Fostering a worldwide community of practice to support everyone who wishes to be more self-compassionate
  • Encouraging scientific research to enhance our understanding of self-compassion and MSC

Our Values

  • We believe that mindfulness and self-compassion are basic human capacities that can be cultivated to support well-being and reduce suffering
  • CMSC is committed to upholding the integrity, quality, and consistency of the MSC program and adaptations, and to support the training and continuing education of MSC teachers
  • We believe that the foundation for effective teaching of MSC is the teacher’s regular personal practice of mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life
  • CMSC is committed to empirically supported training grounded in scientific evidence on mindfulness and self-compassion
  • We understand the centrality of community in our individual lives and the life of the organization and strive to encourage compassionate connections in all aspects of the organization
  • CMSC is determined to be an inclusive, caring, multi-cultural community, based on mindfulness and self-compassion, that respects and allows each individual to thrive

Why become a Certified SCIP Teacher?

  • Supervision is at the heart of SCIP professional certification.

    This process is designed to:

    • Strengthen clinical skills through sustained reflective practice
    • Deepen embodiment of self-compassion principles in therapeutic work
    • Ensure competence and confidence in integrating self-compassion into diverse clinical settings
    • Provide personalized guidance as you refine your therapeutic presence

  • Starting the Process:

    The SCIP Level C Certification marks the culmination of the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) training pathway. This professional credential recognizes clinicians who have deeply integrated self-compassion into their therapeutic work and demonstrated advanced clinical skill, reflective practice, and ethical presence.

    Through a structured supervision process, candidates receive individualized guidance and feedback to support their ongoing growth as self-compassion-informed psychotherapists.

  • Supervision is a collaborative relationship—a shared exploration of your strengths, growth edges, and unique clinical style.

    We have intentionally assembled a diverse and skilled group of MSC Supervisors, each carefully selected for their depth of experience, commitment to the SCIP curriculum, and ability to support therapists in becoming their most authentic, effective selves.
SCIP Training Pathway

CMSC defines SCIP supervision as:

“A structured, contractual arrangement between a supervisor and supervisee that focuses on the supervisee’s integration of self-compassion principles into clinical practice. The purpose of this arrangement is to promote clinical competency, ethical and attuned therapeutic presence, and best-practice skills for applying self-compassion in psychotherapy. Supervision also supports the ongoing development of the supervisee’s personal practice, recognizing that the therapist’s own self-compassion is integral to their clinical effectiveness."

Who is Eligible to Begin?

Before entering the SCIP-C certification process, you must have:

  • Completed SCIP Level A (Learning Cohort)
  • Completed SCIP Level B (Consultation Groups)
  • Delivered at least 24 client sessions where self-compassion was explicitly integrated
  • Participated in a 3–5-day silent MSC retreat (online or in person)

Prior Clinical Experience

To be eligible for the SCIP Certification Supervision Pathway (Level C), candidates must already have experience integrating self-compassion principles into psychotherapy practice.

Before applying, candidates are expected to have completed at least 24 psychotherapy sessions in which self-compassion was explicitly integrated across a minimum of four clients (approximately six sessions per client).

This foundational experience ensures that candidates entering the supervision pathway are already familiar with applying self-compassion in a therapeutic context.
At the time of application, participants will be asked to attest to this experience.

STEP 1

This step ensures your certification process is officially tracked and supported by CMSC.

Registration Fee

STEP 2

Fee: $540 (3 sessions at $180/session, paid directly to supervisor)

SCIP Supervisors Directory

STEP 3

Supervisor fee: $180 per session (paid directly; sliding scale may apply)

Supervisors

STEP 4

Fee: total $360 (2 sessions at $180/session, paid directly to supervisor)

Two sessions

STEP 5

Certification Review Fee: $750. Approved candidates earn the title Certified Self-Compassion-Based Psychotherapist (SCIP-C).

Certification Review Fee

Detailed Step Checklist

Process Overview & Downloadable Documents for Reference

Overview of the Certification Pathway

The certification process consists of five key stages:

  1. Registration with CMSC Professional Training
  2. Collaborative Assessment (CA) – 3 sessions
  3. Supervision Sessions – 5 sessions
  4. Portfolio Review and Exit Interview – 2 sessions
  5. Final Certification Review by CMSC

A minimum of 10 supervision sessions is required, including the Collaborative Assessment, with supervision focused on clinical skill development, reflective practice, and competency assessment.

If you would like to download your process to refer to it offline please find the PDFs available to you below:

Step 1: Registration with CMSC

Candidates begin by registering with CMSC Professional Training, paying the $500 registration fee. This fee formally places you in the SCIP Certification Pathway and initiates your individualized certification record within CMSC’s professional training system.

The registration fee supports the administration, tracking, and coordination of your certification process, ensuring that your progress—from initial enrollment through supervision and final review—is monitored, supported, and recorded by CMSC’s Professional Training team.

Step 2: Choose and Connect with a Supervisor

Collaborative Assessment (CA) — 3 Sessions

The Collaborative Assessment (CA) provides a structured and compassionate entry into the supervision relationship. It is designed to establish a clear supervision plan, assess baseline competencies, and build trust between supervisor and supervisee.

  1. Visit the SCIP Supervisors Directory to explore the list of CMSC-approved supervisors.
  2. Review their bios to get a sense of their clinical orientation, experience, and approach.
  3. Reach out directly to a supervisor you feel drawn to and request a brief introductory call.
  4. If it’s a good fit, you’ll co-create a Supervision Agreement that outlines your goals, session schedule, and payment structure.

Your supervisor will notify CMSC once the agreement is finalized. You are also responsible for keeping your own record of all supervision sessions.

Session 1: Orientation

  • Establish relational and professional context.
  • Explore the candidate's clinical background, goals, and strengths.
  • Review the supervision structure, expectations, and competencies.

Session 2: Case & Practice Review

  • Candidate submits relevant case material (transcripts, audio/video excerpts).
  • Supervisor reviews independently and offers initial feedback.
  • Identify growth areas and strengths.

Session 3: Supervision Plan Meeting

  • Co-create a Personalized Supervision Plan, including learning objectives and competency focus areas.
  • Finalize the supervision agreement and payment schedule.
  • Supervisor notifies CMSC that CA has been completed.

Fee: $540 (3 sessions @ $180/session, paid directly to supervisor)

Step 3: Supervision — 5 Sessions

Following the CA, the candidate engages in a minimum of five structured supervision sessions. These sessions are intended to deepen clinical practice and support competency development through:

  • Reviewing case material and session transcripts
  • Exploring therapeutic presence and emotional attunement
  • Receiving and integrating feedback
  • Deepening embodiment of self-compassion in psychotherapy

Supervision emphasizes reflective capacity, attuned clinical application, and authentic therapeutic presence.

SCIP Competency Framework

Throughout the CA and supervision process, supervisors assess candidates on core SCIP competencies, including the ability to:

  • Recognize and work skillfully with inner critic dynamics
  • Establish and maintain therapeutic presence
  • Build and sustain therapeutic alliance
  • Lead and adapt self-compassion practices in response to client needs
  • Integrate self-compassion principles throughout therapeutic process
  • Engage in reflective practice and maintain personal self-compassion practice

Supervisors are encouraged to provide developmental feedback and document progress toward these competencies in alignment with the agreed supervision plan.

Step 4: Portfolio Review & Exit Interview — 2 Sessions

Session 9: Portfolio Review

Supervisor reviews the candidate’s clinical portfolio, including:

  • 24 documented case studies demonstrating integration of SCIP principles
  • Clinical reflections and case write-ups
  • Audio or video excerpts or transcripts
  • Evidence of retreat attendance

Session 10: Exit Interview

Supervisor meets with the candidate to:

  • Discuss portfolio feedback and competency attainment
  • Identify next steps for ongoing professional growth
  • Confirm readiness for certification recommendation

You will pay your supervisor directly at the fee of $180 per session. Supervisors may offer sliding scale rates according to need and regional context.

Step 5: Final Certification Submission & Review

A $750 Certification Review Fee is required upon submission of your final materials. This fee covers the time and resources required for the individualized review of your clinical portfolio, mentor evaluations, and application materials by the CMSC SCIP Certification Committee.

Successful candidates will be awarded the Certified Self-Compassion-Based Psychotherapist (SCIP-C) designation and will be included in the official CMSC Directory of Certified SCIP Psychotherapists, the only public listing recognizing psychotherapists who have completed this advanced training and demonstrated competency in self-compassion-based psychotherapy.

Certified practitioners may also be considered for future facilitation and mentorship opportunities within CMSC’s professional training programs, as appropriate.

If additional development is required before certification, CMSC will provide clear feedback and guidance. Candidates may reapply after further mentorship (re-review fee: $150).

Step 5: Submitting Your Final Certification Materials

Once you’ve completed your SCIP Supervision Plan—including at least eight supervision sessions, submission of your clinical portfolio, and your final mentor interview—you’re ready to apply for SCIP Level C Certification.

To finalize your certification, you’ll submit the following materials to the CMSC SCIP Certification Committee:

Letter of Application

Email a formal letter of application to professionaltraining@centerformsc.org.
Your letter should include:

  • A summary of your SCIP training pathway (Levels A, B, and C)
  • The total number of client sessions in which you integrated self-compassion
  • Key insights and areas of growth from your mentorship experience
  • A brief reflection on your personal self-compassion and mindfulness practice, including details of your silent retreat participation (include dates, duration, and teachers)

Clinical Portfolio Summary

Your portfolio summary should include:

  • Case write-ups and clinical reflections
  • Audio/video excerpts or transcripts of practice sessions
  • 24 brief case studies demonstrating your integration of self-compassion principles in psychotherapy

Supervisor’s Recommendation

Your mentor will submit a formal letter of recommendation directly to the Certification Committee. This letter will:

  • Summarize the key elements of your mentorship and areas of focus
  • Offer the mentor’s assessment of your clinical competence and readiness for certification
  • Include any final reflections or suggested areas for ongoing professional growth

Certification Review Fee

A $1000 Certification Review Fee is required upon submission. This fee supports the time and resources of the CMSC SCIP Certification Committee.

What Happens Next

Once your application and your mentor’s letter have been submitted, they will be reviewed by the CMSC SCIP Certification Committee.

If approved, you’ll receive a formal letter of certification and be recognized as a:

  • Certified Self-Compassion-Based Psychotherapist (SCIP-C)

If additional development is needed, you’ll receive clear guidance on next steps to support your continued professional growth. A $150 re-review fee will apply once any additional requirements have been completed.

Appeals Process

If a supervisor does not recommend certification and the candidate wishes to appeal, CMSC will convene an independent ad hoc review committee (two SCIP Supervisors not involved in the original supervision).

This process ensures fairness, transparency, and alignment with CMSC’s compassionate values.

Completion of the SCIP Certification Pathway

Becoming a Certified Self-Compassion-Based Psychotherapist (SCIP-C) represents a profound professional milestone. It reflects:

  • Integration of self-compassion into clinical practice
  • Embodiment of therapeutic presence
  • Dedication to reflective, ethical, and attuned psychotherapy

You will also be included in the official CMSC Directory of Certified SCIP Psychotherapists, the only public listing that recognizes psychotherapists who have completed this advanced training.

As a supervisor, your guidance is essential in upholding the integrity and quality of SCIP’s certification standards while nurturing clinicians in their growth.

Estimated Fees for SCIP Certification

*These fees are non-refundable*

Fee Structure:

Fee Amount Listed in USD

Registration $500
(Paid to CMSC upon registration; required to initiate supervision process.)

Collaborative Assessment (CA) $180/ each session
(paid to Supervisor; 3 CA sessions)
Supervisor Administration Fee $180/ each session
(paid to Supervisor; 5 supervision sessions)
Portfolio Review & Exit Interview $180/ each session
(paid to Supervisor; 1 portfolio review & 1 exit interview.)

Final Certification Review $750 paid to CMSC
(Paid upon submission of portfolio for final review.)

Total: $3,050 USD

Note: Supervisors may offer sliding scale rates according to need and regional context.

Supervisor Fees for SCIP Certification

Supervising is a vital part of the SCIP Certification pathway, offering personalized guidance and support from experienced supervisors. While supervising is deeply relational, it is also a professional service—and as such, there are associated fees.

Financial Arrangements:

Your financial agreement is made directly between you and your supervisor. CMSC has requested that all approved supervisors follow a standard rate of $180 USD per session for supervisee based in the United States and other countries with comparable economies.

We ask that supervisee plan to pay for the Collaborative Assessment first (a total of three sessions at $540) and then the full set of 5 required sessions ($900) up front, unless you and your supervisee agree on a different arrangement. Lastly, the supervisee is expected to pay their supervisor directly for a portfolio review fee and exit interview (total $360 upfront for their time).

We understand that financial situations vary greatly across individuals and global regions. If the standard rate is a hardship for you, we encourage you to speak openly with potential supervisors. Many supervisors are willing to offer a sliding scale or alternative payment plan, depending on your circumstances

Please keep in mind: Supervisors are experienced teachers and trainers whose time and expertise reflect industry-standard rates for mindfulness-based education and supervision.