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September 9th | Exchanging Self-Criticism for Self-Compassion with Chris Germer

September 9th | Exchanging Self-Criticism for Self-Compassion with Chris Germer

$145.00 USD
$145.00 USD
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Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:15 pm PT

This workshop meets for one three-hour session on September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am - 12:15 pm PT, you can check your local time here.

Why This Matters

Unfortunately, humans are hard-wired to feel self-doubt and a harsh inner critic at times.

Fortunately, we have an antidote—self-compassion!  Self-compassion is a learnable skill that’s precisely the opposite of self-criticism. It shifts our inner landscape from harshness to kindness. Self-compassion improves our health by reducing stress, it enhances performance like a good coach, and it improves relationships by increasing empathy and acceptance.

How do we make this shift?  Trying to get rid of self-criticism is not the answer.

There are five elements to the process:


 • Perceive the self-critical voice
 • Explore the role of the Inner Critic
 • Acknowledge the pain it causes
 • Compassionately hold yourself
 • Engage in kind, caring inner dialogue


In this workshop, participants will have a chance to personally experience the process of exchanging self-criticism for self-compassion.

 

Meet Your Teacher

Chris Germer:

  • Christopher Germer, Ph.D., is a co-developer of the MSC program and a co-founder of the Center for MSC
  • Author of the popular book, The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion
  • Co-author (with Kristin Neff) of the professional text, Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program and The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook
  • MSC Teacher Trainer and leads MSC intensives and workshops around the world
  • Clinical psychologist and lecturer on psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School
  • Integrating principles and practices of meditation into psychotherapy since 1978
  • Co-edited two influential volumes: Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy
  • Founding faculty member of both the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School
  • Author of forthcoming book Self-Compassion for Shame (coming September 2026; Guilford Press)
  • Maintains a small private practice in Arlington, Massachusetts, USA, specializing in mindfulness and compassion-based psychotherapy
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“You mean I don’t need to believe everything I say to myself?”

We all criticize ourselves. Usually, we think something good will come of it, such as improving ourselves or looking better in the eyes of others. However, those benefits are illusory. Self-criticism might be familiar, but it undermines our performance, our relationships and even our health.


Join Chris Germer for this 3-hour workshop consisting of talks, exercises, and discussions. Opening the door to practice, participants will first learn about the theory and research of self-criticism. Then they’ll experience the PEACE process (above) and learn two practices that theythat can they can apply in daily life.

Workshop Details

  • Live Session

    This Workshop meets online on for one live session, three hours total. Zoom details and other course information will be sent prior to workshop to all registered participants.

  • Who Should Attend

    Everyone is welcome to attend. It would be helpful, though it’s not necessary, for you to have some experience with self-compassion. After the course, you’ll be able to apply these practices in daily life. Professionals will be able to integrate the principles and practice of eliminating self-criticism into their work as well.

  • Learning Objectives

    • Summarize the theory and research on self-criticism
    • Explain how self-compassion builds self-worth and reduces self-criticism
    • Describe the process of exchanging self-criticism for self-compassion
    • Apply two practices to soften the impact of self-criticism in daily life



    Access to Materials and Session Recordings

    The recording of the workshop will be uploaded within 48 hours of the workshop's conclusion. Participants will have access to the recording for 90 days. Access will be provided through CMSC's online learning platform. If you need assistance accessing your materials, please contact us at hello@centerformsc.org.

  • Continuing Education

    Fees for CE credit: $30 

    3.0 APA/3.6 BRN

    *Must attend the workshop live to receive credits.

    Please see the dropdown box, below the course title, above the add to cart button to purchase.

    For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted.

    Psychologists: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 3.0 CE credit. 

    California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 3.0 CE credit may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted. 

    Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16351, for 3.6 CE credit.

FAQs & Important Information

How do I purchase Continuing Education credits for this workshop?

Fees for CE credit: $30  *Must attend live to receive credits.

Please see the dropdown box, below the course title, above the add to cart button to purchase.

For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted.

Feel free to email hello@centerformsc.org for any follow up CE questions.

If I'm unable to attend, can I request a refund?

Our entire Refund Policy is located here: https://centerformsc.org/cmsc-policies/

We encourage you to review the Refund Policy in its entirety. Below is important information that we would like you to be aware of before choosing to make a financial commitment with us.

All refund requests must be made via the refund request form at the link above.


Refunds must meet specific terms of eligibility to include the reason for requesting a refund.
Our Refund Policy (at the link above) includes details on when we are able and are not able to issue a full refund.


All refund request forms are reviewed by a small team of our staff. We ask for your patience and understanding when requesting a refund.


If you have any questions after reviewing our Refund Policy, feel free to reach out to us at hello@centerformsc.org

Important Info: Mindful Self-Compassion is not a substitute for Therapy

Our programs are designed to teach participants the tools needed to develop and cultivate a mindfulness and self-compassion practice.

It is not a substitute for mental health care, personal therapy or medical treatment.


Personal safety and emotional wellbeing are the foundation of self-compassion training and you are primarily responsible for your own safety.

Teachers and facilitators are not expected or able to provide medical and/or psychological care. Course experiences may bring up challenging memories or feelings.

If you have a history with a serious mental health condition or other concerns you think may impact your ability to take this course, please contact CMSC or your healthcare professional to determine if this course is right for you. Your personal contact information may be used in the event the teacher or facilitator reasonably determines a need to call emergency services on your behalf.

Important Info: Productive Participation in Courses & Workshops

Participation is at the discretion of the teachers and facilitators at all times.

If, in the opinion of the teachers and facilitators, you are unable to participate productively and appropriately in the course or workshop you have registered for, you may be asked to discontinue.

Decisions of removal are to ensure CMSC provides the safest space possible for our participants and teachers. Please see our refund policy regarding necessary participant removal.