Workshop
November 14, Coming Home to Your Body: Meeting Shame with Self-Compassion Workshop with Chris Germer
November 14, Coming Home to Your Body: Meeting Shame with Self-Compassion Workshop with Chris Germer
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Coming Home to Your Body: Meeting Shame with Self-Compassion Workshop with Chris Germer
Friday, November 14, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm PT
This workshop meets for one three-hour session on November 14th from 11am-2:00pm, you can check your local time here.
Our bodies are often the hardest place to practice self-compassion. So many of us carry dissatisfaction, criticism, or even shame about how our bodies function or look. Yet, as Chris Germer reminds us, the deepest healing comes when we learn to shift from self-judgment to self-friendship.
Join Chris Germer for this workshop that will offer a gentle, structured path for transforming your relationship with your body—just as it is today. Through guided meditation, reflective practices, and compassionate discussion, participants will learn three essential skills:
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Body Self-Compassion – learning to meet body shame and dissatisfaction with kindness and understanding.
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Body Self-Forgiveness – letting go of resentment toward our bodies (and ourselves) for not being “enough.”
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Body Self-Appreciation – cultivating gratitude for the uniqueness, functionality, and values our bodies allow us to live by.
Together, these practices help loosen the grip of shame, invite forgiveness, and open space for appreciation and even joy in our bodies, however imperfect they may seem.
This is not about “fixing” your body. It is about softening the struggle and becoming a better friend to yourself.
Why This Matters
Research shows that self-compassion lowers body dissatisfaction and body shame while increasing body appreciation and resilience. By practicing compassion for our bodies, we not only improve body image but also reduce stress, anxiety, and self-criticism—allowing us to live with more ease and authenticity.
Who It’s For
This workshop is designed for anyone who struggles with body criticism, dissatisfaction, or shame, including those with health challenges, disabilities, or long histories of body judgment. Whether your struggles are mild or deep-rooted, you’ll be supported to work gently at your own pace.
Meet Your Teachers
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
- Maintains a small private practice in Arlington, Massachusetts, USA, specializing in mindfulness and compassion-based psychotherapy
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Benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion
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What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion involves responding in the same supportive and understanding way you would with a good friend when you have a difficult time, fail, or notice something you don’t like about yourself. There are three elements which comprise self-compassion: Self-kindness vs. self-judgment, common humanity vs. isolation, and mindfulness vs. over-identification.
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Proven Benefits
In daily life, self-compassion involves noticing when we’re having a hard time, and rather than judging and criticizing ourselves, we respond to our pain with care and kindness, just as we would a dear friend. There’s now an impressive and growing body of research demonstrating that relating to ourselves in a kind, friendly manner is essential for emotional wellbeing. And though self-compassion is not often the first response for many of us during moments of personal struggle, this skill can be trained, even for those of us who did not learn it as children.
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Access to Materials & Recording
Twelve hours prior to the start of the workshop you will receive access to the content, additional materials and the the zoom link for the live session. The workshop will also be recorded and you will have access for 90 days if you want to review it at your convenience.
FAQs & Important Information
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.