What is MSC Teacher Training?

MSC Teacher Training is an intensive, 6-day, residential program facilitated by a team of senior MSC teachers. Half of the training is a condensed, experiential review of the MSC program, integrating short talks, meditation, group exercises, discussion, and periods of silence. The other half of the program focuses on how to teach the core themes and skills of each session in simulated, guided, small groups. Participants will be provided with the essential materials to teach MSC.

The primary purpose of this Teacher Training is to train attendees to teach the MSC program in its 8-week form. Intensive formats require significant experience in teaching the 8-week program and it is recommended that only Certified MSC teachers teach the program in an intensive format.

Learning Objectives of the MSC Teacher Training

• Deepen one’s personal practice of responding to difficult emotions with mindfulness and compassion
• Understand the current theory and research on self-compassion
• Identify the core themes and practices presented in each of the eight group sessions of MSC, plus the retreat day
• Develop the skills necessary to facilitate MSC, including how to guide meditation, teach from each participant’s direct experience, and facilitate group cohesion
• Identify obstacles to mindful self-compassion practice and strategies for overcoming them
• Embody a mindful and compassionate stance toward students of MSC as they confront challenges to their practice

Target Audience

This 6-day intensive is intended for those who wish to teach MSC, those who would like to integrate mindfulness and self-compassion in their ongoing professional activities (i.e., psychotherapy, coaching, nursing, teaching, etc.), and individuals who have a professional interest in the field (i.e., researchers, administrators, etc.).