Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a program developed by Kristin Neff, the pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion (www.Self-Compassion.org) and the author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind; and Christopher Germer, a clinical psychologist who specializes in mindfulness and compassion-based psychotherapy (www.MindfulSelfCompassion.org) and the author of many books including A Mindful Path to Self-Compassion.
In this program, you will learn:
– Self compassion as a skill that can help you to meet life’s difficulties with more wisdom and kindness.
– How to offer yourself the compassion you would naturally extend to a dear friend or stranger.
– A courageous attitude of mind that will give you emotional stability and resilience to be more fully present with uncertainty so that you can recover from life’s difficulties and move on with more ease and confidence.
Research
Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional well-being. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help you stick to your diet and exercise routine. All that’s required is a shift in the direction of your attention–recognizing that as a human being, you, too, are a worthy recipient of compassion.
From the New York Times
The research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic. Preliminary data suggest that self-compassion can even influence how much we eat and may help some people lose weight.
This idea does seem at odds with the advice dispensed by many doctors and self-help books, which suggest that willpower and self-discipline are the keys to better health. But Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field, says self-compassion is not to be confused with self-indulgence or lower standards.
“I found in my research that the biggest reason people aren’t more self-compassionate is that they are afraid they’ll become self-indulgent,” said Dr. Neff, an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin. “They believe self-criticism is what keeps them in line. Most people have gotten it wrong because our culture says being hard on yourself is the way to be.”
Imagine your reaction to a child struggling in school or eating too much junk food. Many parents would offer support, like tutoring or making an effort to find healthful foods the child will enjoy. But when adults find themselves in a similar situation – struggling at work, or overeating and gaining weight – many fall into a cycle of self-criticism and negativity. That leaves them feeling even less motivated to change.
“Self-compassion is really conducive to motivation,” Dr. Neff said. “The reason you don’t let your children eat five big tubs of ice cream is because you care about them. With self-compassion, if you care about yourself, you do what’s healthy for you rather than what’s harmful to you.”
8-Week Course in Mindful Self-Compassion
The 8-week format consists of eight weekly, 2.5 hour sessions in a classroom/discussion group format, plus a 4-hour retreat. This class is often most easily integrated into our lives and offers an extended opportunity to deepen and solidify our practice. This class starts on Monday August 26 and ends on Monday October 21 (skipping Labor Day on September 2nd). There is a half-daylong date Sun Oct 13th 12:30-4:30pm.
Throughout this course, participants will learn:
- describe the theory and research supporting mindful self-compassion
- motivate themselves with encouragement rather than self-criticism
- relate to difficult emotions with greater moment-to-moment acceptance
- respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness
- begin to transform difficult relationships, old and new, through self-validation
- practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
- integrate core mindfulness and self-compassion exercises into daily life
- teach simple self-compassion practices to patients, students, or clients
Continuing Education Hours:
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 24.0 hours of 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. 24.0 contact hours 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 APA accreditation meets their
requirements.
Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of
Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16351, for 28.75 contact hours.
