Mindful Self-Compassion Training
We offer training in Mindful Self-Compassion, an internationally acclaimed mindfulness-based program researched, tested and developed by Christopher K. Germer, PhD, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy, and Kristin Neff, PhD, pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion.
Mindfulness is the first step in emotional healing—being able to turn toward and acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings (such as inadequacy, sadness, anger, confusion) with a spirit of openness and curiosity.
Self-compassion involves responding to these difficult thoughts and feelings with kindness, sympathy, and understanding so that we soothe and comfort ourselves when we’re hurting. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. Being both mindful and compassionate leads to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives.
Who can benefit from MSC?
MSC can be learned by anyone. It’s the practice of repeatedly evoking good will toward ourselves especially when we’re suffering—cultivating the same desire that all living beings have to live happily and free from suffering.
Most of us feel compassion when a close friend is struggling. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention whenever you needed it most? All that’s required is a shift in the direction of our attention—recognizing that as a human being, you, too, are a worthy recipient of compassion.
In MSC you’ll learn:
- how to stop being so hard on yourself
- how to handle difficult emotions with greater ease
- how to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
- how to transform difficult relationships, both old and new
- mindfulness and self-compassion practices for home and everyday life
- the theory and research behind mindful self-compassion
- how to become your own best teacher
Is MSC effective?
A randomized, controlled trial demonstrated that MSC significantly increased self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction, as well as decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. Improvements were linked to how much a person practiced mindfulness and self-compassion in their daily lives. For the full-text article, please click here (PDF).
Self-compassion is a skill anyone can learn. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in MSC. All are welcome!
Mindful Self-Compassion Teachers
Victoria Pawlowski, M.Ed., R.C.C.
In 2014 I took a week-long training in Mindful Self-Compassion on Whidbey Island, Washington with The Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion and was inspired by the integrity of the teachers, the rigor of the program and the practices and tools offered. I continued on to Batavia, New York to take MSC teacher training and then trained to become a Certified MSC Teacher. I have been practicing, teaching and participating in the world-wide MSC community ever since.
“I offer a deep bow of gratitude to my teachers/mentors Chris Germer, Kristin Neff, Steve Hickman, Michelle Becker, Dawn MacDonald, Kristy Arbon; my co-teachers along the way including Carol Ranger, Zoey Ryan and Kristy Williams, and to each and every one of the thousands of courageous program participants, I have had the privilege to teach”.
Kristy Williams, M.D.
I have had a long time interest in health and whole-person wellness which led to my career as a family physIcian in Nanaimo. Along this journey, I had the pleasure of taking a MSC training with Victoria and was immediately impressed how compassion was so integral to the health and healing I was seeking personally, and for my patients. A meditator since the mid-2000’s, I went on to complete my MSC teacher designation in 2018, and have been teaching and deepening my practice since then. I am also trained in trauma-sensitive mindfulness, embodied practice, grief work and socially engaged buddhism and love to integrate and embody these concepts into my teaching.