Mindful Self-Compassion Course

A research-based Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course for adults that was designed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer.

Class Description

Do you have a critical inner voice? Do you feel like you never do enough or you are not enough? When something upsets you do you get carried away with your feelings? Do you allow yourself to have flaws and make mistakes?

This Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course offers emotional skills for responding to yourself in the same caring way that you respond to a friend who is in pain, who is facing challenges, or who is treating themselves badly.

MSC uses the skills of mindfulness along with self-compassion, or self-kindness, to provide ourselves with inner support. Over time, this approach can lead to greater emotional wellbeing and emotional resilience.

The MSC course and curriculum was developed by Christopher K. Germer, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy and Kristin Neff, PhD, pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion.  

Wondering how self-compassionate you are? Kristin Neff has a self-evaluation on her website. (Note: You do not have to provide your email address to get the results.)

What to Expect

MSC courses have two teachers who are trained through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Each session includes guided meditations, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. This course is designed for participants to practice and experience self-compassion each session. It is not a lecture nor a retreat.

The MSC program lasts 9 weeks. There are 8 sessions and one 4 hour retreat. Each session is 2 hours and 45 minutes, which includes a break.

MSC is therapeutic, but it is not therapy. The course teaches skills to build emotional resources, rather than addressing old wounds. As we become kinder to ourselves, healing can happen. But this course is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care.

Self-Compassion can be learned by anyone.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Pause and care for yourself when difficult emotions arise
• Begin to motivate yourself with encouragement and kindness rather than criticism
• Identify roadblocks to being present in your life
• Start to approach challenging relationships in a new way
• Enhance your emotional resilience
• Practice self-compassion in daily life

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses are you offering right now?

My next 9-week course will take place virtually and starts Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:45pm Central Time, with a 4 hour retreat on Sunday, November 1. The course ends on Sunday, November 22, 2026. I am co-teaching this course with Jim Keating.

Check this time conversion chart for your local time.

To sign up or talk with me about my next course, please complete this form today. There is an early bird discount for people to sign up by September 5, 2026.

Are there prerequisites for taking a Mindful Self-Compassion course?

You do not need to have any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation to take this course.

What forms do I have to complete?

To ensure safety, participants are asked to fill out an intake form when they register for the program.

How much does it cost?

The course currently costs $400. There is an early bird incentive if you sign up at least 3 weeks before the start date. Arrangements can be made to pay in two installments.