Mindful Self-Compassion

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported training programme designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care and understanding.

The three key components of self-compassion are Mindfulness, a sense of Common Humanity, and Self-Kindness. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment so we can be more present with our experience, Common Humanity enables us to understand our essential inter-connectedness and that we are not alone, and Self-Kindness helps us to respond to ourselves in constructive ways much as we might to a loved one.

Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are kind to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, negative self-talk and ‘pushing’ ourselves through times of difficulty. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.