Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an 8 week evidence-based training program designed to cultivate self-compassion through mindfulness and emotional resilience skills. Developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, MSC teaches participants how to respond to difficult emotions with kindness and understanding rather than self-judgment. The course includes guided meditations, experiential exercises, short talks, group discussions, and home practices.  Please click here for a more detailed overview of the course.

The Mindful Self-Compassion course is designed for adults who want to cultivate a kinder relationship with themselves. It’s particularly helpful for those dealing with self-criticism, perfectionism, anxiety, or stress. No prior meditation or mindfulness experience is required.

This course is also especially beneficial for caregivers and professionals who often give a lot to others—such as healthcare providers, teachers, therapists, and parents—helping them learn how to more effectively replenish their own emotional resources.

Please note: This course is currently open to adults only.

The Mindful Self-Compassion course includes eight weekly sessions (2.5 hours each) plus a half-day retreat (4 hours).

Additionally, you should also plan to practice mindful self-compassion at least 30 min a day (formally or informally) throughout the course.

• Eight 2.5 hour weekly sessions, plus a half-day silent retreat

• Guided meditations and self-compassion exercises

• A workbook and handouts with key concepts and practices

• Access to recorded meditations for home practice

• A supportive group environment

Class sizes are typically limited to 8-10 participants to foster an intimate and supportive environment.  A class must have a minimum of 8 participants to run.

We ask that you commit to attending all sessions, including the half-day retreat, as each class builds on the previous one. Missing sessions is discouraged.

If you anticipate missing more than two or three classes, we recommend waiting for a future course to get the full experience.

That said, we understand that life happens! If an unexpected situation arises, our facilitators will help you catch up on any missed content.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the dates of the courses.

No prior experience is necessary. The course is designed to be accessible to beginners while also deepening the practice for those with prior mindfulness experience.

Yes! MSC is approved for 24 CEs through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board. Compassionate Mind Counseling is an approved CE provider for the Ohio CSWMFT Board - Approval #RCST012601. If you are a professional in a different field, please check with your licensing board to confirm eligibility.

Our MSC course is led by Linnea Clouse, LPCC, LICDC, ATR-BC, and Jennifer Stauffer, MSW, LISW-S.  Both are mental health professionals with a background in facilitating mindfulness-based groups and content including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).  Both Linnea and Jen have found mindful self-compassion transformative personally and professionally and truly believe in the power of self-compassion.  Additionally, Linnea is a “Trained MSC Teacher” in Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) from the Center of Mindful Self-Compassion – www.centerformsc.org.

MSC is not therapy but can be therapeutic. It is a personal development program designed to enhance emotional well-being and teach the skills of self-compassion.  

MSC can be supportive for those experiencing emotional difficulties, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.  You will be asked to provide some personal information when you register for this course to help your facilitators determine safety and readiness for this kind of emotional work. 

A refund (minus a $50 processing fee) will be made for participants who withdraw one week (seven days) prior to class one.  A 50% refund (minus a $50 processing fee) is available if requested before the start of class two.  No refunds will be issued after class two.

Refunds will be processed using the same method as the original payment within 10 business days.