MBCT in Guelph
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Monday Evenings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): Sunday, November 24, 2019 | 6pm-8pm & Monday, November 25, 2019 | 10am – 12pm
Orientation & Session 1: November 25, 2019 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 2-8*: December 2, 2019 – January 20, 2020 | 6pm – 8:30pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, January 11, 2020 | time TBD
* program skips December 30th
Registration closes on November 24th at 10:00am
Location
42 Carden Street
Guelph, ON N1H 3A2
Fees
Early-Bird: $490 (until November 10th)
Regular: $550
Registration closes on November 21, 2019
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT in Downtown Toronto (SOLD OUT)
Please consider joining us on January 15 or adding your name to our Waiting List
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Wednesday Evenings
Orientation & Interview: November 27, 2019 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 1-8*: December 4, 2019 – February 5, 2020 | 6pm – 8:30pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
* program skips December 25th & January 1st
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $550
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the Orientation & Interview session.
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
Full-Day Intro in Downtown Toronto
Discover the power and benefits of mindfulness in-person from an experienced facilitator
This full-day immersive workshop gives the time and space needed to go deeper in understanding mindfulness and integrating it into everyday life.
For more details, visit our Mindfulness for Beginners page.
Timing
Sunday, December 1, 2019 | 10am – 4pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $150
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Please note that participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch for a mindful eating exercise.
MBCT Online
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy providing tools and strategies for preventing depressive relapse, as well as reducing acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Wednesday Mornings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): Monday, December 2, 2019 | 6pm – 8pm ET & Tuesday, December 3, 2019 | 10am – 12pm ET
Orientation & Session 1: December 4, 2019 | 10am – 1pm ET
Sessions 2-8*: December 11, 2019 – February 12, 2020 | 10:30am – 1pm ET
* program skips December 25th & January 1st
** please note January 29th is the 4 hour Silent Retreat | 9:30am – 1:30pm ET **
Registration closes Friday, November 29, 2019
Online Format
Please note this will be a highly interactive web-based program. Your full attention and participation will be required.
For technical requirements, click here.
Fees
Early-Bird: $490 (until November 12th)
Regular: $550
Registration closes at 5pm on Friday, November 29, 2019
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
MSC in Downtown Toronto
Learn to manage difficulty with more ease and kindness
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance our emotional well-being.
For more details, visit our MSC page.
Timing
Thursday Evenings
Orientation & Interview: December 5, 2019 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 1-8*: December 12, 2019 – February 13, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 12:30pm – 4:30pm
* program skips December 26th & January 2nd
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fees
Early-Bird: $595 (until November 13th)
Regular: $625
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
Holiday Open House
We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, December 12th from 2pm to 5pm
Let’s take the time to practice mindfulness as a community.
Join us to share in conversation, food, drink and a short seasonal meditation.
The Centre for Mindfulness Studies
180 Sudbury Street, Toronto, ON
Half-Day Intro in Downtown Toronto
Discover the power and benefits of mindfulness from an experienced facilitator
This lively introductory session is a fun and engaging opportunity to learn mindfulness practices and skills.
For more details, visit our Mindfulness for Beginners page.
Timing
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 10:30am – 1:30pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $85
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Teacher Training Info Session
Interested in teaching mindfulness?
If you’re considering enrolling in one of the Centre’s facilitation certificate programs, or if you’re just looking for a course or two that will help you understand the foundations and science of mindfulness, find out more by attending this free online information session.
Timing
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 6pm – 6:30pm + Q&A
Fee: Free
Mindfulness Booster in Downtown Toronto
Advance your mindfulness practice
Maintaining a mindfulness practice is difficult after a multi-week group program finishes. Mindfulness Booster helps you invigorate your mindfulness skills in 4 weekly sessions.
For more details, visit our Mindfulness Booster page.
Timing
Monday Evenings
Sessions 1-4: January 6 – 27, 2020 | 6pm – 7:30pm
Participants are asked to arrive 20-30 minutes early on January 6th
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $195
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the first session
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBSR in Downtown Toronto
Learn practical ways to manage stress
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions.
For more details, visit our MBSR page
Timing
Tuesday Evenings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): Tuesday, January 7, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Orientation & Session 1: January 14, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 2-8: January 21 – March 3, 2020 | 6:30pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $520
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT in Downtown Toronto
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Wednesday Evenings
Orientation & Interview: January 15, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 1-8: January 22 – March 11, 2020 | 6pm – 8:30pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, February 29, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $550
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the Orientation & Interview session.
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT in Ottawa
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Thursdays
Orientation & Interview: January 16, 2020 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Sessions 1-8: January 23 – March 12, 2020 | 4:30pm – 7pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, March 1, 2020 | 1pm – 5pm
Location
2487 Kaladar Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1V 8B9
Fee: $590
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the Orientation & Interview session
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
Half-Day Intro Workshop in Guelph
Discover the power and benefits of mindfulness from an experienced facilitator
This lively introductory session is a fun and engaging opportunity to learn mindfulness practices and skills.
For more details, visit our Mindfulness for Beginners page.
Timing
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 1pm – 4pm
Location
10C
42 Carden Street
Guelph, ON N1H 3A2
Fee: $85
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
MBCT Basics Online
Explore the therapeutic benefits of MBCT while looking at its clinical applications
This is the first module of our MBCT Facilitation Certificate Program.
For more details, visit our MBCT Basics page.
Timing
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Week 1: January 20, 22, 24, 2020 | 9:30am – 11:30am ET
Week 2: January 27, 29, 31, 2020 | 9:30am – 11:30am ET
Online Format
Please note this will be a highly interactive web-based program. Your full attention and participation will be required.
For technical requirements, click here.
Fee: $560
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Mindfulness Core Concepts
Learn about the research and application of mindfulness
This is the first module of our MBSR Facilitation Certificate Program.
For more details, see our Mindfulness Core Concepts page.
Timing
Thursday, January 23, 2020 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Fee: $350
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
MBSR Online
Learn practical ways to manage stress
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions.
For more details, visit our MBSR page
Timing
Thursday Afternoons
Intake Interviews (via telephone): January 23, 2020 | 1:30pm – 4:30pm ET
Orientation & Session 1: January 30, 2020 | 1:30pm – 4:30pm ET
Sessions 2-8: February 6 – April 9, 2020 | 1:30pm – 4pm ET
NOTE: Thursday, March 26th is the 4-hour Silent Retreat | 1pm – 5pm ET
* program skips February 20th & March 19th
Online Format
Please note this will be a highly interactive web-based program. Your full attention and participation will be required.
For technical requirements, click here.
CMS Supervision Program
Some sessions may need to be recorded for faculty supervision purposes. Recordings will only be reviewed by CMS Senior Faculty for the purposes of quality assurance and/or training. Recordings will be destroyed within 2 weeks of the program end date.
For further information, please contact the Centre before registering.
Fees: $520
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
MSC Intensive in Downtown Toronto
Learn to manage difficulty with more ease and kindness
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance our emotional well-being. While mindfulness increases our awareness of the present, self-compassion encourages greater kindness and understanding of periods of suffering. It also helps us accept our flaws and better understand our challenges.
MSC is a research-supported program developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer. Research on self-compassion have shown that it boosts happiness and improves relationships while reducing anxiety, depression and shame. Increased levels of self-compassion can transform empathy fatigue into wholehearted engagement with others.
Participants Will Learn
To befriend their self–critic, develop self-compassion skills, and foster goodwill towards themselves and others. The 5-day intensive explores typical responses as difficulties arise.
Who Should Attend
All are welcome. It is especially beneficial for graduates of mindfulness-based programs, such as MBCT/MBSR. No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required. This program qualifies as the prerequisite for training as a Mindful Self-Compassion teacher.
Timing
Friday – Tuesday
Sessions 1 & 2: January 31, 2020 | 9am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5:30pm
Sessions 3 & 4: February 1, 2020 | 9am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5:30pm
Session 6 & Silent Retreat: February 2, 2020 | 9am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 6pm
Sessions 5 & 7: February 3, 2020 | 9am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5:30pm
Session 8: February 4, 2020 | 9am – 1pm
Fee: $780
Registration closes Sunday, January 26, 2020
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT in East Toronto
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Tuesday Evenings
Intake Interviews: February 3rd or 4th via telephone or February 4th 4pm – 6pm in-person
Orientation & Session 1: February 4, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 2-8: February 11 – March 24, 2020 | 6pm – 8:30pm
Silent Retreat: Sunday, March 22, 2020 | 10am – 4pm at our downtown location (180 Sudbury Street)
Location
Beach United Church
Upstairs (Chapel Room)
140 Wineva Avenue
Toronto, ON M4E 2T4
Fee: $550
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the Orientation & Interview session.
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBSR in Guelph
Learn practical ways to manage stress
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions.
For more details, visit our MBSR page
Timing
Wednesday Evenings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): Tuesday, February 4, 2020 | 5pm – 8pm
Orientation & Session 1: February 5, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 2-8*: February 12 – April 1, 2020 | 6:30pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Sunday, March 29, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
* program skips March 18th
Registration closes on Sunday, February 2, 2020
Location
10C
42 Carden Street
Guelph, ON N1H 3A2
Fees: $520
Registration closes on Sunday, February 2, 2020
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBSR in Downtown Toronto
Learn practical ways to manage stress
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is for individuals experiencing stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological conditions.
For more details, visit our MBSR page
Timing
Monday Evenings
Orientation & Interview: February 10, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 1-8*: February 24 – April 27, 2020 | 6:30pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, April 18, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
* program skips Feb 17th, March 16th, April 13th
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $520
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
Expecting Mindfully
Nourish your emotional well-being during pregnancy and post-partum
Expecting Mindfully is an eight-week mental health and wellness group program designed for birthing parents and new mamas. Expecting Mindfully is offered live online through web conferencing so you can attend the group from your home. Babies and young children, and the inevitable interruptions they create, are welcome and expected. Each session will be 2.5 hours long, including time for breaks and time to interact in small groups with other participants and with the facilitators.
Expecting Mindfully is adapted from the extensively researched, effective, and popular Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program. The Expecting Mindfully workbook (authors and developers Dr. Sona Dimidjian and Dr Sherryl Goodman) is used in supporting this group. All participants are required to purchase an electronic or paper copy, with links provided below.
Who Should Attend
This program is for you if:
- You are an individual who is pregnant, post-partum, or in early motherhood and you want to maintain the best possible mental health and well-being for both you and your baby
- You are concerned about the effects of feeling down, stressed, tired, or anxious on your parenting and the well-being of your baby
- You have a personal history of living with anxiety or depression and wish to take preventative steps to prevent recurrence
Participants Will Learn
The Expecting Mindfulness program uses mindfulness practices, cognitive exercises, and supportive discussion to help you develop the skills required to change your way of thinking and acting in a way that:
- Helps you nurture your mental health during this important time in your life
- Helps with managing the stress and anxiety around pregnancy and early parenthood
- Helps prevent depression or the recurrence of depression
Required Resource: Expecting Mindfully: Nourish Your Emotional Well-Being and Prevent Depression during Pregnancy and Postpartum by Sona Dimidjian and Sherryl H. Goodman
Please purchase via the publisher Guilford Press, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, or others.
Timing
Thursday Mornings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): Tuesday, February 11th or Wednesday, February 12th | 9:30am – 11:30am
Orientation & Session 1: February 13, 2020 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Sessions 2-8*: February 20 – April 9, 2020 | 9:30am – 12pm
* programs skips March 19th
Registration closes on Sunday, February 9, 2020
Online Format
Please note this will be a highly interactive web-based program. For technical requirements, click here.
Fee: $550
Registration closes on Sunday, February 9, 2020
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
MBCT in Downtown Toronto
Learn to manage anxiety & prevent the relapse of depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group therapy for preventing depressive relapse. It also reduces acute depression, anxiety and stress.
For more details, visit our MBCT page.
Timing
Sunday Mornings
Orientation & Interview: February 23, 2020 | 10am – 1pm
Sessions 1-8: March 1 – May 10, 2020 | 10am – 12:30pm
NOTE: Sunday, April 26th is the 6-hour Silent Retreat | 10am – 4pm
* program skips March 15th & April 12th
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $550
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
A valid OHIP card is required for this program and must be brought to the Orientation & Interview session.
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
Graduate Program in Mindfulness-Based Skills Development
Essential Skills for Mindfulness Meditation & Living a Mindful Life
Deepen and develop your practice of mindfulness in this 8-week program especially designed for graduates of MBCT, MBSR, or MSC. A signature focus of this program is on extending the discrete skills of mindfulness meditation as transferable skills, directly applicable into everyday life.
For more details, visit our MBSD page.
Timing
Thursday Evenings
Intake Interviews (via telephone): February 25-26, 2020 if required
Sessions 1-8*: February 27 – April 23, 2020 | 6:30pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, April 18, 2020 | 10am – 4pm
* program skips March 19th
Registration closes on Sunday, February 23, 2020
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $550
Registration closes on Sunday, February 23, 2020
Payment, Cancellation, Refund & Exchange Policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT Practicum in Toronto
Ontario’s only MBCT practicum accredited by The College of Family Physicians of Canada.
This is the fourth module of our MBCT Facilitation Certificate Program.
For more details, visit our MBCT Practicum page.
Timing
Wednesday Evenings
Sessions 1-10*: March 4 – May 20, 2020 | 5:30pm – 9pm
* course skips March 18th & May 6th
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fees
Early-Bird: $2,395 (until January 31st)
Regular: $2,595
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Online participation may be possible for this course.
If interested, email jennifer@MindfulnessStudies.com
Inquiry Essentials in Toronto
Inquiry is the practice of asking a question to investigate our experience. It is at the heart of MBCT and MBSR.
This is the final course module of our MBCT & MBSR Facilitation Certificate Programs.
For more details, visit our Inquiry Essentials page.
Timing
Session 1: Friday, March 27, 2020 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Session 2: Saturday, March 28, 2020 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $560
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Online participation may be possible for this course.
If interested, email jennifer@MindfulnessStudies.com
CBT Mindfulness Primer Online
Enhance your understanding of MBCT by familiarizing yourself with the foundations of CBT
This the second module of our MBCT Facilitation Certificate Program.
For more details, visit our CBT Primer page.
Timing
Wednesday & Friday
Session 1: April 1, 2020 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Session 2: April 3, 2020 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Online Format
Please note this will be a highly interactive web-based program. Your full attention and participation will be required.
For technical requirements, click here.
Fee: $350
Payment, cancellation & refund policies
MSC in East Toronto
Learn to manage difficulty with more ease and kindness
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance our emotional well-being.
For more details, visit our MSC page.
Timing
Wednesday Evenings
Orientation & Interview: April 1, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Sessions 1-8*: April 8 – June 10, 2020 | 6pm – 9pm
Silent Retreat: Saturday, May 23, 2020 | 1:30pm – 5:30pm
* program skips April 29th & May 27th
Location
Beach United Church
Upstairs (Chapel Room)
140 Wineva Avenue
Toronto, ON M4E 2T4
Fee: $625
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
To find out if your third-party insurance covers all or part of a therapeutic program, visit our About Insurance page.
MBCT Basics in Toronto
Explore the therapeutic benefits of MBCT while looking at its clinical applications
This is the first module of our MBCT Facilitation Certificate.
For more details, see our MBCT Basics page.
Timing
Friday & Saturday
Session 1: April 24, 2020 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Session 2: April 25, 2020 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location
180 Sudbury Street
Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
Fee: $560
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
MBSR Teacher Training Intensive in BC
Train to facilitate MBSR programs. This is the second module of our MBSR Facilitation Certificate Program.
This 6-day training intensive will provide participants with the opportunity to study and experience the foundational underpinnings, mindfulness practices and specific exercises that are the framework of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. The themes, rationales, intention and practice skills of each MBSR session will be reviewed and practised. For full details, please see the MBSR TTI webpage.
Required Reading: Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Timing: May 2-8, 2020
Begins Saturday, May 2, 2020
– Check-in at 4pm
– Dinner at 6pm
– Session starts at 7pm
Ends Friday, May 8, 2020
– Session ends at 11am
– Optional lunch at 12pm
Location
Bethlehem Centre
2371 Arbot Road
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S9
Early-Bird Fees (available until January 28, 2020)
$2,925 double occupancy
$3,275 single occupancy
Regular Fees (as of January 29, 2020)
$3,125 double occupancy
$3,475 single occupancy
As a registered charity, we do not charge HST. When you support us, you support our charitable initiatives. If you’d like to learn more, please see our Community Program.
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Please remember to apply before registering.
MSC Teacher Training in B.C.
APPLY NOW to obtain the registration link.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on pioneering research by Kristin Neff and integrated with the clinical perspective of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult emotions with care and understanding.
The three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and balanced, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to others, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warmhearted, connected, presence during difficult moments in our lives.
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-denial, or self-absorption. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, forgive ourselves, motivate ourselves with kindness, care for others, and be fully human.
Rapidly expanding research clearly demonstrates that self-compassion is related to emotional wellbeing, lower anxiety and depression, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships.
MSC Teacher Training
The MSC program has been in development since 2009, and a MSC training manual is scheduled for publication in 2017 (Guilford Press). The UCSD Center for Mindfulness will coordinate MSC teacher training in the USA, in collaboration with the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. The Centre for Mindfulness Studies will coordinate MSC teacher training in Canada, in collaboration with the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.
MSC Teacher Training is an intensive, 6-day, residential program facilitated by a team of senior MSC teachers. The training is built around the eight weekly sessions of MSC with each half day dedicated to a condensed, experiential review of one of the sessions, followed by small group activities designed to give attendees opportunities to practice teaching, guiding and facilitating discussion in that session with the close consultation of one of the Teacher Trainers. In addition, the training includes short talks, group exercises, discussion, and periods of silence. Participants will be provided with the essential materials to teach MSC programs.
Please see MSC Certification Pathway on the UCSD website to learn more.
Participants Will Learn To
- Deepen their personal practice of responding to difficult emotions with mindfulness and compassion
- Summarize current basic theory and research on self-compassion
- Identify the core themes and be able to implement practices presented in each of the eight group sessions of MSC, plus the retreat day
- Develop the skills necessary to facilitate MSC groups, including how to guide meditation, teach from each participant’s direct experience, and facilitate group cohesion
- Apply advanced mindful self-compassion principles and practices in teaching patients, students, or clients
- Engage in real-time interactive sessions to demonstrate teaching skills and receive feedback and assessment from instructors
- Identify obstacles to mindful self-compassion practice and strategies for overcoming them
- Embody a mindful and compassionate stance toward students of the MSC program as they confront challenges to their practice
Who Should Attend
This 6-day intensive is intended for those who wish to teach the MSC program, those who would like to integrate mindfulness and self-compassion in their ongoing professional activities (i.e., psychotherapy, coaching, nursing, teaching, etc.), and individuals who have a professional interest in the field (i.e., researchers, administrators, etc.).
Prerequisites
- Established daily mindfulness practice of at least two years.
- Ongoing, daily, sitting meditation practice
- Ongoing practice of loving-kindness and self-compassion in daily life
- Attendance in at least one 5-day silent teacher-led residential meditation retreat of any kind, at a location of your choosing.
- Experience teaching meditation in groups, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or in clinical settings
- Previous participation in a Mindful Self-Compassion personal program (8-week or 5-day Intensive) at least 6 months beforehand. Two-day Core Skills Workshops, Online MSC and shorter workshops do not satisfy this requirement.
What To Expect
Our ability to teach others depends largely on discovering the power of self-compassion in our own lives and embodying the practice. Since the core principles and practices of the MSC program are taught through experiential learning, participants are encouraged to focus on their felt experience during teacher training. Ample time will also be allocated for professional dialogue and the nuts and bolts of teaching.
The MSC program is a journey—an adventure in self-discovery and self-kindness. Loving-kindness and self-compassion training helps us soothe and comfort ourselves as it paradoxically reveals emotional distress we may have been unconsciously holding inside, often for many years. Therefore, some difficult emotions are likely to surface as we grow in our capacity to embrace them. This is intrinsic to the process of emotional transformation through self-compassion.
Self-compassion thrives in an environment of safety, support, privacy, individual responsibility, and a common commitment to presence and compassion. Self-compassion practice should also be easy and enjoyable. The teacher trainers are dedicated to creating such a learning atmosphere for all workshop participants and their future students.
Required Reading
Before applying to the MSC Teacher Training: On Becoming a MSC Teacher: A Mountaineer’s Guide to Building the Resource of Mindful Self-Compassion by Christine Braehler, Steven D. Hickman, and Christopher Germer
Before participating in the MSC Teacher Training: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength and Thrive by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
Before participating in the MSC Teacher Training: Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff
Highly Recommended Reading
Before participating in the MSC Teacher Training: Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
Before participating in the MSC Teacher Training: The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions by Christopher Germer
Apply Before Registering
If you have not already been approved to attend this MSC Teacher Training, but meet the above prerequisites, please apply now. Once you are approved to attend, you will receive the registration link via email along with your notice of acceptance. If you have been approved but did not receive the URL, please contact us.
Timing
September 20-25, 2020
Sunday Check-In: 3pm – 4pm PT
Friday Departure: 12pm – 1pm PT
Location
Bethlehem Centre
2371 Arbot Road
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S9
Early-Bird Fees (available until June 15, 2020)
$3,375 double occupancy
$3,725 single occupancy
Regular Fees (as of June 16, 2020)
$3,575 double occupancy (if still available)
$3,925 single occupancy
As a registered charity, we do not charge HST. When you support us, you support our charitable initiatives. If you’d like to learn more, please see our Community Program.
Payment, cancellation and refund policies
Scholarships
Contact us to inquire about scholarship availability. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2020.