Wednesdays Evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 pm

SILENT RETREAT: Sat. Nov. 16th 9:00 am– 1:00 pm

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported, 8-week training program 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 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 our essential interrelatedness, 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 warm-hearted, connected presence.

Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience and can be learned by anyone. Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships.

AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROGRAM YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Practice self-compassion in daily life
• Understand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Transform challenging relationships, old and new
• Manage caregiver fatigue
• Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation

What to expect

The MSC is a skill based program offered in a group format. Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. MSC is a group rather than a retreat. The goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life.

MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training, although mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion. The emphasis in MSC is on building emotional resources. Compassion is a positive, energizing emotion, however, while learning self-compassion, some difficult emotions may arise. MSC is not focused on working through old injuries, instead the focus will be on developing the skills and resources to be with ourselves in a kinder, more compassionate way, which results in beneficial change. Dr. Shari Geller is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for this process to unfold, and to making the journey enjoyable for everyone.

MSC includes 8 weekly sessions of 2 3/4 hours each, in addition to a 4-hour retreat. Prior to registering, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program.

PREREQUISITES

No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. To insure safety, participants are asked to provide background information when they register for the program.

The following book is included as a companion to the MSC course:

• The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer

Additional recommended books, before or during the course, are:

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, by Kristen Neff
• The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, by Christopher Germer

This program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming an MSC teacher. For more information on MSC and MSC Teacher Training, please visit www.centerformsc.org

Total Cost for the Program: $900

May be covered by extended healthcare plans.

Please check with your insurance provider about your coverage.

Fee and refund policy

• The fee for the group is $900, $100 per session for 9 sessions, including the silent retreat. The fee will be paid at time of registration and held in trust.
• For any sessions missed, 7 calendar days are required, or the full session charge will be billed. If you provide 7 calendar days’ notice, you will not be charged for the missed session.
• You will receive certification for completion of the training program provided you attend at least 7 of the 9 sessions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INFO TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT:

Camilla@sharigeller.ca
416-855-2624 ext 1

Dr. Shari Geller, Ph.D., C.Psych., is an author, teacher, and clinical psychologist. She is the founder of the Therapeutic Rhythm and Mindfulness Program. Shari has a long-term mindfulness meditation practice and has recently completed the Mindful SelfCompassion Teacher Training (MSC). Her publications include her recent book: A Practical Guide for Cultivating Therapeutic Presence and Therapeutic Presence: A Mindful Approach to Effective Therapy coauthored with Leslie Greenberg. She is the co-director of the Centre for MindBody Health (CMBH), in Toronto, Canada. http://www.sharigeller.ca

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