Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) Training Course

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Training Course 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. 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.

MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training, although mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion. MSC is also not psychotherapy insofar as the emphasis of MSC is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds.

To learn more visit the following video by co-founder Dr. Kristen Neff: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=-oK8wuPQSiA

What To Expect as a Participant:

This MSC Training Course includes 8 weekly sessions of 2.5 hours each, in addition to a half day retreat.  Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. 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.

After participating in this workshop, you’ll 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 savouring and self-appreciation

Prerequisites

No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend any of the mindfulness courses that I run. To insure safety, participants are asked to provide background information when they register for any of the mentioned courses.

All mindfulness programming that I offer is not appropriate for anyone who is:

• Under the age of 18
• Currently struggling with an active addiction
• Experiencing psychosis
• In crisis
• Experienced a recent trauma

Instructor: This program will be facilitated by Nicole LeBlanc (MA, MSW RSW).  Nicole is a clinical Social Worker and Qualified Mindfulness teacher.  She is qualified in the following mindfulness intervention approaches: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (University of Massachusetts, School of Medicine) and Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) (developed by Dr. Jean Kristeller, co-founder of Center for Mindful Eating NH).  She is currently a teacher-in-training in Mindfulness Self Compassion Training (MSC) (University of San Diego, School of Medicine) and Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT) (North American Chapter of MiCBT Institute, Ontario Canada). Nicole has been offering mindfulness-based interventions to individuals and groups for over 6 years.

Registration: 

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Cost: $450 for each participant registration.  Check with your insurance company prior to course registration to inquire if this course will be reimbursed under your insurance plan.  Many companies nationally and internationally have historically covered the cost of this course.

What Should I Bring:  yoga mats, back jack floor chairs, and meditation cushions and supports will be provided. Feel free to bring a water bottle and a blanket.

How to Register: Click on the RSVP link at the top of this page and submit your name and email.  Nicole will follow up with payment instructions to secure a spot, as well as send you online forms for you to fill out prior to the event. Spots are limited so you are encourage to book ASAP!

*This program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming an MSC teacher*