Skills for Emotional Resilience in the Chicagoland Area
ABOUT MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION
During the 8-week course participants will learn to:
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Practice mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life
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Understand the science and research of self-compassion
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Use self-compassion to live in accord with personal core values
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Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
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Motivate oneself with kindness rather than criticism
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Work with challenging relationships
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Manage caregiver fatigue
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Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
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Teach and/or model simple self-compassion tools to others
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an 8-week course offered several times a year in the Chicago area. Based on the work and research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, MSC is designed to offer participants the skills for emotional resilience and learning to be kinder to oneself during the difficult times in life.
TEACHERS
Staci Berman, LMFT
Trained Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher
Staci found Mindful Self-Compassion in 2014, at which time she was awe-struck by the power the practices had to help her through difficult times in life. She is a therapist in private practice in Chicago's loop and is passionate about sharing the compassion in her work as a therapist and as a teacher. Click here to learn more about Staci.
Colleen O'Brien, LCPC
Trained Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher
Colleen felt filled with love and equipped with new skills after attending an intensive Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) retreat in March 2018, taught by MSC co-developers, Kristin Neff and Chris Germer. Since then, Colleen has been working on relating to herself in a new way, using mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life, particularly when things are hard. With the intention of spreading that love and those skills, Colleen completed MSC teacher training in January 2019, ready to bring MSC to Chicago. Colleen currently teaches 8-week classes in Chicago, leads MSC workshops in the Chicagoland area, and integrates MSC into her professional work. Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working in Chicago.
Class Schedule
Mindful Self-Compassion is taught as an 8-week, in-person course that meets once weekly for 2.5 hours. Each round includes one retreat half-day (4.5 hours) that takes place in the second half of the course.
Below are classes that are currently available for registration or are currently in progress.
Summer 2019
Class Schedule
Mindful Self-Compassion is taught as an 8-week, in-person course that meets once weekly for 2.5 hours. Each round includes one retreat half-day (4.5 hours) that takes place in the second half of the course.
Below are classes that are currently available for registration or are currently in progress.
Summer 2019
COURSE DETAILS
Fall 2021
Mindful Self-Compassion
8-week Course
Virtual class via Zoom
Tuesdays, October 12th - December 7th, 2021
11am - 2pm
*Class will not meet week of Thanksgiving, November 23rd*
Retreat Day Saturday, November 6th 11am-2pm
Facilitated by Colleen O'Brien, LCPC & Staci Berman, LMFT
Cost of course is $500
*Scholarships available for financial hardship
WE WILL NOT TURN ANYONE AWAY FOR FINANCIAL REASONS
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience required
Course Information
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is taught as an 8-week course that meets once weekly for 3 hours. Program activities include short talks, experiential exercises, meditation, group discussion, and home practices. Each course includes one retreat (3-hour) that takes place in the second half of the course.
MSC is designed for members of the general public. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in MSC. All are welcome! The program is based on the values of equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
*This is an inclusive course in all the ways, including economic. We have always offered financial scholarships for people in need and continue to do so in these challenging times.
Fees
The fee for the course is $500.
Payment plan and scholarships available for anyone experiencing financial hardship
Options for payments include Quickpay with Zelle, Cash or Check
Recommended Readings
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer
Fierce Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff