Mindful Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice
Presented by Chris Germer, Ph.D.

Web Conference Description

The psychological benefits of mindfulness are well established. Yet for people who struggle with intense emotions such as shame, anxiety, anger, or grief, mindfulness practices can be enhanced by adding a simple yet powerful ingredient: self-compassion.

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also means holding our difficulties in mindful awareness and feeling connected to others while we suffer. The art of self-compassion is a kind of portable, therapeutic relationship that can be taught and learned. Therapists can also practice self-compassion themselves to deepen therapeutic presence, to enjoy clinical work more thoroughly, and for an overall sense of well-being.

This Web Conference is designed to help clinicians:

1) Explain the concept of self-compassion--what it is and what it isn't;
2) Identify when self-compassion should be introduced to mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy;
3) Begin to practice loving-kindness (metta) meditation.