Providence 3-hour workshop, IFS Conference

3 Hour Workshop: Turning Toward Ourselves and Our Parts with the Help of Mindful Self-Compassion

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically supported program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on pioneering research by Kristin Neff and integrated with the clinical perspective of Chris Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult emotions with kindness and understanding. Research indicates that people who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves.

This workshop will introduce participants to some of the core concepts and skills taught in the longer MSC 8-week program (see www.centerformsc.org for more information about the 8-week program). In addition, we will explore the ways that cultivating a mindful self-compassion practice can help when working with parts. We can use the same tools that are collected when cultivating self-compassion, in relating to each of our parts. This practice can be especially useful when self energy is hard to find – a tangible method of inviting in some of the learned qualities of self-energy (loving, connected presence) when working with parts.

Mindfulness and self-compassion are skills that can be used by both parties in a therapeutic relationship. Cultivating mindfulness can help a therapist to remain present and connected with their client, and cultivating self-compassion can assist in managing caregiving fatigue and remaining embodied as a compassionate presence.