Does this satisfy the prerequisite for Teacher Training?
The MSC 8-week program and MSC (5- or 4-day) intensive program satisfies the training prerequisite for MSC Teacher Training. Shorter programs and workshops do not satisfy this criteria. For more information, please visit the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion’s website.
Are there scholarships available?
Please contact the organization hosting the MSC for information about potential scholarships.
Is this relevant for a non-clinician?
Yes! MSC was designed for people to explore their own relationship with themselves, and to learn how to treat themselves with more kindness especially when they are suffering. Naturally, mental health professionals quickly saw the potential benefits for their clients, and most programs have a number of mental health professionals in them. People in helping professions who have an MSC practice can teach basic MSC meditations and practice to the clients, however the MSC program is first and foremost for personal development.
I’ve experienced recent trauma. Should I come?
If you have concerns, please contact kristy@heartworks.training to discuss your situation. During the MSC program we ask participants to intentionally bring themselves into contact with a small amount of suffering so that we can practice using the tools of turning toward our pain and comforting ourselves. If you are already suffering from recent trauma, we wouldn’t want to ask you to touch on more suffering, which, rather than being helpful, might be overwhelming.
Short workshops and lectures about Mindful Self-Compassion might be suitable, and 8-week programs might be suitable, but usually intensive programs of 4 or 5 days are best left for a later time. Please discuss this with us.
I suffer mood swings. Should I come?
Once again, if you are already suffering, we would want to be very respectful of your current situation. 8-week programs and short workshops might work for you, but if you are looking to attend a 4- or 5-day intensive program, you might be best to leave that for a time you are feeling more stable. Once again, please contact Kristy to discuss your particular situation.
Where can I find out about MSCs in my area?
You can check out the Teacher and Program Directory on the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion website. There are teachers all over the world teaching MSC. If it doesn’t work for you to come to one of the programs HeartWorks Training is involved with, we hope you make it to another MSC.
Are you coming to my area?
Please check the calendar of events for information about where we’ll be teaching. One of the ways many of these programs even exist is because someone like you contacted me to invite me to bring a co-teacher and hold an MSC program in their local area. If you’d like to explore this option, we’d love to hear from you. Please email me at kristy@kristyarbon.com.
Do I have to know how to meditate?
There is no prerequisite for MSC. We teach basic meditation, but you don’t need to “be” a meditator to get a lot out of this course.
How much silence will there be?
During MSC there will be periods of guided meditations when the teacher might leave a minute or two between one instruction and the next. Other than the retreat day during MSC, which is usually offer during the 8-week program, there is not a lot of silence.
Can I use this material with my (therapy) clients?
Once you have taken the MSC program, you are welcome to use select exercises with your clients. We ask that you use your discretion in doing this, that you contact us if you have any questions or concerns about what to offer your clients or how much to offer, and we ask that you attribute the work to the program developers, Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.