The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness offers evidence-based training programs in mindfulness, compassion, and stress reduction designed to support health, well-being, and resilience.
These programs are grounded in decades of clinical research and are taught by experienced instructors. They are appropriate for individuals seeking to reduce stress, manage health conditions, and cultivate greater awareness, emotional balance, and compassion in daily life.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week, evidence-based program that teaches participants how to work skillfully with stress, pain, and illness through the practice of mindfulness.
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR integrates meditation, gentle movement, and mindful awareness practices to support physical and emotional well-being.
What You’ll Learn
- Mindfulness meditation practices
- Awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
- Skills for managing stress and reactivity
- Gentle movement and body awareness
- Ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion—learning to respond to difficult moments with kindness, understanding, and support.
Developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, MSC combines mindfulness and compassion practices to enhance emotional resilience and well-being.
Program Highlights
- Practices to develop self-kindness and emotional support
- Understanding common humanity and shared experience
- Mindfulness skills for difficult emotions
- Tools to reduce self-criticism and increase resilience
- Exercises to build compassion for self and others
Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)
Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) is an 8-week course developed at Stanford University that helps participants strengthen compassion, empathy, and emotional resilience.
CCT includes meditation practices, reflective exercises, and discussions designed to cultivate compassion for oneself and others while supporting emotional balance and well-being.
What You’ll Gain
- Increased empathy and compassion
- Greater emotional resilience
- Skills for working with difficult emotions
- Improved relationships and connection
- Enhanced sense of purpose and well-being
Who Can Benefit
- Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout
- Those managing chronic illness or pain
- Healthcare providers and caregivers
- Professionals seeking improved focus and resilience
- Anyone interested in personal growth and well-being
Program Format
Programs are typically offered in an 8-week format and include weekly group sessions, guided practices, and home practice assignments. Some programs may also include a day-long retreat or extended practice session.
Courses are offered in-person and online, making them accessible to a wide range of participants.