The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion (SC-MSC) is a six-week adaptation of the empirically supported eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, designed to introduce the core skills of self-compassion with a reduced time commitment. Developed by Kristin Neff, PhD, a pioneering researcher in self-compassion, and Christopher Germer, PhD, a leader in mindfulness- and compassion-based psychotherapy, SC-MSC offers a focused and accessible entry point into this work.
Most of us readily offer compassion to close friends when they are struggling. SC-MSC invites participants to explore what it might be like to extend that same care and understanding to themselves. Self-compassion involves learning to comfort and soothe ourselves, and to motivate ourselves with encouragement rather than self-criticism, particularly when we experience suffering, failure, or feelings of inadequacy. By recognizing our shared humanity, we learn to include ourselves in the circle of compassion we naturally offer to others.
The program draws on mindfulness skills and emphasizes cultivating self-compassion as a resource for emotional wellbeing. Research increasingly shows that self-compassion is associated with greater emotional resilience, improved coping with life challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, healthier habits, and more satisfying personal relationships. It is an inner strength that allows us to respond to difficulty with greater clarity, balance, and care.
Self-compassion is a learnable skill, even for those who did not develop these capacities earlier in life. Program activities include short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. Participants will explore habitual responses to difficulty and learn practical tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to themselves. Meditation experience is not required. This program is open to the general public and welcomes participants of all backgrounds. You must be 18 years or older to enroll.
Megan Prager
Megan Prager, MA, is the Compassion Programs Director at the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness and a certified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion. She develops and leads mindfulness and compassion-based programs for universities, healthcare systems, and organizations, with a focus on practical, evidence-based applications that support well-being and resilience.
Continuing education credits are available for an additional $15 fee. Participants must attend all sessions to receive a certificate.
Psychologists: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 6.0 CE credits.
California-licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and LCSWs: This activity is approved by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied toward license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 6.0 CE credits.
Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 7.0 contact hours.
A refund (minus your $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing up to 7 days prior to the event start date by emailing mindfulness@ucsd.edu. No refunds will be allowed within 6 days of the event start date.
Please be aware that the registration fee, deposits, and funds are non-transferable to other programs.
In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee. In regards to the In-Person Programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
The refunds are processed in the same method as the payments were submitted (unless past 180 days).