How do you typically react to difficulties in life—work stress, feeling rejected, physical problems, or financial hardship? Most of us instinctively fight negative experiences and find fault in ourselves when things go wrong. This tendency adds stress and self-criticism that can worsen anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teaches a different approach—learning to calm and support yourself when you’re struggling, much like you would for a close friend. Self-compassion is a skill that can be learned by anyone and is a courageous mental attitude that helps reduce self-judgment and emotional reactivity.
With mindful self-compassion, participants learn to recognize stress, respond with kindness, and build emotional resilience. Research shows that self-compassion can increase happiness, reduce anxiety and depression, and support healthy behavior change.
The 8-week MSC program consists of weekly sessions in a group format, along with guided practices and opportunities to integrate mindfulness and self-compassion into daily life.
Continuing Education
Certificate of Completion requires attendance at least 6 of 8 sessions and the half-day session.
CE credits are available for an additional $50 fee. Full attendance is required.
Psychologists: 24.0 CE credits through the American Psychological Association.
California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: 24.0 CE credits.
Nurses: 28.5 contact hours through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
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Objectives
Describe the theory and research supporting mindful self-compassion
braind
Understand Self-Compassion
Relate to difficult emotions with greater moment-to-moment acceptance
heart
Emotional Resilience
Respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness
sparkles
Self-Kindness
Motivate yourself with encouragement rather than self-criticism
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Motivation Through Support
Begin to transform difficult relationships through self-validation
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Relationships & Connection
Integrate mindfulness and self-compassion practices into daily life
activity
Daily Practice Integration
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
UC San Diego Employees: $545 ($495 if paid in full 30 days in advance)
Those who have completed a UC San Diego Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program can receive a $50 discount. Email mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu before registering to receive a discount code.
Program Summary An 8-week program that teaches mindful self-compassion skills to improve emotional resilience, reduce self-criticism, and support well-being.
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Enrollment requirement
CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants. Programs with fewer than 10 will be canceled and fully refunded.
“For someone to develop genuine compassion towards others, first he or she must have a basis upon which to cultivate compassion, and that basis is the ability to connect to one’s own feelings and to care for one’s own welfare… Caring for others requires caring for oneself.“
– Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama –
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an intensive training retreat version of an empirically-supported 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the research of Kristin Neff and integrated with the clinical perspective of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult emotions with kindness and understanding.
The Three Core Components of Self-Compassion
Self-kindness: Opening our hearts to suffering so we can give ourselves what we need
Common humanity: Recognizing that we are not alone in our experiences
Mindfulness: Staying present and accepting our experience with greater ease
Together, these elements create a state of warm, connected presence during difficult moments in our lives.
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who did not receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable being kind to themselves. It is a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm we inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-denial, or self-absorption.
Self-compassion builds emotional strength and resilience, helping us acknowledge our shortcomings, forgive ourselves, motivate ourselves with kindness, care for others, and fully engage with life.
Research & Benefits
A growing body of research demonstrates that self-compassion is associated with emotional well-being, reduced anxiety and depression, healthier lifestyle habits, and more satisfying personal relationships.
Program Founders
Christopher K. Germer, PhD is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based treatment. He has been integrating meditation into psychotherapy since 1978. Dr. Germer is a Clinical Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a founding member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He lectures internationally on mindfulness and self-compassion and is a co-editor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy, and author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion.
Kristin D. Neff, PhD is an Associate Professor in Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas at Austin. She was among the first to define and measure self-compassion in academic research and has published extensively on its psychological benefits. Dr. Neff is a co-developer of the empirically-supported 8-week MSC program and author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. She is also featured in The Horse Boy, a book and documentary about her family’s journey with autism.
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Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe the theory and research supporting mindful self-compassion
Develop and apply self-compassion practices to motivate themselves with encouragement rather than self-criticism
Assess and manage difficult situations and emotions with greater moment-to-moment acceptance
Develop and apply self-compassion practices to respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness
Transform difficult relationships, old and new, through self-validation
Utilize the art of savoring and self-appreciation to overcome negative attention bias
Apply core mindfulness and self-compassion practices into daily life
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What to Expect
Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring how we typically respond when difficult emotions arise and to provide tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to ourselves. The emphasis of the program is on enhancing emotional resources and personal capacities. For more information on self-compassion, please see www.Self-Compassion.org and www.MindfulSelfCompassion.org
It is widely acknowledged within the field that the teaching of mindfulness and compassion arises out of the personal practice of them. Thus, training courses include substantial periods of personal practice of mindfulness meditation and compassion to help develop the personal and professional resource of these human qualities. An analogy might be that the swimming coach would have to be an excellent swimmer, or a violin teacher would actually be a skilled violinist. Therefore in the field of mindfulness and compassion, the teacher must have a well-developed and substantial experiential grounding in these practices, which is partially supported through meditative practice and exercises during the training.
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Program Schedule
Day
Schedule
Monday
Arrival & Registration: 8:30–9:00 AM PT
Sessions: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM, 2:00–5:00 PM
Tuesday
Sessions: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00–5:00 PM
Wednesday
Session: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Afternoon free for personal practice
Thursday
Sessions: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00–5:00 PM
Friday
Session: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
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Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
$795 for UC San Diego staff ($845 after 5/23/2026)
Registration fee does not include meals/snacks/drinks or the room and board charge. Participants must find lodging/meals on own. Please be aware that this venue does not have a refrigerator.
Continuing education credits for participation in this program are available for an additional $75 fee.
Interested in learning what mindfulness is and how it can benefit you?
Curious to learn how mindfulness can fit into your life?
Hesitant to commit to a longer program?
Eager to explore a variety of practices in a condensed format?
Wishing for a mindfulness refresher?
Then our Introduction to Mindfulness course may be right for you!
You may have heard about the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress and increasing resilience. It has become a widely discussed topic and is being integrated into many settings, including healthcare, K–12 schools, workplaces, professional sports teams, governmental agencies, the military, and correctional systems. The benefits of bringing mindfulness into both work and daily life are increasingly recognized, with research supporting what many people already experience: being more present allows us to notice both the positive and the challenging as they arise. This awareness helps us appreciate what is going well and respond more intentionally to difficulty.
Start your mindfulness journey with us…
Be more present and aware in both work and home life
Reduce auto-pilot reactivity in stressful situations
Enhance attention and connection in communication
Offer yourself kindness and compassion in times of challenge
Find more happiness in everyday life
In six weekly 90-minute classes, a certified instructor will guide you through a variety of mindfulness practices and show how they can be integrated into daily life. Each session introduces new topics and techniques, including:
Sitting Meditation
Body Scan Meditation
Mindful Movement
Mindful Eating
Mindful Walking
Threat Reactivity & Stress Management
The Neuroscience of Mindfulness
Taming Digital Distractions
Mindful Communication
Mindful Self-Compassion
This program provides a strong foundation for participating in more comprehensive offerings such as the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC or SC-MSC) programs.
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Course Objectives
After this program, participants will be able to:
Explain what mindfulness is and what benefits arise from the practice;
Utilize a wide range of mindfulness practices;
Describe how their thoughts and core beliefs dictate their stress reactivity, and how mindfulness facilitates self-management of that reactivity;
Explain where and why mindfulness is beneficial in the workplace;
Apply mindfulness practices into both work and life.
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Continuing Education (CE)
Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association and Board of Registered Nursing. They are available for an additional $15 fee and you must attend ALL sessions to receive the certificate.
Psychologists: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 6.0 CE credit.
California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 6.0 CE credit.
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.
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Enrollment Fees
Standard enrollment is $375, $350 if paid in full 30 days prior to the program start date.
UC San Diego Employees/Students may take the course for $350 ($325 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course).Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association and Board of Registered Nursing. They are available for an additional $15 fee and you must attend ALL sessions to receive the certificate.
Psychologists: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 6.0 CE credit.
California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 6.0 CE credit.
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.
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Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
Explore the fundamentals of mindfulness in a flexible, six-week course designed to help you reduce stress, build resilience, and integrate practical awareness into your daily life—without the commitment of a longer program.
This silent retreat is for those already teaching or interested in teaching mindfulness-based programs (MBP) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Therapy and Mindful Self Compassion. It fulfills the silent retreat prerequisite for all Mindfulness-Based Interventions. In addition, it is open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. Some experience with mindfulness meditation is expected.
An important aspect of teaching MBP is the requirement to have a personal mindfulness practice, our intention for this retreat is to support your personal practice. This 5-night silent retreat will consist of sustained periods of silence, alternating sitting and walking meditation, with periods of Mindful Movement; (All vital for deepening a personal practice and fundamental to teaching and living a rich full life). There will be afternoon sessions exploring the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness with additional meditation practices to foster and strengthen kindness and compassion, and evening talks. Throughout the week there will be scheduled group and individual meetings with the teachers. The container of Silence, which includes refraining from speaking (except with the teachers as scheduled and as needed) reading, writing, and technology, with the exception of emergencies of course. It is a rare opportunity to slow down and give our hearts and minds some space to access our inner wisdom and compassion.
Join us to nourish and sustain your practice, in a safe environment with experienced teachers.
Objectives
At the completion of this retreat, the participants should be able to:
To support and strengthen the practice of mindfulness
To reflect on and discuss the importance of embodying the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness and how they inform the practice and teaching of MBPs
To strengthen mindful speech and mindful listening as they relate to the process of inquiry
To cultivate loving-kindness and self-compassion as foundational components of practice and teaching
Continuing Education
The retreat meets the requirements for teacher training and certification at the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, University of California at San Diego, the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society, University for Massachusetts and the Center for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto, Canada.
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Participant Guidelines
Silent meditation retreats can be a wonderful opportunity to deepen an existing mindfulness practice, but they can be challenging for those who are very new to the practice. We recommend prior mindfulness training and regular personal practice.
Retreat Location
Details
Information
Venue
Big Bear Retreat Center 1000 Sugarpine Road Big Bear, CA 92314
Sample Retreat Schedule
Final schedule will be provided before the retreat. Times are PT.
Sunday Arrival
Time
Schedule
3:00–5:00 PM
Check-in & settling in
5:30 PM
Dinner
7:00–9:30 PM
Evening Session
Monday–Thursday
Time
Schedule
6:15–7:30 AM
Sit + QiGong
7:30–9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Practice
12:30–2:30 PM
Lunch
2:30–4:45 PM
Practice
4:45–5:30 PM
Dharma Talk
5:30–7:00 PM
Dinner
7:00–9:30 PM
Practice
9:30 PM
Lights out
Friday
Time
Schedule
6:15–7:30 AM
Silent Sit
7:30–9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Closing Practice
Lunch is on your own on the final day. Schedule subject to change.
Highly Recommended Reading
Book
The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness — Beth Mulligan
After Buddhism — Stephen Batchelor
True Refuge — Tara Brach
Mindfulness in Plain English — Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Listening to the Heart — Kittisaro & Thanissara
Loving Kindness — Sharon Salzberg
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Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
Deepen your mindfulness practice in a 5-night silent retreat designed for current and aspiring teachers of mindfulness-based programs. Experience guided meditation, mindful movement, and immersive silence in a supportive environment with expert instructors.
Parenting is a journey filled with joy, but it also brings moments of real emotional challenge. We invite you and your child to join this first-of-its-kind online program, specifically designed to transform how you relate to one another. By integrating the core principles of mindfulness and self-compassion, this course provides the essential tools to navigate distress with grace and resilience.
What Is Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches moment-to-moment non-judgemental awareness. It is simply learning to pay attention to our experience just as it is in each moment. Much of our stress occurs when we let our minds run on autopilot, which can lead to rumination and worry. Through simple practices, Mindfulness can improve emotional resilience and strengthen our capacity to respond skillfully to life's challenges. Essentially, Mindfulness empowers kids to live happier and healthier lives!
In this program, you and your child will explore ways to...
Build a Foundation: Create a lasting base of warmth, security, and trust.
Develop Resilience: Learn practical self-care skills for both parent and child.
Meet the Moment: Approach difficult emotions with newfound awareness, kindness and respect.
Schedule and Registration
CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per program. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this program.
Please note: The child must be between the ages of 8–12. If you have more than one child who wishes to participate, you must register them separately. One to two parents may attend with their child.
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
A 6-week online mindfulness and self-compassion journey for parents and children ages 8–12 to build emotional awareness, resilience, and more skillful responses to stress together.
Have you ever felt swamped with negative thoughts and emotions? Have you ever found yourself feeling down and blue? You are not alone. Feeling anxious or sad is really common and the World Health Organization (WHO) says that depressive mood and anxiety could be the biggest health problems we face in the world.
Well, you have come to the right place! Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy(MBCT) is an 8-week, evidence-based, experiential program that combines ideas of cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation practices to cultivate present moment, non-judgmental awareness. It is designed to cultivate resilience and safeguard against recurring bouts of negative thoughts, emotions, and low mood. Research finds MBCT to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and stands as a validated alternative to medication.
In this course, you will be able to understand the traits of mood disorders and cultivate a new, heartful relationship to them by turning towards habitual patterns of thinking that keep you stuck and spiraling down. With practice, you will be able to build your capacity to respond to life’s challenges in more mindful and attentive ways.
Participants will be required to meet with the instructor before the program starts. You will receive more information on this closer to the start date.
Join us and unlock your inner resilience and embrace emotional balance by joining this transformative 8-week course!
What You’ll Learn
Attend to patterns of thought, emotions, behavior
Raise awareness of and reduce identification with negative states
Build skills to prevent relapse using mindfulness meditation techniques
Learn to respond rather than react, using the element of choice
Who Should Participate
If you often worry about the future or dwell on the past, experience low mood, or have a history of anxiety and/or depression, this is the class for you. A commitment to attendance of 80% of the full series and home practice activities is required. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the daylong silent retreat.
Helpful Resources
The Mindful Way Workbook: An 8-Week Program to Free Yourself from Depression and Emotional Distress — John Teasdale, Mark Williams, and Zindel Segal (Foreword by Jon Kabat-Zinn).
Kuyken (2016): Individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized trials (MBCT and relapse prevention).
Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Articulate the key aspects of mindfulness as it relates to coping with negative moods and preventing relapse of depression and anxiety.
Differentiate MBCT from and other CBT techniques that may seem similar but are quite different in contending with negative mood states.
Practice the key aspects of mindfulness to manage symptoms and to prevent relapse of depression and anxiety.
Apply mindfulness and cognitive therapy techniques when managing difficult situations and emotions in both personal and professional settings.
Explain the potential benefits mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (and mindfulness) to family and friends
Create plans to continue and deepen personal practice of mindfulness.
Note: This course does not train facilitators; it is for participants wishing to learn MBCT tools for themselves.
Continuing Education
Additional $50 fee for CE credits. This must be paid before the program starts and you must attend all sessions to receive the CE certificate.
Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association and Board of Registered Nursing.
Psychologists
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 22.0 CE credit.
California Licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs
This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 22.0 CE credit.
Nurses
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 26.0 contact hours.
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
An evidence-based 8-week online MBCT program combining mindfulness and cognitive therapy to reduce stress, support emotional balance, and prevent relapse of depression and anxiety.
If you are interested in this program, please fill out this form to be added to the interest list. We will contact you once this program is scheduled.
Embark on a transformative journey with our unique course, seamlessly blending mindfulness training and education on the science of psychedelics. Discover the power of mindfulness as a foundation for navigating professionally led psychedelic experiences--learning to approach your experience with clarity, presence, and intention. Explore the depths of consciousness, guided by ancient mindfulness practices and modern insights.
Mindful Preparation and Integration for Psychedelic Interventions course offers a comprehensive understanding of both mindfulness and psychedelic science, providing tools for stress reduction, inner exploration, and personal growth. Gain practical skills to prepare for and integrate profound psychedelic experiences, harnessing their potential for healing and self-discovery.
Join a supportive community and expert-led sessions, unlocking a holistic approach to well-being that combines mindfulness practices and the transformative potential of psychedelics. Begin your journey toward inner harmony and expanded consciousness.
Legal Statement: Please note that our course strictly adheres to all relevant local, national, and international laws regarding the use, possession, and distribution of controlled substances. We do not condone, facilitate, or engage in the use or procurement of illegal substances. The educational content provided about substances such as psilocybin is for informational and academic purposes only and does not constitute encouragement or promotion of their use in any form that would contravene existing laws.
Ethical Statement: We uphold a strong commitment to ethical practices and responsible education. Our curriculum aims to provide factual, evidence-based information regarding substances like psilocybin, focusing on their historical, cultural, psychological, and therapeutic aspects. We prioritize the safety, well-being, and legal compliance of our students and do not endorse or advocate the use of any illegal substances. Our intention is to foster informed discussions, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making in the realm of psychedelics and related topics.
Outcomes
Short-Term:
Improved Integration: Participants will demonstrate an increased ability to integrate psychedelic experiences, making meaning from insights, and applying them to personal growth and positive life changes.
Emotional Well-being: Participants will report improved emotional regulation, resilience, and the ability to navigate difficult emotions both during psychedelic experiences and in daily life.
Ethical Engagement: Participants will show an increased understanding of ethical considerations, harm reduction practices, and responsible use of psychedelics, promoting safety and integrity in their engagement with plant medicine.
Long-Term:
Personal Transformation: Participants experience profound personal growth, healing, and positive life changes resulting from the integration of contemplative practices and psychedelic experiences.
Community Impact: Graduates of the course become advocates for the synergistic application of mindfulness-based interventions with the safe and intentional use of psychedelics, actively supporting others in their integration journeys and contributing to the destigmatization and responsible use of psychedelics.
Cultural Shift: The course contributes to a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and valuing the transformative potential of classical psychedelics and contemplative practices, leading to increased acceptance, research, and accessibility to psychedelic therapies.
Target Audience
People interested in mindfulness-based interventions and their synergistic relationship with classic psychedelic plant medicine.
People contemplating psychedelic assisted therapy and looking for skills to manage perceptions and emotions associated with the process.
People wanting to sustain the impact of psychedelic-assisted therapies—further integrating these transformational experiences into their daily lives.
Objectives
Increased Knowledge: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of classical psychedelics/plant medicines, contemplative practices, integration techniques, the benefits and risks of psychedelic use, as well as the legal and ethical guidelines associated with psychedelic use.
Enhanced Skills: Participants will acquire practical skills for self-reflection, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and integration of their psychedelic experiences -- enabling them to safely and effectively navigate, integrate, and benefit from the transformational potential of these practices.
Increased Self-Awareness: Participants will learn evidenced-based mindfulness practices for deepening self-awareness, gaining deeper insight into their conditioned emotions, beliefs, and behavior patterns, and develop a greater understanding of the impact their psychedelic experiences may have on their psychological, emotional, and behavioral health. Participants will also develop an understanding of their choice to take plant medicine and how it is determined by many factors: including, but not limited to, culture, society, gender, race, experiences of personal and generational trauma, spirituality, and many more.
Supportive Community: Participants will be given the opportunity to develop and foster a sense of community and connection with others on a similar--a safe and non-judgmental space for sharing, learning and compassionate support.
Continuing Education
Additional $50 fee for CE credits. Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association and Board of Registered Nursing.
Psychologists
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 20.0 CE credit.
California Licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs
This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 20.0 CE credit.
Nurses
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 24.0 contact hours.
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
An 8-week online course blending mindfulness training with psychedelic science to build skills for preparation, emotional regulation, and integration, grounded in legal and ethical education.
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Enrollment requirement
CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants. Programs with fewer than 10 will be canceled and fully refunded.
Join us online for a 5-week deep dive into guided meditation with iRest Yoga Nidra. iRest is a meditation practice based on the ancient tradition of Yoga Nidra and adapted to suit the conditions of modern life.
This 5-week course is designed to bring you the tools to meet each moment with a sense of well being. The instructors will guide you through meditations and discussion each week to build your own resource toolbox with tools that can help with better sleep, offer more clarity experiencing difficult sensations or emotions, dealing with trauma and expanding your own experience of joy and wellbeing.
This course can be repeated, each series is adapted to the class and each session is unique.
The 5-Week Guided Meditation iRest Yoga Nidra Program doesn’t require any previous meditation or yoga experience. This course is for everyone, new and experienced practitioners are welcome and will benefit from the class. All are welcome in this inclusive, accessible class.
In the 5-week course, participants will learn to:
Discover ways to nurture your resilience, inner peace, and well-being
Learn techniques to integrate mindfulness and meditation into daily life
Develop skillful strategies for navigating stress, anxiety, and challenging emotions
Experience deep relaxation and an expanded sense of safety and balance
Reconnect with your Essential Wholeness and remember your true nature
How to move beyond attachment and identification with your body, mind, and experiences to uncover feelings of peace, wholeness, and authenticity
How to apply the 10-step iRest protocol in your own life
Techniques to support self-regulation and inner calm
Practices to promote restful sleep and relaxation
Who Should Participate
This course is for everyone. New and experienced practitioners are welcome and will benefit from the class.
Schedule and Registration
Note: CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per program. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this program.
The sessions will be recorded and available for a limited time. You must register to receive these recordings each week.
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
A 5-week online guided meditation program using iRest Yoga Nidra to support deep relaxation, better sleep, resilience, and practical tools for stress and emotional regulation.
What would happen if, in moments of shame, you could care for yourself instead of going small, attacking yourself, or shutting down?
We are excited to invite you to Self-Compassion for Shame: Returning Home to Yourself, a groundbreaking 8-week program developed by Dr. Chris Germer, Natalie Bell, and the SC-Shame development team. In this course, we take a unique, non-pathological look at shame through the lens of mindful self-compassion—and learn why self-compassion is the antidote to shame.
Who Should Participate
Prerequisites: This course is suitable for everyone who has completed either the 8-Week MSC, the 5-Day MSC Intensive, or the Short Course in MSC-along with a personal self-compassion practice of 1 year or more. You should be able to recognize that shame may be limiting your full potential—and want new resources to be able to work with it in a healthy balanced way.
SC-Shame is a resource-building program (like MSC), not psychotherapy. Because we’ll be touching shame with self-compassion, challenging emotions may arise. Our teaching team is committed to co-creating a safe and rewarding learning environment together with participants.
“Self-Compassion allows us to see through shame—to see our inherent worth and value.”
What You’ll Learn
You will build practical resources to meet shame with greater acceptance and authenticity so you can stay connected, think in a balanced way, and make wise, healthy choices. The course weaves together talks, experiential exercises, meditation, and group discussion, alongside theory and research on shame and self-compassion. Special topics include:
Mindfulness of shame
Origins of shame
Self-criticism
Body shame
Self-forgiveness
Hidden parts
Social justice
“Shame makes us want to go small, go silent, or go away. Self-Compassion shows us how to be strong and have a voice.”
Why This Course
Prior participants of the SC-Shame 8-week course reported:
96% would recommend the course
96% said their experience of shame changed as a result of the course
89% would consider taking the course again
85% had better mental and emotional wellbeing after the course
Program Structure
8 weeks, 28 hours total (20 hours class time plus 8 hours optional practice group)
Weekly classes: 2.5 hours each
Optional practice group: 1 hour weekly, facilitated by SC-Shame teachers
Class size: maximum 30 participants
Free Orientation Session
Join us for a free orientation session as a preview of the upcoming 8-week course starting in April 2026. Register here.
Continuing Education
Certificate of Completion
To be eligible for a Certificate of Completion, you must attend at least 6 of the 8 weekly sessions. After completing the end-of-program survey, please email mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu to request your certificate.
CE Certification
CE certification requires an additional $50 fee for CE credits. You must attend all sessions in order to receive the CE certificate.
Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association (APA) and Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
Psychologists
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 20.0 CE credit.
California Licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs
This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 20.0 CE credit.
Nurses
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 24.0 contact hours.
Page Sections
On
Objectives
Explain the theory and research on shame and self-compassion
brain
The Science of Shame
Describe how self-compassion is an antidote to shame, including the three paradoxes
heart
Shame & Self-Compassion
Identify personal childhood and cultural disconnections that lead to shame
layers
Roots of Shame
Use self-compassion practices to alleviate body shame
shield
Body Shame
Direct self-compassion toward hidden parts of yourself
eye
Hidden Parts
Reduce habitual self-criticism
zap
Inner Critic
Apply new practices to relieve the burden of shame in daily life
sun
Daily Relief
On
Testimonials
This course did not disappoint. I could not have asked for a better experience. It supported and deepened my own practice, and I hope to bring my learning into my clinical practice.
I learned that I can disempower shame and de-shame shame with my practices and by sharing in these groups. It opens the possibility of befriending shame and the wisdom it can reveal.
I feel understanding and compassion towards myself instead, and even freedom, like permission to do things I could not do before because I was too ashamed.
Because of underlying shame I keep getting out of touch with my own values. I can help myself be aligned with them now as I practice self-compassion. It brings me so much hope for the rest of my life.
I can identify shame more quickly and validate myself more quickly as well. As a result, I spend less time ruminating. I find it easier to offer myself compassion in certain areas of my life.
The whole idea of shame becomes much lighter. I feel less burdened by shame and less fearful of shame. I feel I can see shame with a new kinder, more patient lens.
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
An 8-week online program using mindful self-compassion to understand shame, reduce self-criticism, and build practical resources for greater connection, authenticity, and well-being.
In today’s world, teens and pre-teens are under more pressure and experiencing higher levels of stress than ever before. Increasing demand in technology, academic preparation, and life transitions often result in physical and emotional stressors, such as:
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
These stressors can affect your child’s well-being and happiness. A crucial skill in managing stress effectively is to be able to deal with change whenever it occurs.
In This Course Students Will Learn To:
Sharpen their ability to focus and pay attention
Experience life situations with less emotional reactivity
Learn effective strategies for making better choices
Increase kindness and compassion for themselves and others
Learn skills for self-care
The Practice
Gentle stretching and yoga
Mindful meditation practices to support relaxation and awareness
Self-reflection through journaling, activities, and group discussion
Cancellation Policy
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 in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
An 8-week online mindfulness course for teens ages 13–17 to build focus, manage stress, and develop practical skills for emotional regulation and self-care.