Supporting Adults and Teens in Building Resilience and Inner Strength

What is Mindful Self-Compassion?

Mindfulness is bringing non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. Self-Compassion is treating ourselves with the same kindness and compassion as we would a good friend.

Benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion

• Becoming aware of our negative internal dialogue.
• Meeting moments of struggle with kindness instead of harsh self criticism.
• Increasing motivation and inner strength needed to meet life’s challenges and obstacles with our compassionate voice.

Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens Program

Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our perception and wellbeing. Negative thoughts lead to increased stress and unhappiness. The MSC-Teens program explores how our inner critical voice may contribute to these challenges and teaches strategies to improve our internal dialog.  Learning how to express our thoughts in a more compassionate way leads to a more positive view and lower stress.

The program begins by creating a safe space in which teens can explore how to treat themselves with the same kindness they would show a friend. Topics include:

1. The difference between self-compassion and self-esteem, and why self-compassion is more reliable,
2. The role of the inner critical voice,
3. Getting in touch with our compassionate voice,
4. Identifying our core values, and how we can treat ourselves compassionately even when we don’t meet our own standards

We explore these and other topics through exercises, videos, discussions, reflections, meditations, and movement practices. The program wraps up with looking at the power of gratitude as a way to focus our thoughts on the positive aspects of our lives.

This program was formerly known as Making Friends with Yourself.