Winter 2023: Mindful Self-Compassion Essentials 6-WK Group (In-Person)

About the Group:

This 6-week group provides you with exposure to mindfulness and self-compassion knowledge, skills, and practices in a briefer form. It is based on the full 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion group, with more of an emphasis on practical teachings and tools to manage daily stressors.

This group will help you to be able to:

• Practice self-compassion in daily life
• Use mindfulness and self-compassion meditation and behavioural practices for grounding to manage overwhelm
• Understand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Manage caregiver fatigue and burnout

Group activities include short talks, experiential exercises, group and small group discussion, and home practices.

Insurance receipts provided for extended health benefits.

Funding Assistance:

• Check with your insurer to see what coverage is available for you for "group psychology services."
• Those with Indigenous Status are eligible for funding through NIHB and IRS programs.
• Some sliding scale spots are available based on financial need. Please inquire with Monique directly for further information.

GROUP OUTLINE:

Session 1 - WHAT IS SELF-COMPASSION?:

• Education on self-compassion, common fears/misconceptions, and research related to self-compassion.

Session 2 - PRACTICING SELF-COMPASSION:

• Education on physiology of self-compassion and self-criticism. Experiential mindfulness and self-compassion practices offered.

Session 3 - MY COMPASSIONATE VOICE:

• Education on concepts of emotional safety, compassionate choice-making, and motivation with compassion rather than criticism.

Session 4  - SELF-COMPASSION + RESILIENCE:

• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices to  work with difficult emotions (e.g., anger, fear, frustration).

Session 5 - SELF-COMPASSION + BURNOUT:

• Education on stress, burnout, empathic distress, and caregiver fatigue. Self-compassion with equanimity practice for caregiver fatigue.

Session 6 - MY SELF-COMPASSION PRACTICE + CORE VALUES:

• Exploration of goals and core values in relation to one's life, relationships, and profession.  Review of helpful practices and connecting with peers.