This is the authoritative guide to conducting the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, which provides powerful tools for coping with life challenges and enhancing emotional well-being. MSC codevelopers Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff review relevant theory and research and describe the program's unique pedagogy. .

I. Self-Compassion: Theory, Research, and Training
1. An Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion
2. What Is Self-Compassion?
3. The Science of Self-Compassion
4. Teaching Self-Compassion
II. On Teaching Mindful Self-Compassion
5. Understanding the Curriculum
6. Teaching Topics and Guiding Practices
7. Being a Compassionate Teacher
8. Facilitating Group Process
9. Engaging in Inquiry
III. Session by Session
10. Session 1: Discovering Mindful Self-Compassion
11. Session 2: Practicing Mindfulness
12. Session 3: Practicing Loving-Kindness
13. Session 4: Discovering Your Compassionate Voice
14. Session 5: Living Deeply
15. Session R: Retreat
16. Session 6: Meeting Difficult Emotions
17. Session 7: Exploring Challenging Relationships
18. Session 8: Embracing Your Life
IV. Integrating Self-Compassion into Psychotherapy
19. Mindful Self-Compassion and Psychotherapy
20. Special Issues in Therapy
Appendices
A. Ethical Guidelines
B. Companion Reading
C. Resources

Christopher Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Lecturer on Psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. His books with Kristin Neff include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (for professionals). Dr. Germer is also author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion and coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy. He lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. His website is https://chrisgermer.com.
Kristin Neff, PhD, is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. She has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide. Her books with Christopher Germer include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. Along with Christopher Germer, Dr. Neff developed the empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion program and founded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Her website is https://selfcompassion.org.