Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Designed by Kristen Neff and Chris Germer, MSC combines mindfulness, meditation, and compassion to help alleviate our suffering in life through the cultivation of self-compassion. MSC engages with three aspects of self-compassion: mindfulness (validating / naming our suffering), common humanity (connecting that suffering to a common human struggle), and loving-kindness (statements of love and goodwill).
When exercises and discussions incorporating those three elements are combined with a compassionate tone and connecting with our physical presence, the results are astounding. Research on self-compassion shows that the approach is strongly associated with positive impacts across the board, from higher levels of physical and emotional wellbeing, to maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, reducing stress and anxiety, and satisfying personal relationships (NIH; Stanford; Psychology Today; Journal of Health Psychology).
Self-compassion is something that requires discernment and intentionality, as it is often not a natural response to our struggles, especially for those that didn't receive much compassion as children. Since our brains are wired for survival, it also takes great courage to respond to the harm we inflict on ourselves through intense self-criticism with the warmth and strength of compassion. Self-compassion highlights both the soft and fierce sides of resilience, allowing us to give awareness to the things that plague us and respond compassionately, in whatever form that may take, leading us even deeper into our authenticity.
At Matt Snyder Therapy, PLLC, we offer MSC facilitation on both an individual and group basis.
See our current course offerings