Teacher Training

What is MSC Teacher Training?

The first step toward becoming a mindful self-compassion teacher is to take a six-day MSC Teacher Training programme (TT). This is an intensive residential programme facilitated by a team of senior teachers. The training is built around the eight weekly sessions of MSC with each half day dedicated to a condensed, experiential review of one of the sessions, followed by small group activities designed to give attendees opportunities to practice teaching, guiding and facilitating discussion in that session with the close consultation of one of the Teacher Trainers. In addition, the training includes short talks, group exercises, discussion and periods of silence.

You can find out more about the journey of teacher training with the Centre for MSC here. The next MSC teacher training in the UK will be hosted by the Sussex Mindfulness Centre and you can find more information at http://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/events/masterclasses/.

The TT is intended for those who wish to teach the MSC programme, those who would like to integrate mindfulness and self-compassion in their ongoing professional activities (i.e., psychotherapy, coaching, nursing, teaching, etc.) and individuals who have a professional interest in the field (i.e., researchers, etc.).
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At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Deepen one’s personal practice of responding to difficult emotions with mindfulness and compassion
  • Understand the current theory and research on self-compassion
  • Identify the core themes and practices presented in each of the eight group sessions of MSC, plus the retreat day
  • Develop the skills necessary to facilitate MSC groups, including how to guide meditation, teach from each participant’s direct experience and facilitate group cohesion
  • Identify obstacles to mindful self-compassion practice and strategies for overcoming them
  • Embody a mindful and compassionate stance toward students of the MSC program as they confront challenges to their practice
MSC Teacher Training March 2019 at Amberdown Retreat Centre, Bath UK

Prerequisites for attending a MSC Teacher Training are:

  • Previous participation in a five-day or eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion course (Please note: You must allow at least six months to elapse between completing your MSC course and beginning Teacher Training.

  • Established daily mindfulness practice of at least two years

  • Ongoing, daily, sitting meditation practice

  • Ongoing practice of loving-kindness and self-compassion in daily life

  • Attendance in at least one five-day silent, teacher-led meditation retreat

  • Experience teaching meditation in groups, such as Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, or in clinical settings

  • You do not have to be a clinician to take the MSC Teacher Training.

Upon completion of the MSC Teacher Training, participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and may teach their first 8-week MSC as a Teacher-in-Training, while simultaneously attending 10 online group consultation sessions offered by CMSC.