Mindful self-compassion for teens
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) for teens is an empirically-supported 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion in teens. MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable teens to respond to the challenges of these critical years with kindness and self-compassion.
Adolescence is a time of change and growth. It is the period of life reserved for rebellion and self-discovery, but as the demands in life increase for teens, this time is often fraught with confusion, anxiety or depression. For many teens these challenges lead to disconnection and isolation.
In this 8-week long course which meets weekly for 1.5 hours, teens engage in developmentally appropriate activities and carefully crafted practices and meditations, which provide them with the opportunity to learn how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of life with greater ease. Backed by research, findings indicate increases in emotional well-being and greater resilience after taking the course.
“So like stressful situations and stuff happens... I’m able to handle it more easily and more quickly, and able to, I don’t know, to calm myself down and put it into perspective.” – Teen participant
Following in the footsteps of the adult MSC program, MSC for teens is rooted in the three key components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity and mindful, balanced awareness. These elements serve to open the hearts of teens to their own suffering, so they can learn to give themselves what they truly need, recognize that they are not alone in their suffering, and encourage an open-minded acceptance of the struggle they are facing.
“It’s cool to see after we took [the class] how much life in general has improved, like not necessarily the situations, but the ways I can handle it. This is so important, so I’m going to take it again and then maybe make it even better.” – Teen participant
This curriculum was adapted from the adult Mindful Self-Compassion created by Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, and has been endorsed by the founders. Page copy from Karen Bluth, PhD one of the MSC Teen developers.
Course Details:
Course Intro: TBD - Fall 2024
Course Dates: (8 sessions)
Times:
Location:
Course Facilitators: Laura Baltodano & Lesley Huff
Class size & age group: Limited to 12, ages 13-17
Fee: $90 (please contact us if you are in need of a scholarship)
In order to create a supportive environment for the teens in this class, participants are asked to keep their video cameras on as well as have a parent/guardian be available in person for the teen if necessary. Participants are asked to have art supplies such as colored pencils or crayons available to them during the class.
A HUGE thank you to our sponsors and supporters which allow our program to be offered at a reasonable cost to families and providing scholarships for those that need it!
