Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Professional Development for Sustainable Leadership Live Online Course |
1 February - 29 March 2026
Does this sound familiar?
You excel in your role, yet something feels unsustainable:
You drive yourself with harsh self-criticism, worried that self-kindness might compromise your edge or performance
Your inner critic dismisses achievements as "just doing your job" while magnifying every misstep
Minor setbacks trigger disproportionate stress responses - anxiety spirals, frustration lingers
You replay mistakes long after they've passed, second-guessing decisions that are already done
Self-care waits until you've "earned it" through exceptional performance, creating an exhausting cycle
If this resonates, this programme offers a different path forward.
Who is this course for?
This evidence-based 8-week programme, developed by leading researchers Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, is designed for professionals who:
Navigate complex environments requiring constant decision-making and emotional regulation
Lead teams or manage others while managing their own stress and resilience
Work in demanding fields - for example humanitarian aid, healthcare, emergency response, education, or corporate leadership
Experience the cumulative toll of high-stakes performance demands
Seek practical, research-backed tools that enhance both effectiveness and wellbeing
Want professional development that addresses the reality of modern work: that sustainable performance requires internal resources, not just external strategies
This course is particularly valuable for executives, managers, healthcare providers, humanitarian workers, educators, and any professional operating in high-pressure environments where burnout isn't just personal - it affects everyone you serve.
Professional development with measurable impact
This MSC certification course delivers concrete benefits that translate directly to your work:
Enhanced Resilience Under Pressure
Develop emotional regulation skills that keep you effective during high-stress situations and complex decision-makingStronger Leadership Presence
Build balanced self-awareness that improves team interactions, communication, and your ability to navigate difficult conversationsSustainable Performance
Replace counterproductive self-criticism with evidence-based strategies that maintain motivation without burning you outAdvanced Emotional Intelligence
Gain practical tools for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and managing your own emotional responsesStrategic Self-Management
Implement mindfulness and self-care practices designed for demanding schedules—not idealized ones
Your Current Professional Reality:
Your work demands consistent high performance while navigating complex emotional terrain. Despite your expertise and dedication, you may be experiencing:
Decision fatigue and reduced mental clarity after prolonged periods of stress
Communication becoming more difficult during high-pressure situations
Blurred work-life boundaries that paradoxically decrease your effectiveness
Performance anxiety that undermines the confidence you've earned
Depleted capacity to lead or support others when your own resources run dry
These aren't personal failings - they're predictable responses to sustained pressure without adequate internal support systems.
After Implementing MSC:
Research on professionals who integrate mindful self-compassion practices shows meaningful shifts:
More stable performance grounded in self-regulation rather than self-criticism
Sustained cognitive function and decision-making quality under pressure
Improved conflict resolution abilities and stakeholder communication
Healthier boundaries that preserve rather than compromise professional effectiveness
Greater leadership capacity through replenished emotional and mental resources
The Science of Self-Compassion
The Mindful Self-Compassion methodology is grounded in peer-reviewed research with direct relevance to high-performance professionals:
Decision-Making Under Pressure: Self-compassion practices preserve executive function during stress, maintaining decision quality when stakes are highest (Hiraoka et al., 2015)
Burnout Prevention: Evidence demonstrates that self-compassion significantly reduces professional burnout across high-stress fields including healthcare, humanitarian work, and leadership (Wren et al., 2012)
Leadership Effectiveness: Self-compassionate leaders show higher emotional intelligence, stronger conflict resolution skills, and more effective team management (Neff & Beretvas, 2013)
Sustainable Performance: Self-compassion creates more sustainable performance patterns compared to self-criticism-based motivation (Breines & Chen, 2012)
What’s included in this course?
Eight 2.5-Hour Live Interactive Sessions
Delivered via Zoom, each session blends evidence-based instruction, guided meditation and mindfulness practices, interactive exercises, reflective writing, and supportive group discussion. Participate at your comfort level—share openly or simply absorb.Comprehensive Skill Development
The course covers practical applications of mindfulness, self-kindness, working with self-criticism and shame, clarifying core values and purpose, meeting difficult emotions with skill, and navigating challenging relationships and conflict.3-Hour Integration Workshop
A focused retreat session for comprehensive skill integration and practice consolidation.Weekly Practice Resources
Practical exercises and guided practices delivered to your inbox for integration into your daily routine.Professional Learning Community
Connect with peers facing similar challenges across diverse fields and contexts.Certification of Completion
Formal recognition of your specialized training, approved by the US-based Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC).
SCHEDULE:
Sundays, 1 February - 29 March 2026
17:00-19:30 CET (11:00-13:30 US Eastern, 10:00-12:30 US Central)
Integration Workshop / Online Retreat: Sunday, 8 March 2026, 17:00-20:00 CET
Your MSC Facilitators:
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Molly Weiss (she/her)
Molly Weiss (she/her), LCPC is the owner of Aligned Counseling Chicago, Illinois, where she provides individual therapy services to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational concerns. Molly is also a teacher-in-training through the Center of Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC).
In her free time she enjoys cycling and practicing yoga as well as spending time with her loved ones and her dog Oakdale. You can read more about Molly here.
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Sini Ramo (she/her)
Sini is a certified solution-oriented coach (LCAF Finland), Yoga Alliance -certified yoga instructor (RYT-500), and meditation teacher specializing in humanitarian settings, and Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher-in-Training through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.
As a Gender and Inclusion Specialist with extensive field experience in conflict settings, Sini brings practical applications of self-compassion techniques to challenging operational environments.
Course fee:
Live online course on Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC): 1 February - 29 March 2026, 17:00-19:30 CET + online retreat 8 March 17:00 - 20:00 CET, access to practise resources, course materials and certification:
PROGRAMME FEE:
€549 (inclusive of VAT 25,5%)
Payment Options:
All major credit cards via a secured payment pathway
Corporate invoicing available
Professional development allocation eligible
For reduced tuition/scholarships, please contact siniramo (at) gmail.com
Satisfaction Guarantee: Full refund available if you determine after the first session that the program doesn't meet your professional development needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've never done mindfulness or something like this before - is this course suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! This course is designed for all levels, and you don’t need to have a prior mindfulness or self-compassion practice or knowledge of these topics.
Q: How much time do I need to allocate for this course?
A: The core commitment is attending the weekly 2.5-hour live sessions. While this is the minimum requirement, the real magic happens when you incorporate brief daily practices into your life between sessions. Even 5-10 minutes of practice on most days can create meaningful shifts in how you relate to yourself.
Q: I struggle with consistency. How can I make sure this doesn't become just another obligation in my busy life?
A: This is exactly why the course is designed the way it is! We focus on simple, practical techniques that integrate into real life - not ideal, perfect life. The supportive community environment helps maintain motivation, and many participants find these practices so immediately beneficial that they naturally want to continue. That said, if you genuinely cannot set aside 2.5 hours weekly right now, it might be better to join a future course when you can fully participate.
Q: What if I miss a session?
A: It’s OK if you miss some of the live sessions - you will always get a recap of the lesson and resources straight to your inbox after each session so you can catch up and practise in your own time. To get the Certificate of Completion in the end, you will have to have attended a minimum of 6 of the 8 live sessions.
Q: When are the live sessions?
A: The live sessions are on Zoom every Sunday, starting 1 February and ending 29 March, for 2.5 hours each time. The session start time is 5 pm CET (6 pm Finland, 8 am US Pacific Time, 10 am US Eastern time - convert to your timezone HERE).
The live online 3-hour retreat / integration workshop takes place on Sunday 8 March at 5 pm CET.
Q: Is this therapy? How is it different?
A: While many find this course therapeutically beneficial, it's not therapy. Mindful Self-Compassion is an educational program teaching specific skills that complement therapy. Many therapists actually recommend this course to their clients! If you're currently in therapy, this course can work wonderfully alongside your therapeutic work.
Q: Will I have to share personal things during group discussions?
A: Never. You always control how much or how little you share. Many participants find value in listening to others' experiences, and sharing is always optional. We create a safe, respectful environment where everyone's boundaries are honored.
Q: What makes this different from reading books or using apps about self-compassion?
A: The live, interactive format creates a depth of learning that's difficult to achieve alone. You'll receive direct guidance, personalized feedback, and the powerful motivation of practicing alongside others. The community aspect often becomes one of the most treasured parts of the experience, creating connections and insights that solo learning simply can't provide. This course is the official science-backed and evidence-based course developed by self-compassion pioneers Dr Kristin Neff and Dr Christopher Germer.
Q: I'm worried self-compassion might make me complacent, lazy, selfish or less motivated. Is that true?
A: This is a common concern, but research shows the opposite is true! Self-compassion actually leads to greater resilience, motivation, and personal accountability than self-criticism. You'll learn how kindness toward yourself creates the emotional safety needed for genuine growth and positive change (for yourself and people around you!)
Q: How long will I have access to the course materials?
A: You'll have access to all materials for 3 months after the course concludes, giving you plenty of time to revisit sessions and reinforce your learning.
Q: How does this differ from executive coaching or leadership training?
A: Unlike typical leadership training that focuses primarily on external skills, MSC develops the internal resources that make sustained high performance possible. Many professionals find it complements and enhances the effectiveness of their existing leadership development.
Q: Can my organization enroll multiple team members?
A: Yes, we offer organizational rates for teams. The shared experience often creates valuable common language and practices that enhance team resilience and communication.