Fierce Self-Compassion workshop with Kristin Neff
Event date: -
Event type: Single day (a day or less)
*This is a 2-part online live stream event: Part 1 is on Oct 2, 2020 from 10am - 1pm EST and Part 2 is on Oct 9, 2020 from 10am - 1pm EST.
Workshop Description
Since the publication of Kristin Neff's ground-breaking book Self-Compassion, there has been a surge of interest in the science and practice of self-compassion, particularly in clinical settings. But that has generally focused on the gentle version of self-compassion, which involves “being with” ourselves in a compassionate way. We comfort and soothe ourselves when in pain, just as we might for a friend who is struggling. We give ourselves our own kind attention and care rather than cutting ourselves down with self-criticism. And we validate our pain, acknowledging that our suffering is worthy of attention.
But self-compassion can be fierce as well as tender.
Fierce self-compassion involves taking action in the world to protect, provide and motivate ourselves to alleviate our suffering. It means saying “no” to others who are hurting us - drawing our boundaries firmly. Or saying "no" to our own harmful behaviours, so that we can be safe and healthy. It means giving ourselves what we genuinely need - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually - without subordinating our needs to those of others, so we can be authentic and fulfilled. And it means motivating ourselves to reach our goals or make needed changes in our lives.
This unique workshop will teach skills of both types of self-compassion - the fierce as well as the tender. Led by Dr. Neff, the pioneering researcher of self-compassion, it will not only cover scientific findings on the topic but also provide concrete practices drawn from Dr. Neff's empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion program for use in daily life. The program will include a satisfying mix of experiential learning and science-based insights. It will be relevant for the general public as well as to practicing mental health professionals.
Across the program, Dr. Neff will reveal how, in order to be truly self-compassionate - in order to be whole - we need to integrate both versions of self-compassion: If we are gentle without ferocity, we risk becoming complacent or disempowered; if we are ferocious without tenderness, we risk becoming hostile, selfish, or perfectionistic. Like a tree with a solid trunk and flexible branches, we need to stand strong while still embracing others as part of an interdependent whole. We need love in our hearts so we don’t perpetuate harm, but we need fierceness in our belly to stand up to harm.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is most appropriate for individuals who already have some experience practicing self-compassion and/or mindfulness. It is relevant for the general public as well as to practicing mental health professionals.
About the Presenter
Kristin Neff, Ph.D., is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion over a decade ago.
Kristin’s work has received extensive media coverage, including the New York Times, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Reader’s Digest, and Psychology Today. She offers workshops on self-compassion worldwide, and has developed (in partnership with Chris Germer) an eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program; an empirically supported and internationally recognized program designed to cultivate self-compassion. In 2016, Kristin also partnered with Brené Brown, Ph.D., to develop and co-facilitate an online course on Self-Compassion.
Kristin is also featured in the bestselling book and award-winning documentary The Horse Boy, which chronicles her family’s journey to Mongolia where they trekked on horseback to find healing for her autistic son.
Kristin is currently an Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to writing numerous academic articles on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion and co-author (with Chris Germer) of the books The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals.