Course Information

Compassion: MBCL Foundation Course

When: 6 Mar 2021 - 1 Apr 2021
Where: Online Event
Tutors: Bridgette O'Neill, Barbara Hussong

Dates: Sat 6th March (9 - 5pm), Thursdays 18th, 25th March and 1st April (9am – 1pm)2021

What is Compassion?

Compassion is the capacity to be sensitive to the suffering of ourselves and others and the willingness to relieve and prevent it (Paul Gilbert, 2014). It is a capacity inherent in all of us which for many reasons does not always come to flourish. Fortunately, it can be trained, developed and deepened through practice.  Compassion is characterised by kindness and receptivity as well as courage and responsibility. Many believe compassion should be directed towards others rather than ourselves. But self-compassion is not a selfish activity. Research increasingly shows that self-compassion is – like mindfulness – key to mental health and goes hand in hand with greater openness and empathy towards others.

What is Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL)?

MBCL is a mindfulness-based programme that supports the development and training of (self-) compassion to enhance physical, emotional and relational health and well-being. It is grounded in science and integrates work of Paul Gilbert (Compassion Focused Therapy) and Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer (Mindful Self-Compassion) as well as elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology. The MBCL programme is suitable as an advanced course after having followed a mindfulness training (MBSR, MBCT or equivalent). It is similarly structured and consists of eight weekly sessions of 2.5 hours, offering explicit exercises to nurture compassion with oneself and others. The training can be particularly supportive for clients suffering from shame and self-criticism, social isolation, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain or illness. It was originally developed in the mental health setting but the scope of its application extends much further. It can be helpful to anyone – care-seeker or caregiver – wishing to deepen mindfulness with heartfulness.


What does this MBCL Foundation Course offer?

In this online course, participants will experience key features of the MBCL curriculum, including the main themes as well as the major exercises.

Themes include: the evolutionary perspective and multi-layered brain; the three basic emotion regulation systems and the value of training our soothing system; expanding the stress theory with the psychological equivalents of fight, flight, freeze and their antidotes self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness of suffering; tend and befriend; cultivating a compassionate mind and an inner helper rather than an inner bully; overidentifying and disidentifying; and Four Friends for Life: loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.

Exercises include: soothing breathing rhythm, compassionate imagery (safe place, compassionate companion, embodying compassion); dealing compassionately with resistance, desire and maladaptive patterns; loving kindness towards ourselves and others; compassionate breathing; a compassionate bodyscan; walking and moving with kindness; compassionate letter writing; practising sympathetic joy, gratitude, forgiveness and equanimity; and informal practices in daily life.

During the course, relevant scientific insights underpinning compassion training will be interwoven in the teaching.

Learning Objectives

  • Participants will have experienced the main exercises of the MBCL programme as a first step to understand their meaning for their personal and professional lives.
  • Participants will have a basic understanding of the content, the main themes and scientific background of the MBCL programme.
  • Participants will have a basis to further cultivate and deepen (self-) compassion practice for personal and professional benefit and continue with MBCL Teacher Training seminars, if they wish so.

Please note that this MBCL course meets the pre-requisite for the MBCL Teacher Training. 


Who is the retreat for?

This foundational compassion training is for those who have completed an eight-week mindfulness-based course (MBSR, MBCT or equivalent) and are interested in exploring compassion practices. It is particularly intended for those who have a professional interest in the applications of (self) compassion.

Please note, this event will not fulfil the retreat requirement for the good practice guidelines for teaching mindfulness.


Requirements to attend:

  • Participants are expected to be familiar with basic mindfulness practice, by having followed an eight-week mindfulness training (MBSR, MBCT or equivalent).
  • Participants are expected to have a professional interest in the applications of (self-) compassion.
  • Participants are expected to be responsible for themselves and willing to deepen their self-inquiry by engaging in experiential exercises, share experiences and engage in mindful dialogue with the teacher and each other; all in an unforced way.
  • The workshop is not suitable for participants without mindfulness meditation experience.
  • Please ensure you are able to attend the entire event. If this is not possible, please contact us to discuss before submitting an application.

About the teachers:

Bridgette O’Neill

Barbara Hussong


Timings:

This training is online. 

The schedule is: 9am - 5pm Saturday 6th March and then 9am - 1pm on Thursdays 18th and 25th March and 1st April.


Location:

The course will be held online via Zoom and a Zoom link will be sent nearer to the start of the course.


What to bring and wear:

Please bring any equipment you require for meditation practice. It’s advisable to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. We will send more detailed info about how to prepare yourself for the online course in the joining letter.

Workbook 

Participants will be requested to buy the MBCL workbook: A practical guide to Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living - Living with Heart by Erik van den Brink & Frits Koster, with Victoria Norton, 2018. London/New York: Routledge. 


Our rates:

Our full rates have no hidden extras and include deposit and teaching. 

  • Full rate £320

Employer's rate - Recognising the large administrative overhead of dealing with employers, we will be adding a £50 surcharge if the employer is paying directly; where possible we would advise applicants to pay themselves and reclaim on expenses to avoid the charge. We will be applying this to all our offerings with effect from September 2020.


The application and payment process:

Our application and payment process involves the following steps:

  1. We receive your application form and assess it to ensure that this event is suitable for you. We endeavour to make assessments within a week but if the retreat leader is on annual leave or on retreat then this can take a little bit longer.
  2. Upon offering you a place we will then invoice you for the full amount.
  3. Your place is fully confirmed once we receive full payment.
  4. We will email you the joining instructions in advance of the course.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Please read our Terms and Conditions for information regarding payments and cancellations.


For more information:

Please email us at retreats@mindfulness-network.org.


Click here to sign up to our waiting list - unfortunately this event is now full.