Mindful Self-Compassion
The day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anaïs Nin
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Classes
MSC Class
When: Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm PST / 8-9:30 pm EST
Dates: 9/9/26, 9 Weeks
Where: Live Online (TEAMS)
$525
Less than the costs of 3 therapy sessions ($69 per class)
RegisterMSC: Sutter Center for Psychiatry
When: Wednesdays, 11 am–12:30 pm PST
Dates: 1/7/26–3/4/26
Where: Live Online for Sutter Center for Psychiatry
Private Specialized Training for Professionals
To register, contact your supervisor or director
When you're enrolled, you're joining our practice community. That means you get:
✓ Certification of Completion ✓ Annual Silent Retreat ✓ Foundations Class ✓ Drop In, Breathe Out Class
Instructor: Dr. Amir Ramezani, Certified MSC & MBSR Teacher, Psychologist
Training Engagements:
Learn more
"Self-Compassion" by The School of Life (3 min)
An introduction to the MSC program, what to expect, and how to prepare. Recommended viewing before your first class.
The nine foundational attitudes that support a mindfulness practice — beginner’s mind, non-judging, acceptance, patience, trust, non-striving, letting go, gratitude, and generosity.
Self-compassion has three parts: self-kindness vs self-criticism, common humanity vs isolation, and mindfulness vs over-identification. Ask yourself:
- Am I kind and gentle with myself when I make mistakes, fail, or hurt? (vs critical, strict, harsh)
- Do I accept that being human means being imperfect and facing challenges? (vs isolating, disconnecting)
- Am I aware of my emotions, thoughts, and body reactions in moments of suffering? (vs ruminating or overthinking)
Based on Neff, 2003; Raes et al., 2011
You’re also joining a community. Enrollment includes a Certificate of Completion, access to our annual Silent Retreat, and 2 free follow-up classes to maintain your growth.
Session 1 · Discovering self-compassion — The three components of self-compassion. Practices: Self-Compassion Break, Affectionate Breathing.
Session 2 · Practicing mindfulness — Facing thoughts and emotions without judgment. Working with resistance and “backdraft.”
Session 3 · Cultivating loving-kindness — Loving-Kindness Phrases and Compassionate Movement.
Session 4 · Finding your compassionate voice — Transforming your inner critic. Compassionate Letter writing.
Session 5 · Living deeply with compassion — Self-compassion in relationships and work. Mindful speech and meaning in suffering.
Session 6 · Meeting difficult emotions — Anger, fear, shame. Soften-Soothe-Allow.
Session 7 · Navigating challenging relationships — Meeting Unmet Needs and Compassion with Equanimity.
Session 8 · Embracing your life — Joy, gratitude, self-appreciation.
Amir Ramezani, PhD is a Certified MSC Teacher, Certified MBSR Teacher, psychologist, and Trained MBCT Teacher who creates warm, supportive classes. He has taught in classrooms, retreats, and academic centers, and has learned directly from the pioneers of MSC, MBSR, and MBCT including Christopher Germer, Kristin Neff, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Zindel Segal.
Dr. Ramezani is the author of the Picture CBT book, where he integrates mindfulness and ACT concepts in CBT. Alongside a Diversity Committee, Dr. Ramezani is a credited contributor to the Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher Guide. Beyond teaching and clinical care, he is an active researcher in mindfulness and self-compassion, with publications in integrative health and neuroscience.
- Show up on time — each class begins with an opening meditation.
- Home practice is a major part of MSC. Each week you’ll receive emails, handouts, worksheets, and guided audio practices.
- Schedule at least 1 hour per week for home practice.
- Download Microsoft Teams before class starts and practice using the audio/camera controls.
- The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer (or Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff)
- Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. Some worksheets from this workbook are included with your registration.
Wanted to support another person’s wellbeing? When you pay it forward, you’re not just investing in an individual; you’re investing in the collective wellbeing of our community.
Two ways to sponsor:
- Sponsor someone you know (a student, friend, family member, or someone in need) — select 2 or 3 registrations in the form above, then email us with how you’d like to use your giving.
- Sponsor scholarships through CCC for trainees and people facing financial hardship — select 2 or 3 registrations above, then email us.
Because this class is taught by a Certified MSC and MBSR Teacher, your attendance can count toward future MSC Teacher Trainings. Email us for proof of attendance or to ask about MSC/MBSR mentorship.
These classes and trainings are wellness services intended to increase your quality of life. While the content can be therapeutic, it is not a substitute for psychotherapy or mental health treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship.
If you are experiencing severe psychiatric distress (e.g., suicidal thoughts in the last month), please consult with us and/or a behavioral health professional before starting this class. Our team is happy to talk with you if you have questions — contact us here.
Registration