Voice of the Expert.
Shari Geller
Dr. Shari Geller is an author, clinical psychologist, and a trained teacher of mindful self-compassion (MSC). With over twenty years of experience weaving psychology and mindfulness, Dr. Geller offers practical guidance for cultivating therapeutic presence, grounded in neuroscientific and clinical research. Dr. Geller has a long-term mindfulness meditation and self-compassion practice. Her publications include two seminal books: A Practical Guide for Cultivating Therapeutic Presence and a co-authored book with Leslie Greenberg, Therapeutic Presence: A Mindful Approach to Effective Therapy.
Why
Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy?
Over the past 15 years, research has established that self-compassion is a key ingredient in mental health and psychological wellbeing.
Compassion-based psychotherapy has also been shown to alleviate a wide range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance dependency. Self-compassion also appears to be an underlying mechanism by which other kinds of therapy seem to work. As a result, psychotherapists and other healthcare professionals are eager to integrate self-compassion more fully into their clinical work.
Program Prerequisites
Admission is by application, and all applicants must:
Have attended the full Mindful Self-Compassion program (8 Week or 5-Day Intensive format, in-person or online prior to starting the program). In order to establish a firm foundation of immersion in self-compassion and personal practice, this is a firm requirement for entry into the SCIP program.
I haven’t taken the course yet, how can I attend?
Be a licensed or supervised mental health professional with active liability insurance. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, are invited to apply, as are students enrolled in a graduate psychotherapy training program. Other professionals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Commit to daily meditation practice for the duration of the course. This is essential for the understanding of how meditation practice works and its application in psychotherapy and caregiving.
Participate in the online “live” program weekly on Wednesdays, beginning October 19, 2022, with a break in the month of December. Attendance at 80% of the sessions is needed to formally complete the course.
Cohort Three Important Dates*
Two-day opening retreat Saturday/Sunday, October 15-16, 2022 from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time
The program starts on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 8:00 am Pacific Time
The weekly live meetings, every Wednesday from 8:00 – 11:30 am Pacific Time, until June 21, 2023
December Break December 1, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Two-day closing retreat Saturday/Sunday, June 24-25, 2023 from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time
*In addition to the above sessions, participants can expect to invest approximately five hours per week of reading, discussion board participation, and individual practice.
Download the Cohort 3 Course Outline with full calendar and objective details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the training be held?
This course is delivered in an online format using the virtual platform. Registration and login details will be sent via email one week prior to the course commencing.
How do I access the 5-day intensive or 8-week MSC course?
You can choose a MSC course via this link https://centerformsc.org/course/category/msc_course_directory/
I can’t log in at the scheduled time, will it be recorded for me to view later?
Some components of the course are pre-recorded and will be available for you to watch for a specified amount of time, at your convenience. It is a requirement of the course that you are online to participate in the live components. Please ensure that you carefully read the course schedule and convert it to your time zone.
Do you offer Continuing Education credits?
Psychologists: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 104 CE credit.
California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 104 CE credit may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted.
Fees for CE credit: $325.
* Must attend all classes live to receive credits. Only valid in United States.
What if I haven’t completed an MSC course yet—what do I need to do so I can join the SCIP program?
You may apply to SCIP now, so long as you commit to attending a MSC course that finishes before October 15, 2022.
What if I have to miss a session? Can I make it up?
It is permissible to miss 20% of the course live sessions and still meet the course requirements. All large group sessions are recorded and made available for review.
What do I do if I’m having technical difficulties?
You can access technical support by contacting [email protected]. Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a digital device with a camera and microphone.
I have already completed the MSC course, do I need to do it again?
No, if you have already completed the course you do not need to repeat it.