A Mindful Self-Compassion Course for Teens

Adolescence is a time of change, growth and all too often, struggle.  This course is designed to help teens cope more effectively with the ongoing challenges of their day-to-day life. It brings together the benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion: Mindfulness teaches us to be present with difficult emotions, and self-compassion helps us to respond to these emotions with greater kindness and self-care.  Through developmentally appropriate activities and meditations; teens learn specific tools that help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of this life stage with greater ease.  A preliminary research study on this program has demonstrated significant decreases in depression, anxiety, perceived stress and negative mood from before to after taking this course. Making Friends With Yourself has been adapted from the adult Mindful Self-Compassion program (created by Kristin Neff, PhD and Christopher Germer, PhD) by Karen Bluth, PhD, Associate Director, Mindfulness-Based Stress and Pain Management Program at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Lorraine Hobbs Lorraine Hobbs, M.A., Director, Youth and Family Programs, University of California, San Diego Center for Mindfulness. For more information about self-compassion please see www.self-compassion.org and   http://www.mindfulselfcompassionforteens.org

What Participants Say:

“Thanks for all that you have done for me, the skills you taught me and the knowledge you shared with me to better myself. I would like more of this knowledge in the future.  I was unsure about going to this training, but after a few classes I was excited to go and learn more.”

“I am able to love myself, which is very important.  It helps me with my current problems.”

“I didn’t want to go at first, but I met new people and created friendships.  I Learned new things and how to embrace my emotions.  I can control and calm my panic and anxiety attacks.  It helps me in many ways.”

“I made amazing friends at this course.  It helped me have more confidence.  The teachers are amazing.  They are my new family and will become yours too.”

“I was happy about the “Making Friends with Yourself” course, because I thought it might show me a way to bring myself out of myself.  Trust me, it’s worth it!  I grew and came out of my shell so much that you wouldn’t believe it.  Plus, I made great memories with these people.  The teachers are amazing, so supportive and caring!! You can’t ask for anyone better to lead this course!  I made two new friends at school because of this course, which I wouldn’t have been able to do without these amazing leaders.” Thank you so much.  I love this group and course!  It was amazing and extremely helpful.”

“I really appreciate this group and the time you devoted to teach at RYS.  Your group taught me a lot.  It taught me a lot about myself and I am really grateful I met you.  I know teaching teens about self-compassion isn’t always fun, but I listened to you the entire time, even if I was tired.  Thank you so much.  I appreciate you and your joys.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Thanks Skip, I will miss your groups so, so much.  Keep in touch.  Forever and always peace.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“I will miss you so much. Have a nice life.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Thanks for everything Skip.  I appreciate you.  It’s sad you have to go because we are going to miss you.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Thanks Skip.  You’ve helped me understand myself and overcome my fears.  I really appreciate and care for you.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Thanks for your help Skip.  Hope to see you again.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Thanks man, I really appreciate.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“Stay strong sweetheart.  You are beautiful. With love.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO

“God bless you and thanks for everything.”  Teen at Hilltop’s Residential Youth Services (RYS) Program, Grand Junction, CO