Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based training program designed to cultivate emotional resilience and increase emotional well-being through the skill of self-compassion. 

MSC teaches core principles and practical skills that help us know what we need and to maintain equilibrium and warm-hearted connection to ourselves and others whatever life’s circumstances.

The course is based on the ground-breaking research of Dr Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Dr Christopher Germer (psychologist). Participants learn to support themselves and respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care and understanding. The empirically supported  programme integrates cutting-edge research from the fields of neuroscience, positive psychology, physiology and human development. 

No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend a Mindful Self-Compassion course. Self-compassion can be learned by anyone. It is a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we unintentionally inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-isolation, or self-absorption. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.

Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. The main goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion themselves and to learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. Mindful Self-Compassion is primarily a compassion training program although mindfulness is one foundation of self-compassion. The emphasis of the course is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds. It is not psychotherapy or treatment. Positive change occurs naturally as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder, more compassionate way. 

Jules has a son in his twenties with autism and an intellectual disability and she works in the disability sector. Early on in her son's life she asked the question "What would we ordinarily do?" to help guide all decision-making. As a result, her son has moved through life alongside non-disabled people rather than in special settings. He has been able to pursue his talent for taking photographs, gaining a Diploma in Photography. He has exhibited several times and continues to sell his work.

Jules loves to engage with families wherever they are on their journey and to listen deeply to the wishes and vision they hold for their loved one. She is able to offer fresh viewpoints, strategies and ongoing support to help them build the best life possible for their loved one with a disability.

Jules's journey with her son has been guided by an empirically based theory called Social Role Valorisation (SRV). It also underpins her work role. SRV helps us understand why people with disabilities are devalued. Importantly it also outlines the best ways to shift the devalued status of a person by:

• supporting the person to take part and contribute in the community through valued social roles

• paying attention to the image of the person and those that support the person

• developing and increasing the person’s skills and competencies.

Jules has trained extensively in Social Role Valorisation with John Armstrong in Australia. She has witnessed lives being transformed using this approach. Often for disabled people there is a focus on filling time with activities but when we shift our focus to thoughtfully and intentionally pursuing valued roles, we often find that time looks after itself.