Mindfulness Based Compassionate Living (MBCL)

About The Course

About the Program

In this program, participants will experience the themes and exercises of the MBCL program. Throughout the program, scientific perspectives supporting compassion practice will be included.

These themes include: evolutionary perspective, multi-layered brain; the three core emotional regulation systems and the value of training the soothing system; expanding stress theory, the fight-flight-freeze response, and its antidotes—self-kindness, common humanity, and mindful awareness of suffering; relating and befriending, cultivating a compassionate mind, and nurturing an inner helper instead of an inner critic; over-identification and differentiation; the four friends of life: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

What is Compassion?

Compassion is the ability to be sensitive to the suffering of ourselves and others and to have the willingness to alleviate and prevent it (Paul Gilbert, 2014). This is a natural capacity within all of us, though it is not always developed for various reasons. Fortunately, compassion can be practiced, cultivated, and deepened through training. Compassion is characterized by kindness and openness, along with courage and a sense of responsibility. Many people believe that compassion should be directed more toward others than oneself. However, self-compassion is not a selfish act. Increasing research suggests that self-compassion, like mindfulness, is key to mental well-being and is closely linked to openness and empathy toward others.

What is Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL)?

• MBCL is a mindfulness-based program designed to develop and practice (self-)compassion to improve physical, emotional, and interpersonal well-being.

• It is a scientifically grounded program that integrates elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy (Paul Gilbert), Mindful Self-Compassion (Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychology.

• The MBCL program is suitable as an advanced course after completing mindfulness programs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), or similar. It is structured similarly to MBSR, consisting of 8 two-hour sessions that include exercises to enhance compassion for oneself and others.

• The program can be particularly supportive for individuals experiencing shame, self-criticism, social isolation, depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain. Although initially developed for mental health applications, its scope has expanded over time. The program is suitable for anyone receiving or providing care who wants to integrate mindfulness with sincerity.

Participation Requirements

• Participants are expected to be familiar with basic mindfulness practices and preferably have completed MBSR, MBCT, or a similar program.

• The program is not suitable for individuals with no prior experience in mindfulness meditation.

• The program is ideal for mindfulness instructors, psychologists, psychotherapists, doctors, social workers, psychological counselors, coaches, and individuals interested in (self-)compassion practices.

• Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and actively engage in exercises, share experiences, and participate in mindful dialogue with the instructor and fellow participants.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will experience the core exercises of the MBCL program as an initial step in understanding the meaning of their personal and professional lives.

• Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of the content, main themes, and scientific background of the MBCL program.

• If they wish, participants will have a foundation to further develop (self-)compassion practices for personal and professional benefits and to continue with the MBCL Teacher Training Program.

• This 8-week module is open to anyone who has completed an MBSR, MBCT, or similar course. The participation certificate provided at the end of the module is one of the prerequisites for the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Teacher Training Program.

Suggested Readings

• Erik van den Brink & Frits Koster (2015): Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living – A new training programme to deepen mindfulness with heartfulness. London/New York: Routledge.

• Erik van den Brink & Frits Koster, Zümra Atalay (2021): "Compassion Is Not for the Fainthearted"

Upcoming Training Sessions

Training Schedule

1. Session: September 18, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

2. Session: September 25, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

3. Session: October 2, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

4. Session: October 9, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

5. Session: October 16, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

6. Session: October 23, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

7. Session: October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

8. Session: November 6, 2024 (Wednesday) – (19:00-21:00)

If you have not yet completed it, you may consider enrolling in our upcoming Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program, which is a prerequisite for this course.

Training Fee

Early Registration (until August 19): 10,000 TL + VAT
Regular Registration: 11,000 TL + VAT

Location

The training will be conducted online via ZOOM.