Courses
Mindful Self-Compassion (Online)
with Robin Beardsley, MD & Elizabeth Parsons, MD
Please Note: Participants need a referral from MD or NP (Nurse Practitioner) to attend this course. Click here for Referral Information to give to your MD or NP.
Mondays: 1:30 – 3:30pm (2 hrs.)
Apr. 24 – June 26, 2023 (miss May 8 & May 22)
Apr. 24
May 1, 15, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
Location: Online via ZOOM telehealth (PHIPA compliant) platform
Retreat: Sun., June 4, 2023 Location: ONLINE 9:30am – 12:30pm (Open to Alumni)
After registration we will contact you for an intake consultation.
Cost: The course is covered by OHIP (by referral – see above), however, there is a $100 charge to reserve your spot and pay for any missed sessions. ($50 charged for a missed session) This $100 will be refunded if you attend all sessions.
Administration Fee: $35 if you would like to receive the Handbook The Self-Compassion Workbook (delivery included)
Objective
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported, 8-week, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion through self-kindness, common humanity, and mindful awareness. “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.” ~ Kristin Neff
Learn more about Mindful Self-Compassion
Topics
- Practice self-compassion in daily life.
- Understand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion.
- Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism.
- Handle difficult emotions with greater ease.
- Transform challenging relationships, old and new.
- Manage caregiver fatigue.
- Practice the art of savouring, gratitude, & self-appreciation.
What to Expect
Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. The intention over the 8-week course is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. MSC includes 8 weekly sessions, in addition to an online or in person retreat depending on the course you are taking. Prior to registering, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program.
Prerequisites
No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC.
Presenters: Robin Beardsley, MD & Elizabeth Parsons, MD
Robin Beardsley, MD CCFP is a physician who practices psychotherapy and a trained teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion. She has always had a passion for care for the caregiver. MSC helps to meet this passion and fits with her positive psychology approach.
Elizabeth Parsons, MD CCFP is a physician who practices psychotherapy in Ottawa. She has training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems therapy. She loves bringing the concepts and practices of Mindful Self Compassion to her work with both individuals and groups.
The concepts, practices, and practical tools that you both offered, emulate, and taught feel like the missing puzzle piece for me. Although the course was eight weeks long, and I am only entering the threshold of this journey, I finally feel equipped, with tangible, concrete ways, to actually take care of myself. To give myself what I need, instead of looking for it somewhere else. In really difficult moments, I am beginning to know how to actually care for myself, in a very authentic and visceral way. This feels so hopeful, and so empowering.
Adding the self-compassion component to my already established mindful practice has given me a new foundation of hope to move forward from.
Mindful Self-Compassion (In Person)
with Robin Beardsley, MD & Elizabeth Parsons, MD
Please Note: Participants need a referral from MD or NP (Nurse Practitioner) to attend this course.
Click here for Referral Information to give to your MD or NP.
Wednesdays: 4:15 – 6:45pm (2.5 hours)
May 17 – July 5, 2023
May 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5
Location: In Person – Ottawa
Retreat: Sat., June 17, 2023 Location: In Person – Ottawa 9:30am – 1:30pm (Closed to Group Only)
After registration we will contact you for an intake consultation.
Cost: The course is covered by OHIP (by referral – see above), however, there is a $100 charge to reserve your spot and pay for any missed sessions. ($50 charged for a missed session) This $100 will be refunded if you attend all sessions.
Administration Fee: $35 if you would like to receive the Handbook The Self-Compassion Workbook (delivery included)
Objective
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported, 8-week, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion through self-kindness, common humanity, and mindful awareness. “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.” ~ Kristin Neff
This course is “Life Changing”. The gratitude I feel for these two women, teachers with such skill and so much heart and wisdom who skillfully shared their knowledge and created a “safe space” to learn, heal and grow. My heart goes out to them and all the amazing women who participated in this course.
Mindful Self-Compassion (Online)
with Robin Beardsley, MD & Elizabeth Parsons, MD
Thursdays: 4:00 – 6:00pm Jan. 26 – Mar. 23, 2023 (miss Feb. 9)
Jan. 26
Feb. 2, 16, 23
Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Online via ZOOM telehealth (PHIPA compliant) platform
Retreat: Sat., Feb. 25, 2023 Location: ONLINE 9:30am – 12:30pm
After registration we will contact you for an intake consultation.
Administration Fee: $35 if you would like to receive the Handbook The Self-Compassion Workbook (delivery included)
Course otherwise covered by OHIP
As a physician, I found that the course provided valuable tools that I now use everyday and which help to improve my response to stressful situations with greater clarity and effectiveness.
This course is a closed program for:
Halton Healthcare Physicians
Care for the Caregiver ~ Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC)
with Robin Beardsley, MD
Dates & Time: Tuesdays: 7:00 – 8:00pm, Apr. 26, May 3, 10, 17, 31 & June 7, 2022
Location: via Zoom online (PHIPA compliant)
Caregiver Fatigue (CF) characterised by profound emotional and physical exhaustion often accompanied with resentment and decreased job satisfaction was present in many before COVID. Many of us already felt overburdened in our jobs. Many more physicians are reporting some degree of caregiver burnout or fatigue during this pandemic. CF is a form of relational pain, one of connection, having emotional resonance with someone we care about who suffers. This is compounded when there is an increase in those suffering, and when we are experiencing situations and suffering similar as those for whom we are caring.
One of the key components to addressing CF is to notice or become aware of how we are impacted; physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Research has shown that our own suffering can increase depending on how we relate to this suffering and how we relate to ourselves. Research has also shown that self-compassion is an evidence-based approach to changing our relationship with ourselves and our suffering, which in turn is strongly associated with emotional well-being, maintenance of healthy habits and satisfying relationships.
Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC) is a 6-hr evidence-based healthcare adaptation of Mindful Self-Compassion, the empirically supported program of Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer. Compassion not only includes kindness, but also fierceness to protect and motivate oneself. As opposed to other self-care techniques, self-compassion practices can be used on the spot while at work with patients and colleagues. This training aims to improve wellbeing and personal awareness and provide some tools to meet distressing emotional situations as they occur at work and at home.
Learn more about Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC)
In research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, Neff.Knox.2020, the SCHC program was found to significantly:
- Decrease: Depression, Stress, Secondary Traumatic stress and Burnout
- Increase: Self-compassion, Mindfulness, Compassion for others, Job Satisfaction in Healthcare Professionals
As opposed to other self-care techniques, self-compassion practices can be used on the spot while at work with patients and colleagues
As a participant of the program, you can learn the following objectives:
- Be able to describe the key components of self-compassion and awareness and how they can be integrated into your role as a healthcare professional.
- Be able to explain the difference between empathy and compassion and utilize strategies to alleviate emotional exhaustion.
- Be able to practice techniques to increase self-compassion at work and everyday life.
- Practice at least one skill from each session to care for yourself while caring for others who are suffering.
The Self-Compassion Training for Healthcare Communities program meets for six 1-hour sessions.
Presenter: Robin Beardsley, MD
Robin Beardsley, MD is a Physician who practices psychotherapy and a Trained Teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion. She has always had a passion for care for the caregiver. MSC helps to meet this passion and fits with her positive psychology approach.
Dr. Robin Beardsley provided six online sessions of Mindful Self-Compassion to our collaborative practice and study group of psychotherapists this year. She was responsive to our comments, organized, and had facility with the Zoom technology from the beginning. She is the kind of facilitator that brings enthusiasm, personal warmth and genuine caring to the participants. Her passion for teaching Mindfulness related topics is evident. I feel privileged to have joined Dr. Beardsley this year, and I highly recommend her sessions to anyone who may be interested in self growth and wellbeing.
I learned practical skills that I use every day at the bedside and I share with my residents. It gave me something to teach them and model for them besides simply telling them to ‘take a day off’ when they were overwhelmed.
Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC)
with Robin Beardsley, MD
Cost: $200 Dates & Times to be discussed • 1 hour for 6 weeks
*Location: Your place of work – will need a room for 6-12 participants – *During this pandemic SCHC workshops and the full 6-week course can be given over a virtual platform with video conferencing for your group.
As Professionals and caregivers, we can all experience some degree of Caregiver Fatigue, which is characterized by profound emotional and physical exhaustion. This is a form of relational pain, one of connection, having emotional resonance with someone we care about who suffers and impacts our lives. Add onto this, the often, overwhelming tasks we have to complete each day in healthcare, and the limited resources; over time, there can be a gradual erosion of all things that keep us connected to ourselves and others.
Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with inner resiliency, emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits and satisfying personal relationships. Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC) is a 6-hr evidence-based healthcare adaptation of Mindful Self-Compassion, the empirically supported program of Dr. Kristin Neff at UT Austin and Dr. Chris Germer at Harvard Medical School. This training aims to improve wellbeing and personal resilience in healthcare professionals by teaching mindful self-compassion skills to deal with distressing emotional situations as they occur at work and at home.
Learn more about Self-Compassion for Health Care Communities (SCHC)
In research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, Neff.Knox.2020, the SCHC program was found to significantly:
- Decrease: Depression, Stress, Secondary Traumatic stress, and Burnout
- Increase: Self-compassion, Mindfulness, Compassion for others, Job satisfaction in healthcare professionals
As opposed to other self-care techniques, self-compassion practices can be used on the spot while at work with patients and colleagues.
As a participant of the program, you can learn the following objectives:
- Be able to describe the key components of self-compassion and mindfulness and how they can be integrated into your role as a healthcare professional.
- Be able to explain the difference between empathy and compassion and utilize strategies to avoid emotional exhaustion.
- Be able to practice techniques to increase self-compassion at work and everyday life.
- Practice at least one skill from each session to care for yourself while caring for others who are experiencing difficulty.
The Self-Compassion Training for Healthcare Communities program meets for six 1-hour sessions.
Presenter: Robin Beardsley, MD
Robin Beardsley, MD is a Physician who practices psychotherapy and a Trained Teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion. She has always had a passion for care for the caregiver. MSC helps to meet this passion and fits with her positive psychology approach
“A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.” ~ Chris Germer, PhD
Dr. Robin Beardsley provided six online sessions to our collaborative practice and study group of psychotherapists this year. She was responsive to our comments, organized, and had facility with the Zoom technology from the beginning. She is the kind of facilitator that brings enthusiasm, personal warmth and genuine caring to the participants. Her passion for teaching Mindfulness related topics is evident. I feel privileged to have joined Dr. Beardsley this year, and I highly recommend her sessions to anyone who may be interested in self growth and well-being.
I learned practical skills that I use every day at the bedside and I share with my residents. It gave me something to teach them and model for them besides simply telling them to ‘take a day off’ when they were overwhelmed.
Inner Resiliency Training: Self-Compassionate Mindfulness
for those with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
with Robin Beardsley, MD
Alternate Fridays: 11:00 – 12:00pm (6 sessions)
Sept. 4, Oct. 2 (10 – 11am for this class only)
Oct.16, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, 18, 2020
Prerequisite: Concussion Support Group Only
Mandatory: 2 Intro Classes (Previous participants welcome)
Participants: min. 6 – max. 15
Location: ONLINE using ZOOM telehealth platform
Course covered by OHIP* (must provide OHIP details upon registration)
Register Now
Objective
Many who have experienced a brain injury have difficulty coping with everyday life. It can be very frustrating to not be able to do the things you once did. Sometimes this frustration can lead to many emotions which activate our limbic system and our threat-defense system making it even more difficult to respond to situations. We can become more critical of ourselves and our abilities. Our thinking brain goes off-line and we are unable to respond as we might like.
Inner Resiliency Training (IRT) is a 6-week course in which we will explore impacts of ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) on those affected, caregivers and trainers using experiential, didactic and small group exercises. Participants will learn about and experience techniques aimed at cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion to respond more skillfully with day to day challenges based on the teachings of Kristin Neff and Chris Germer.
Inner Resiliency Training Aim
Continue to promote the tremendous benefit of the MBCT support program, which volunteers have generously run for several years:
- Support the existing program by offering MBCT participants and leaders a course in mindfulness and self-compassion (at times that do not interfere with the MBCT support program)
- Mindful Self-Compassion parallels and compliments the MBCT work and may help participants deal with their post-concussion symptoms and live with greater ease.
- Refresh Mindfulness and add a Self Compassionate aspect.
Attendance
It is recommended that you attend all sessions if possible especially session 1. If you need to miss a session, please advise Robin if possible. Missing more than 2 sessions may mean you will not get the full benefit.
Cost
- Covered by OHIP – Participants must provide: OHIP info (name, address, date of birth, OHIP number & version code, expiry date)
- Doctor’s referral to Dr. Beardsley for ABI-group therapy.
- If your physician is in a “Health Team”, they may wish to know that, since Dr Beardsley has a Focused Practice, there will be no impact on access bonuses.
Presenter: Robin Beardsley, MD
Robin Beardsley, MD is a Physician who practices psychotherapy and a Trained Teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion. She brings her presence, fun and experience to her workshops.
Making Friends with Yourself
with Robin Beardsley, MD
Teens: 12 – 18 yrs. (by Dec. 2020)
Next Course: TBA
Adolescence is a time of change and growth. The demands in life increase for teens and young adults; this time can be confusing and provoke anxiety and depressive symptoms. For many young people, these challenges can lead to disconnection and isolation.
“With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.” ~ Kristin Neff
Making Friends with Yourself is an 8-week program designed to facilitate awareness, self-kindness and stronger connections in response to these growing challenges. Teens will have the opportunity to incorporate mindfulness and self–compassion into their daily life. Mindfulness teaches students to be present with their emotions, and self-compassion helps them respond to these emotions with greater kindness and self-care. Through developmentally appropriate activities and meditations, teens will learn specific tools which can help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of this life stage with greater ease.
Learn more about Making Friends with Yourself
Prerequisites
No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend Making Friends with Yourself. Interested participants and at least one parent are required to attend a 60 minute appointment with Dr. Beardsley prior to starting the course.
Presenter: Robin Beardsley, MD
Robin Beardsley, MD is a Physician who practices psychotherapy and a Trained Teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion. She has always had a passion for helping young people succeed on their life journey. Making Friends with Yourself helps to meet this passion and fits with her positive psychology approach.