Mindful Self Compassion Counseling and Group

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) counseling is a therapy that helps people develop emotional resilience by combining mindfulness and self-compassion:

• MindfulnessBeing aware of the present moment, including thoughts, emotions, and sensations
• Self-compassionResponding to difficult feelings with kindness and understanding, and treating yourself with the same care you would give a friend 

MSC counseling can help people

• Accept their flaws and challenges
• React with motivation instead of self-criticism
• Express love for themselves
• Improve relationships
• Reduce anxiety, depression, and shame
• Decrease burnout and physical pain 

MSC was developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer. The program includes conceptual learning, meditations, and informal practices. A typical MSC group consists of 8 sessions, each 2 3/4 hours long, plus a 4-hour silent retreat. 

Relapsing is common and should never be thought of as a failure. In fact, it is a part of recovery and can often be used as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your own triggers. It is important to remember that a relapse does not mean you have to start over from the beginning. You can pick up where you left off and continue to make progress in your recovery. That being said, relapse prevention can help increase the chances of staying sober in the long run.

Relapse prevention counseling can help you stay sober or successfully manage a mental health disorder after you transition out of a substance abuse treatment program. Although you may want to believe that you are cured after you leave treatment, there is more work to be done. Staying sober over the long term requires learning coping skills and strategies that can help you recognize and prevent relapse. 

Emotional intelligence counseling, or therapy, can help people develop emotional intelligence (EI) by creating a safe space to explore their emotions: 

• Self-awareness: Through introspection and dialogue, people can identify the root causes of their emotions, triggers, and behavioral patterns. 
• Interpersonal connections: Practicing EI can help people build stronger relationships and foster collaboration. 
• Decision making: Increased self-awareness can lead to better decision making. 
• Mental wellbeing: Practicing EI can help improve mental wellbeing. 

EI is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and to read and respond to the emotions of others in a constructive way. It's made up of several components, including:

• Self-awareness: Knowing your own strengths, weaknesses, wants, needs, and tendencies
• Empathy: Understanding others' emotions and perspectives
• Relationship management: Using effective communication, healthy boundaries, and conflict resolution 

Other techniques that can help develop EI include: listening, practicing mindfulness, journaling, talking through feelings, and self-assessment.