Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion:
A cohort for health and wellness coaches
9 NBHWC CE hours
Thursdays, September 3 – October 8, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM ET
Live online via Zoom
Early Bird $245 through August 1
Self-compassion — meeting yourself with kindness when you struggle — is a learnable skill. It’s also one that’s easy to set aside when you spend most of your energy caring for others.
This six-week live cohort offers health and wellness coaches a dedicated space to learn and practice key skills and theory from the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) curriculum.
The Short Course in MSC was developed by Dr. Kristin Neff, Dr. Christopher Germer, and the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, especially for those in healthcare and education — and for anyone who wants to explore key modules with less time investment than the full MSC course. You’ll work through the material alongside colleagues who understand the particular demands of helping work — and who are invested in caring for themselves as well as others.
No prior experience with mindfulness or meditation is required.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPLORE
- The three components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness
- How self-compassion shapes coaching presence and the quality of the coach-client relationship
- How to motivate yourself with compassion rather than self-criticism
- Practical informal practices including the Self-Compassion Break, Soften-Soothe-Allow, and Compassion with Equanimity
- Strategies for working with difficult emotions and preventing burnout
- How self-compassion supports your capacity to show up fully for clients
Participants receive a course booklet with all practices and materials.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Session 1 — September 3 — What is Self-Compassion?
Session 2 — September 10 — Practicing Self-Compassion
Session 3 — September 17 — Discovering Your Compassionate Voice
Session 4 — September 24 — Self-Compassion and Resilience
Session 5 — October 1 — Self-Compassion and Burnout
Session 6 — October 8 — Making it Count
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This course has been approved for 9 CE hours by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Full attendance at all six sessions is required to receive credit. If you are not attending for CE credit, there is no attendance requirement.
Please note that sessions will not be recorded.
DETAILS & PRICING
Early Bird — $245 through August 1
General Registration — $295
- Live online via Zoom — link sent by email approximately two weeks before the course begins
- Refunds available through August 20, 2026
- Partial scholarships available — email heather@heathershaughnessy.com to inquire
LEARN MORE:
What Self-Compassion Actually Does for a Coaching Practice.
The Case for Self-Compassion Training — for Coaches
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Heather Shaughnessy-Cato (she/her), MA, NBC-HWC is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach based in Maine. Through her practice, Wholehearted LLC, she offers coaching, self-compassion programs, and professional development — especially for people in helping professions and helping roles. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been working with individuals and groups for more than 10 years.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience with mindfulness or meditation?
No. The course is designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of background.
Is this course specific to health and wellness coaches?
The curriculum is the foundational MSC Short Course — not a coach-specific adaptation. This cohort is offered exclusively for NBC-HWCs, so you’ll be learning alongside colleagues in the same field.
What’s the attendance requirement?
If you are attending for NBHWC CE credit, full attendance at all six sessions is required. Partial completion is not permitted per NBHWC guidelines. If you are not seeking CE credit, there is no attendance requirement. Please note that sessions will not be recorded.
How will I receive the Zoom link?
You’ll receive the link by email approximately two weeks before the first session on September 3.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds are available through August 20, 2026 — two weeks before the course begins. No refunds will be issued after that date.
Are partial scholarships available?
Yes, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for those with financial need. Email heather@heathershaughnessy.com before registering to inquire.
What’s included?
All participants receive a course booklet with all practices and materials.
Is this course right for me if I’m going through a difficult time?
This course involves turning toward yourself with kindness, which can sometimes bring up unexpected emotions. Participants are encouraged to practice at their own pace — options and alternatives are always offered, and you are never required to share more than you’re comfortable with.
That said, if you’re currently in a period of significant emotional difficulty or instability, you may find it more beneficial to wait and take the course at a time when you have more inner resources available. If you’re unsure whether this is the right time for you, you’re welcome to reach out to schedule a brief consultation before registering: heather@heathershaughnessy.com