10-11 October 2025
Monteortone (PD), Italy
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Shame is everywhere.
Whenever we feel bad about ourselves, for whatever reason, there is a hint of shame. Shame can occur when we feel judged by others or when we judge ourselves. It can happen when we do something wrong and when we are completely innocent. Shame strikes at the core of our being, but it has nothing to do with who we really are.
Shame is the most difficult human emotion.
What makes shame so difficult is that most of us would rather do anything than feel shame. Our first instinct is to “shrink, shut up, or walk away.” Sometimes we go on the attack, criticizing ourselves or others. We may also try to distract ourselves by escaping into unhealthy behaviors. When shame is present in our lives, we often aren’t present to work with it.
Self-compassion is an antidote to shame.
It is the opposite of shame: self-compassion instead of self-criticism, common humanity instead of isolation, and mindfulness instead of rumination. The process of alleviating shame begins with acknowledging that shame is an innocent emotion: it comes from the universal desire to be loved. If we didn’t want to be loved, we wouldn’t feel shame.
The next step is to give ourselves the compassion we desperately need: self-compassion.
This workshop is an experiential journey into self-compassion for shame.
We will explore the nature of shame, its causes (including social oppression), and learn simple skills to identify shame in our daily lives and transform it, safely and effectively, through the power of self-compassion. Meditators will be able to integrate these tools into their contemplative practices, and psychotherapists will learn new skills for working with shame in clinical settings.
Learning objectives
- Summarize shame theory and research
- Identify the developmental and evolutionary origins of shame.
- Apply the three components of self-compassion to the experience of shame.
- Integrate self-compassion skills for shame into daily life.
- Teach patients/clients simple practices to alleviate shame.
With Chris Germer
Chris Germer, Ph.D., is co-developer of the MSC program and co-founder of the Center for MSC. He is the author of the popular book The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion and co-author (with Kristin Neff) of the professional text Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program and the workbook The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Chris is an MSC teacher trainer and leads MSC intensives and workshops worldwide.
Chris is also a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. Chris has been integrating meditation principles and practices into psychotherapy since 1978.
He has co-edited two influential books—Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy—and is a founding member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School. Chris has a small private practice in Arlington, Massachusetts, USA, specializing in mindfulness- and compassion-based psychotherapy.
Who is it for
This workshop is ideal for anyone who is already somewhat familiar with the practice of self-compassion and/or mindfulness. It is especially suited to those who wish to deepen their experience in this field, either for personal or professional growth. While the course may be of particular interest to those who work in mental health or already teach MSCs, it is open to anyone who has a basic practice of mindfulness and compassion and wishes to expand their knowledge in this area. It is not recommended for those who are new to the concept of self-compassion, so we suggest starting with an introductory course.
When
October 10 and 11, 2025
Starts at 9:00 on Friday, October 10 and ends at 18:30 on Saturday, October 11
Language
The course will be held in English with translation into Italian.
COSTS
When registering you can choose one of the following rates.
Early Bird Rate
Price: €306 (including VAT)
Availability: By May 20, 2025
Validity: Registration is confirmed upon payment of the fee, which will be made after your application for registration has been approved
Note: If payment is made after May 20, 2025, the Regular rate will apply
Cancellation: Not foreseen
Regular Rate
Price: €450 (including VAT)
Expiry: September 15, 2025
Validity: Registration is confirmed upon payment of the fee, which will be made after your application for registration has been approved
Cancellation: 30% refund of the fee in case of cancellation by September 25, 2025
PLANNING YOUR STAY
The workshop will take place at the Casa per ferie San Marco – Via Santuario, 130, 35031 Abano Terme PD, Italy (in region of Venice).
The property is located at the foot of the green Euganean hills, in the picturesque village of Abano Terme. Known for its comfort and sustainable facilities, the Casa per Ferie was originally the sixteenth-century convent of the Hermits of St. Augustine.
Thanks to its splendid position, during the route you will have the opportunity to enjoy a suggestive quiet and relax while exploring the surrounding environment.
The cost of the full-board stay of 80 euros per night is separate and to be paid directly to the property upon arrival.
The full-board rate includes drinks with meals served as a self-service buffet, mainly vegetarian and vegan. It is possible to communicate any dietary requirements to the property.
The closest train station is Padova, the closest airports are Treviso or Venice.
