Mindful Self-Compassion: an 8 week journey
Fridays starting January 29, 2027 with over 25 hours of guided support & practices.
$399 *
*Scholarships available
Build presence & resilience (personal strength) including stopping the inner critic with kindness and self understanding .
A science- backed practice!
💜 Intentional Structure
We blend guided moments, open exploration, and space to reflect—so the experience feels both focused and fluid.
💜 Collaborative Energy
Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
💜 Expert Facilitation
Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and support a pace of compassion.
💜 A Supportive Space
Our sessions prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Online weekly:
Fridays
Dates:
January, 29, 2027 - March 26, 2027
Time:
9:00-11:30 AM Pacific
11:00 AM-1:30 PM Central
12:00-2:30 PM Eastern
Everyone can benefit.
You don't need a soft childhood or a terrible childhood nor a naturally gentle inner voice to learn this.
Ever notice how easy it is to be kind to everyone else - and how hard it is to extend that same kindness to yourself?
This 8-week journey is here to change that.
Based on the groundbreaking research and clinical wisdom of Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, Mindful Self-Compassion teaches you the science-backed skill of treating yourself like someone worth loving (because you are). No fluff, no toxic positivity - just real tools for real life.
You'll discover the three superpowers of self-compassion:
💜 Self-kindness - swap the inner critic for an inner ally
🤝 Common humanity - remember you're never alone in struggle
🧘 Mindfulness - meet the present moment with ease, not avoidance
And here's the best part: you don't need a soft childhood or a naturally gentle inner voice to learn this. If self-kindness feels foreign or even uncomfortable, this workshop is especially for you.
Backed by rapidly growing research,
Self-compassion is linked to relief of anxiety, depression, and stress as well as healthier habits, and richer relationships.
It’s the wellness upgrade you didn't know you were missing!
By the end, you'll be able to:
✅ Practice self-compassion in daily life (not just on the yoga mat)
✅ Understand the real, research-backed benefits
✅ Motivate yourself with kindness instead of criticism
✅ Handle hard emotions with more grace and less overwhelm
✅Manage caregiver fatigue
✅Practice the art of savoring the moment and self-appreciation
Prerequisites:
No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. To ensure safety, participants are asked to fill out the intake form when they register for the program.
Come as you are. Leave as your own best friend. 💫
Spots are limited - save yours today!
Scholarships available - please inquire!
“When we give ourselves compassion, we are opening our hearts in a way that can transform our lives. ” - Kristin Neff
What to expect over the 8 weeks
Live online
Week 1-8
Online weekly: Fridays, January, 29, 2027 - March 26, 2027
Online Retreat : March 5, 2027
Time: 9:00-11:30 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM-1:30 PM Central / 12:00-2:30 PM Eastern
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Online Retreat
Week 6
Friday, March 5, 2027
Time: 9:00-11:30 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM-1:30 PM Central / 12:00-2:30 PM Eastern
An silent retreat focused on deepening mindful self compassion practices.
Application & Scholarship Process
Easy steps to enrollment:
Submit the Interest Form: MSC Background & Interest Form.
Await Approval: After you submit the application, we will review it personally within 72 hours. You will be notified via email regarding your acceptance into the course.
Receive Payment Link: If accepted, you will receive a separate email with a manual payment link to complete your registration.
Make Payment: Follow the link provided in the email to submit your payment, of $399 regular rate within 72 hours to secure your spot.
Receive Confirmation: Upon successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes detailed information about the course schedule, session topics, and any necessary.
Prepare for the Course: Review the materials sent in the confirmation email and prepare to start your journey in the 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion course!
Scholarship process
Click the registration button below to access the form.
Complete and submit the initial registration for and circle ‘yes’ .
Registration Closes
Friday, January 15th, at 5pm.
Advance registration is required. To maintain the privacy and continuity of our 8-week circle, we cannot accept late registrations or drop-ins after the course begins.
Questions
Reach out with any questions to: Ashica@essentialLICSW.com or judymagnusonphd@protonmail.com
Meet your facilitators
Ashica DeMira, LICSW
Ashica freely gives care, attention, encouragement, and compassion to others — but for years, she didn't extend that same kindness to herself, defaulting instead to high expectations and an uncensored inner critic. Her journey toward greater self-compassion began several years ago, guided by a quote from Dr. James Rouse:
"You cannot shame yourself into change; you can only love yourself into evolution”.
Ashica has been where you are: learning to love herself, wholly, and embodying a practice of mindful self-compassion.
In addition, Ashica is a clinical social worker, therapist, and energy practitioner. She runs an integrative practice in Seattle, bringing over 15 years of trauma- informed experience in holding space, circle work supporting both family and professional caregivers. She is a collaborative clinician and ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
Ashica's care is rooted in compassion, coherence, collaboration, and co-liberation.
Education & Training:
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)
Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)
Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator
Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician
Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath® Certified Practitioner
Mindful Self-Compassion (Teacher-in-Training)
Mindfulness Mentor Training Graduate
Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional
Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho Master Practitioner
Karuna Reiki Master
Certified Stone Medicine Practitioner
Dr. Judy Magnuson
Dr. Judy has spent over three decades walking alongside people through life's transitions, struggles, and everyday challenges — from children and families to adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and the complexities of relationships.
Dr. Judy has experienced many of the same life struggles seen in those with whom she works and recognizes this is part of the human experience. Just as we all have medical and dental challenges, we all have our own mental health challenges.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that mental health care is essential for every human being, whatever stage of life they're in.
Her background in Lifespan Developmental Psychology informs her work with individuals and families across all ages, drawing on CBT, family systems, interpersonal functioning, EMDR, and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC).
Dr. Judy says: "I see mental health care as essential for every human being. Whatever your age, stage of life, and challenges, I am here to help with my broad base of training and expertise”.
Education & Training:
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist
• Decades of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and families in both clinic settings and hospitals
• Background in Lifespan Developmental Psychology with a proficiency in Child/Family Psychology
• Mindful Self-Compassion (Teacher-in-Training)
• Trained in CBT, Family Systems, Psychodynamic/Interpersonal Therapy, EMDR
Frequently asked questions
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The MSC program is a mindfulness-based compassion training program designed to help participants experience self-compassion. The course includeses that can be easily integrated into everyday life. The training comprises education, guided short meditation exercises, reflection exercises, sharing experiences in small groups and large groups, and suggestions for homework. Typically, the training is offered in an 8-week format.
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. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds will make the experience a more enriching one for all involved. Our scholarship program, funded through the generosity of donations, lets us make our training accessible to anyone seeking to become more resilient, regardless of finances. Today
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(1) Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate financial need. (2) Applications must be received at least 45 days prior to program start date. (3) Applications must include fiscal (financial) documentation.
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All scholarship applications will be reviewed. The mission of this course is to increase accessibility to MSC, regardless of financial capacity, and support individuals wanting to develop these skills. Please email ***@.***.com with any questions. Be aware it may take up to 7 days to respond.
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The reduction depends on the financial need of the individual. ***we can decide on the amount reduction and state it if we decide to do that. I recall maybe 1/3 deduction, but I'm not sure***
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What if I attend the first session and realize it's not the right fit?
You're welcome to try the first session. If you decide not to continue, let us know before the second session and we'll refund your tuition minus 25% administrative fee.
Can I get a refund after the second session begins?
Because this is a live cohort with limited spaces, refunds aren't available once session two has started. This includes missed sessions.
What if I have an emergency or unexpected hardship?
Life happens. If illness, a family crisis, or another serious circumstance prevents you from continuing, please reach out. We review these situations case by case and may offer a partial refund or credit toward a future course.
How do I request a refund?
Email ashica@essentiallicsw.com with your name and the course date. Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method within 7 business days.