Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program

Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program

The Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program is a 9-week group program based on scientific evidence, designed to support healthier ways of coping with emotional stress and suffering through compassion-based approaches. It focuses on cultivating healthy mental states, strengthening psychological resilience and flexibility, and developing self-compassion skills through both theory and practice.

Compassion is one of the most important internal psychological resources. Recent findings in neuroscience, clinical research, and modern psychology show that compassion is a skill that can be developed by everyone.

MBCL also aims to cultivate the four immeasurable qualities of the heart: kindness, compassion, gratitude, and equanimity. It supports participants in developing a gentle, compassionate, and forgiving attitude toward themselves and others. MBCL is a closed-group program with therapeutic effects.

The program was developed by psychiatrist and psychotherapist Erik van den Brink and meditation teacher Frits Koster. It integrates the work of Paul Gilbert (Compassion-Focused Therapy), Kristin Neff, and Christopher Germer (Mindful Self-Compassion), as well as elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology.

Around 40 practices are included in the program, such as compassion, self-compassion, mindfulness, metta, tonglen, working with difficult emotions and relationships, and exercises that strengthen the nervous system’s emotional resilience.

Participants are accepted into this program only after completing MBSR, MBCL, or other mindfulness training programs. After application, a preliminary interview is conducted before admission. During the program, participants are expected to dedicate 30 minutes daily to practice. To support integration into daily life, participants receive audio recordings, a workbook, and ongoing support via email and WhatsApp groups.

Program Outcomes

  • Integrating compassion into oneself, life, and relationships
  • Developing a compassionate inner voice
  • Coping with difficult emotions without self-criticism or self-harm
  • Approaching oneself and others with understanding and kindness
  • Changing one’s relationship with the body and developing a positive body image
  • Developing consistency in positive habits
  • Expanding the range of emotional awareness of both oneself and others
  • Increasing the capacity for connection and forming meaningful relationships

However, everyone is different and may gain different outcomes from the training.

Who is MBCL for?

To participate in the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program, completion of MBSR, MBCL, and mindfulness education is required.

It is suitable for adults (18+) who wish to build a compassionate connection with themselves and others, deepen their understanding of compassion, and integrate self-compassion practices into their lives.

About the Program

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Weekly sessions: 2.5 hours
  • Includes a Compassionate Silence Day
  • Workbook, guided audio practices, and practical homework assignments are provided
  • Continuous support via WhatsApp group and email
  • Certificate of International Participation is awarded upon completion

In addition to compassion practices and experiential work, participants explore how stress, stress management, and responding to difficulties with compassion can be applied in daily life and interpersonal communication through experiential group sharing.

Program Topics (in order)

  1. Physiology of compassion: discovering the soothing system
  2. Exploring inner and outer stress, components of self-compassion
  3. Exploring mental patterns and approaching them with self-compassion
  4. Qualities of compassion and embodying compassion
  5. Compassion in relationships
  6. Self-forgiveness through compassion
  7. Silence Day
  8. Developing compassion in daily life
  9. Continuing life with a compassionate heart

Program Dates

New dates for the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program will be announced soon.

To be informed first about new programs and receive details, you may contact us or join our mailing list.

For any questions:
📞 +90 536 402 21 11
📧 bilgi@mindfulnessvesefkatakademi.com

We look forward to coming together with awareness and compassion.

Mindfulness and Compassion Academy Team

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in self-compassion and have never received training before. Where should I start?

We recommend starting with the foundational Mindfulness program, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, to experience self-compassion in its full form. The Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program (MBCL) is an advanced and complementary program.

Who is this program suitable for?

It is suitable for adults (18+) who have completed MBSR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), or another 8-week mindfulness program and have foundational mindfulness practice experience.

Is prior experience required?

Yes. Completion of one of the programs mentioned above is required.

What topics are covered in this program?

The program includes evidence-based theories and practices focused on developing self-compassion and compassion skills to cope more healthily with emotional stress and suffering, supporting psychological resilience and flexibility.

Is the program individual or group-based?

It is a closed-group program. No new participants are accepted after the program starts.

Is it online or in-person?

The MBCL program is conducted online via Zoom.

Is the program recorded?

No, the MBCL program is not recorded.

What is the duration of the program?

The program lasts 8 weeks and includes 9 sessions. It consists of weekly 2.5-hour sessions, plus a Silence Day (Compassionate Silence Day). Total duration is 25 hours.

Is a certificate provided?

Yes. Participants who complete the program receive an internationally recognized Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living Program Certificate.

Are there conditions for receiving the certificate?

Yes. Participants must attend at least 6 sessions and the Silence Day.

Who cannot receive the certificate?

Participants who miss 3 or more sessions and do not attend the Silence Day are not eligible.

What if I miss a session?

You may join a future MBCL group to make up missed sessions and receive your certificate.

What materials are needed?

A quiet personal space, stable internet connection, Zoom, and a computer are sufficient.

How is group communication managed?

Each group has a private WhatsApp group. All materials, audio recordings, and announcements are shared there, and participants are supported throughout the program.

How do I apply?

You need to complete the application form. After the form, a preliminary interview is scheduled. If accepted, your registration is completed after payment.

Will I have individual support?

Yes. You can schedule individual support sessions with the Program Coordinator when needed.

How can I integrate mindfulness into daily life after the program?

You can join the free “Awake and Compassionate Mind” community for weekly mindfulness and compassion practices.

Are there further programs after this?

Yes. You can continue with Mindfulness Coaching and Mindfulness Teacher Training programs.

Are there accommodations for special needs?

Yes. All programs are trauma-informed and inclusive.

What if I cannot afford the program?

We understand. We offer 25%, 50%, and 100% scholarships depending on need. You can send a motivation letter to canan@mindfulnessvesefkatakademi.com. Your letter will be read only by Canan Coşkun Sayın and confidentiality is respected.