Dr. Christopher Germer is a clinical psychologist and leading expert in mindful self-compassion
Dr. Christopher Germer is a clinical psychologist and leading expert in mindful self-compassion
Who is Chris Germer?
Dr. Christopher K. Germer has been at the forefront of integrating mindfulness with self-compassion, co-developing the Mindful Self-Compassion program with Dr. Kristin Neff.
His work has helped thousands of people cultivate emotional resilience and well-being through the practice of mindfulness and self-compassion.
His view on shame and compassion
In Germer’s view, healing doesn’t come from fixing ourselves, but from embracing ourselves just as we are. According to Germer, self-compassion is one of the most powerful antidotes to shame.
Where shame isolates, self-compassion connects. It allows you to turn toward your pain with kindness rather than judgment. By meeting your shame with understanding and warmth, you begin to dissolve its grip and reconnect with your sense of worth.
Books and publications on self-compassion
Chris Germer and Kristin Neff have spent years shaping the field of self-compassion through their writing and research. Germer authored multiple books, such as The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, and together with Neff they co-wrote The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. In 2012, they co-founded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, created to help people build practical self-compassion skills for everyday life.
Self-compassion can offer new insights into shame
According to Chris Germer, shame stems from a deeply human desire: the wish to be loved and valued. Reconnecting with that wish is an act of courage and a powerful step toward self-compassion.
When we recognize this longing in ourselves and others, we tap into a sense of common humanity.
In this talk that’s already touched over a million viewers, Germer shares his personal story with shame and how self-compassion can be the antidote to shame. “The energy of shame,” he says, “is the wish to be loved.”
Test your level of self-compassion
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
Together with psychologist Kristin Neff, Germer co-founded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. The Center is a nonprofit dedicated to making self-compassion accessible through evidence-based training programs.
As the official partner of the Center, The Self-Compassion Academy brings these teachings to life with courses and programs open to all. We also guide aspiring teachers on their route to becoming certified self-compassion teacher.
Join a Mindful Self-Compassion Course
Neff and Germer created the Mindful Self-Compassion training program. An evidence-based program designed to help you cultivate greater emotional resilience, self-kindness, and inner strength. Start your personal path to self-kindness today.
Become a Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher
MSC Teachers are often touched during their own self-compassion training and would like to pass this on to others. Becoming an MSC teacher is a wholehearted endeavor and a rich experience. Learn the essentials of becoming a MSC teacher in just 6 days.
