Participants in the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates agree to maintain the confidentiality of the other participants. Toward that end, participants should not discuss the personal material shared by anyone in a session with individuals outside the group, or divulge the names or other details of participants that could lead to someone identifying a particular individual.

Taking Responsibility for Ourselves and Care for Each Other -  Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates  meetings are an opportunity to practice embodied, compassionate listening and speaking. That means that the general guidelines familiar from an MSC group are carried over to these sessions, such as non-judgment, non-fixing, respecting differences, and taking personal responsibility for one’s own well-being. The format and setting do not allow for the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates to be more than a supportive and encouraging environment, facilitated by skilled MSC teachers, and participants are asked to honor this format. Facilitators are not acting in the role of a therapist or healthcare professional and sessions are not intended for this purpose.

I understand that Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates is an online program to support personal practice after I have completed MSC in the 8 week, Intensive or Online format. MSC is a group compassion skills training program, not group therapy and it is designed to teach participants the tools needed to develop and cultivate a mindfulness and self-compassion practice. I understand that MSC does not take the place of personal therapy and that the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates assumes the same guidelines.

I voluntarily agree to participate in the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates. I can choose to withdraw from the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates without any penalty.

It is my responsibility to contact my support network if I feel the need arise.

I understand that the teachers are not expected or able to provide medical and/or psychological care.

I understand that if I am intoxicated with alcohol and/or non prescribed/prescribed drugs then I am not permitted to take part in Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates.

I further understand that participation in the Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates is at the discretion of the teachers at all times. If, in the opinion of the teachers, I am unable to continue to participate productively in Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates, I may be asked to leave.

Any costs incurred for health services are my responsibility and not the responsibility of the teachers or Center for Mindful Self Compassion.

I hereby assume all responsibility for my own equipment required to attend the online sessions.

I understand that Circles of Practice for MSC Graduates is not aimed at providing any requirements for MSC teacher training or to be a replacement for MSC.

On the rare occasion that no COP teacher is present, CMSC invites people who wish to sit together in silence or listen to a recording of Chris or Kristin or leave Zoom and do offline self-compassionate activity (instead of sitting). If an MSC teacher is not present, I agree not to lead the session.