Mindful Self-Compassion Fundamental Concepts and Skills

Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
6 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.

So many clinicians give care to others while neglecting the critical skill of caring for themselves. Without mindful self-compassion, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and burnout can silently build—impacting clinical presence and personal well-being.

This course offers a clear path forward by helping behavioral health professionals reconnect with the core of compassionate care—starting with themselves. Through science-based insights and practical strategies, you'll learn how to strengthen your inner resilience, especially when facing the emotional demands of your work.

Enroll in the 6 CE Online Self-Study for $180

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Vira Salzburn, M.S., is a dynamic educator and global voice in resilience-building and upstream suicide prevention. A Mindful Self-Compassion Trained Teacher with a deep understanding of trauma, mindfulness, and compassionate leadership, Vira has helped thousands navigate emotional hardship with skill and courage. Her work uniquely blends evidence-based practices with cultural humility and a heartfelt commitment to well-being—making her an ideal guide for this journey.

Vira’s approach is both experiential and reflective. She gently integrates scientific findings with somatic exercises and mindfulness-based practices that help participants embody self-compassion rather than merely understand it cognitively. Her trauma-informed teaching style offers a safe and grounded experience for all participants.

This course explores the foundational concepts of mindful self-compassion, the physiological and psychological effects of self-criticism, and how to shift toward nurturing internal responses. It examines how to distinguish mindfulness from over-identification, self-kindness from self-judgment, and common humanity from isolation. The course introduces tools such as the P.A.R.K. method, self-compassion breaks, loving-kindness meditations, and exercises for identifying core values. Participants will also learn how to recognize emotional backdraft, integrate compassion-based movement, and apply daily mindfulness practices to manage difficult emotions.

Vira Salzburn Headshot

Instructor

Vira Salzburn, M.S., is Program Director for Safety and Resilience programs at the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council and developer of a community-based suicide prevention model grounded in Mindful Self-Compassion. A trained teacher in mindfulness, trauma-sensitive practices, and the Community Resiliency Model®, she is also an ASIST Master Trainer and sought-after speaker on resilience, suicide prevention, and self-compassion—including a 2022 TEDx talk. A Ukrainian-American, Vira brings a deep commitment to cultural connection, compassion, and community healing to her work.

You can find Vira here.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity on self-compassion: Understand what mindful self-compassion is and how it differs from pity, indulgence, or weakness.

  • Practical integration tools: Learn specific methods for bringing mindfulness and compassion into daily clinical and personal life.

  • Emotional resilience strategies: Gain resources to better navigate difficult emotions and support long-term wellness.

Why this course?

  • A trusted provider: Telehealth Certification Institute is known for delivering high-quality, research-based continuing education that clinicians can trust.

  • An exceptional instructor: Vira Salzburn’s personal and professional experience adds depth, relevance, and cultural insight to this work.

  • More than a concept—an experience: This course offers tangible, actionable strategies you can begin using immediately in both your personal life and clinical work.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe mindful self-compassion and its elements

  • Explain the benefits of self-compassion

  • Integrate mindfulness and self-compassion into daily life

  • Use self-compassion to handle difficult emotions with greater ease

Mindful self-compassion is more than just a wellness trend—it’s a clinically supported, life-enhancing skill that can transform how you show up for yourself and others. If you're ready to approach your professional and personal challenges with more courage, kindness, and balance, this course is a meaningful step forward.

Add this course to your cart to begin learning instantly.

This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Instruction consists of 6 hours of video instruction and a post-test.

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Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.

Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.

Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.

How to attend: Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.

This program was recorded on March 2 & 9, 2023.

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