[ Create an account](/create-an-account)[ Log In](/log-in) [ Cart](/cart) [ ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]() ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]()](/) ## **Telehealth Explorer Blog** Filter by Search or Category Selection Select Category - [All](/telehealth-explorer) - [Featured](/featured-articles) - --- - [Telehealth News](/telehealth-news) - [Legal Updates](/legal-updates) - [Business Aspects](/business-aspects) - [Technology](/technology) - --- - [Voices From Professions](/voices-from-professions) - [Counseling](/counseling) - [Social Work](/social-work) - [Psychology](/psychology) - [Substance Use Disorder Treatment](/substance-use-disorder-treatment) - [Couple and Family Therapy](/couple-and-family-therapy) - --- - [Clinical Insights](/clinical-insights) - [Supervision](/supervision) # Community-Wide Mindful Self-Compassion Program - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Fcommunity-wide-mindful-self-compassion-program "Facebook") - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Fcommunity-wide-mindful-self-compassion-program&title=Community-Wide+Mindful+Self-Compassion+Program "LinkedIn") - [ ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Fcommunity-wide-mindful-self-compassion-program&text=Community-Wide+Mindful+Self-Compassion+Program "X (formerly Twitter)") The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Program is an evidence-based program created by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Vira Salzburn talks with the Telehealth Certification Institute about her use of MSC in her work as the Program Director of the Safety and Resilience programs at Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council. According to Vira, MSC “is the first program that teaches self-compassion explicitly,” compared to other therapy practice models that focus on mindfulness skills training. For Vira, MSC also “\[pulls\] people out of the river of suicide” as an upstream approach to suicide prevention that empowers clients with mindfulness and self-compassion skills before they arrive at a crisis. The research on MSC is compelling, too, and Vira shares several examples of how the practice of self-compassion can reduce a person’s stress levels and improve their psychological well-being. Vira describes how the brain interprets self-criticism and the unique way that MSC acts as a protective factor against suicidal behaviors. As she puts it, self-compassion provides “a buffer between the feelings of shame and depression for those who have attempted suicide.” Vira recommends using compassionate phrases, gestures, or other self-soothing techniques to calm the danger response in the brain and to provide clients with relief. In the video, Vira talks about her application of community-based services, including how she has increased access across populations in her own community by giving anyone, regardless of their background, an opportunity to learn life-long MSC skills. As part of her mission, Vira strives to “reach people we wouldn’t reach otherwise” free of cost. Vira encourages professionals in the community to become MSC facilitators or what she termed “community champions,” who may be retired therapists or those who simply have a passion for helping others. Vira also outlines the MSC classes that she offers through her program and why flexibility is a necessary component to combat barriers to care. Vira Salzburn is an MSC-Trained Teacher and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Master Trainer. She is a Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness and Yoga Instructor, and she is currently studying human behavior at Harvard University, in addition to her role as Program Director at Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council. Vira has presented at numerous state and regional conferences about the importance of addressing suicide and building resiliency in communities. Vira presented the course "**[Mindful Self-Compassion Fundamental Concepts and Skills](/mindful-self-compassion-fundamental-concepts-and-skills)**" for TCI, which offers 6 CE. By:**[ Michael Tugendhat](https://michael-tugendhat-writer.webnode.page/)** - [ Interviews ](/component/tags/tag/interviews) ## Testimonials I completed the Telehealth Training. This training was very effective for me because it was self-paced. I was able to work at my own pace to fully grasp the information. In addition, the various graphics and explanations made retaining the information better for my learning style. I also enjoyed the small quizzes at the end that helped increase my understanding and application of the information. I will definitely recommend this course to other clinicians! Iveyana Kiara Smith This bundle of Clinical Supervision courses helped me to feel more confident as a clinical supervisor. It provided well rounded content and helped me feel more prepared for stepping into a supervisory role. I highly recommend these courses and appreciate that they are self-paced. Jessy Hainbach The Foundations for Working With Families Engaged in High Conflict Divorce, Training Video was very helpful in developing skills to navigate work with families experiencing this. Bryant Wilson The TeleMental Health Training Certificate Program was incredibly easy to navigate, with a smooth and intuitive layout that made learning stress-free. The content flowed logically, building on each section in a way that felt natural and engaging. I appreciated how clear the instructions were—everything I needed was right where I expected it to be. Ben Keyser Professional development available anytime without time restrictions! Mei Chan Enhancing Clinical Supervision: Supporting Autistic and other Neurodivergent Therapists in Clinical Settings training was absolutely wonderful! Thorough, detailed, and kept my attention. Meghan Co, LCSW-C, LICSW [View All 700+ Testimonials](/about-us/testimonials) ©2025 Telehealth Certification Institute LLC. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) \| [Terms and Conditions](/terms-and-conditions) - [About](/about-us) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Testimonials](/about-us/testimonials) - [Submit a Testimony](/submit-a-testimony) - [Group Training](/group-training) - [Training for Groups and Communities](/training-for-groups-and-communities) - [Accessibility](/accessible-behavioral-health-training-wcag-and-section-508-compliant-courses) - [AI for Universities](/ai-for-universities) - [Grant Funded Training](/group-training/grant-funded-training) - [Course Catalog](/training) - [All Courses](/all-courses-and-products) - [New Courses](/new-courses) - [Online Self-Study Courses](/online-training) - [Live Webinar Courses](/live-webinars) - [Certificate Programs](/certificate-programs) - [Clinical Skill Labs (AI‑Powered)](/specialties/clinical-skill-labs-ai-powered) - [CE Subscription Plan](/ce-subscription-plan) - [Course Categories](/course-categories) - [Course Bundles](/training/course-bundles) - [Resources](/resources) - [All Resources](/resources) - [Clinical Supervision Forum](/clinical-supervision-forum) - [CEU Details By State](/ceu-details-by-state) - [States' Rules & Regulations](/states-rules-and-regulations) - [Resource Centers](/telehealth-resource-centers) - [Codes of Ethics](/codes-of-ethics) - [Exclusive Discounts](/exclusive-discounts) - [Newsletter](/newsletter-sign-up) - [Blog](/telehealth-explorer) - [Contact](/contact) - [Contact Us](/contact-us) - [Request Consultation](/consultation) - [Advertising Opportunities](/advertising-opportunities) [ Create an account](/create-an-account)[ Log In](/log-in)