Self-Compassion for Shame: A Path to Inner Freedom

Self-Compassion for Shame is a healing workshop in mindfulness and self-compassion, held on campus at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is led by Christopher Germer and Susan Fairchild, and draws on the research-based Self-Compassion for Shame program. It is open to anyone who wants a kinder way of meeting shame, including mental health and helping professionals who wish to work with shame more effectively with clients.

The starting point is a simple reframe. Shame gets much of its power from our efforts to avoid it, and when we turn toward it with self-compassion, it can be seen as an innocent emotion that arises from our universal wish to be loved. The workshop takes a positive, energizing, non-pathologizing approach to this most difficult human emotion.

What to Expect

The program combines brief talks, experiential exercises, guided practices, and group discussion. You will learn simple, practical tools for meeting shame with greater awareness, kindness, and courage in everyday life, and you will practice them in real time rather than only hear about them. The discussion takes place in a supportive group environment.

The workshop runs across three days, from an opening evening to a closing morning. On the first day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, with a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:00. The middle day has program sessions from 8:45 to 11:30 in the morning and 1:30 to 4:00 in the afternoon, with yoga at 6:30 am and again at 4:45 pm. Breakfast is silent. On the final day, the morning begins with yoga, followed by silent breakfast and a last session from 8:45 to 11:30, then lunch and departure. Actual times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the room locations.

About Christopher Germer

Christopher Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from the Boston area who specializes in mindfulness- and acceptance-based treatment. He has been integrating the principles and practices of meditation into psychotherapy since 1978, and has made numerous journeys to India to explore the varieties of meditation. He is a Clinical Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Dr. Germer lectures internationally on mindfulness and self-compassion, co-edited the professionally acclaimed book Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, and wrote The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions.

About Susan Fairchild

Susan Fairchild co-leads the workshop alongside Christopher Germer.

The Setting

Kripalu's accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room, a single-occupancy space for those seeking solitude, or a shared dormitory, community-style lodging that fosters connection. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available for your bags until then. Three meals are served each day, and breakfasts are taken in silence. Your stay also includes access to the Kripalu grounds and to more than ten yoga classes a day.

On the last day, room check-out is at 10:00 am, but you may stay on campus and take part in the final session, with departure after lunch.

Before You Go

The workshop is suitable for all levels, including people new to self-compassion work. Because shame can be emotionally activating, prior familiarity with self-compassion is recommended. The program is taught in English.

Registration covers the program, three daily meals, daily yoga, use of the grounds, and overnight accommodation. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are not included, nor is travel to and from Kripalu. Online booking is for one or two guests, and if the program is full, a waitlist is available.