From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion: An 8-Week Course With Dr. Jorge Armesto

For parents, caregivers, and community members ages 18 and older

Many parents, caregivers, and community members spend their days caring for others while carrying high levels of stress, responsibility, and pressure. For many, the inner critic can become a constant voice: making it difficult to extend the same kindness and understanding to ourselves that we readily offer others.

What if we could learn to respond to life’s challenges with greater compassion, resilience, and care for ourselves?

Spark Kindness is proud to offer From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion, an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion course with Dr. Jorge Armesto, designed to help participants develop practical skills for cultivating self-kindness, emotional resilience, and greater well-being.

This program, valued at $700, is being offered free of charge through Spark Kindness. Space is limited to 30 participants and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is made possible, in part, through generous grant support from the MetroWest Health Foundation.

Developed by researchers Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based program that combines mindfulness and compassion practices to help us meet difficult moments with greater warmth, understanding, and stability.

What You'll Learn

Through guided meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, reflection, and supportive group discussion, participants will explore how to:

• Respond to challenges with kindness rather than self-judgment
• Reduce stress, shame, and harsh self-criticism
• Build emotional resilience and navigate difficult emotions
• Develop healthier motivation rooted in encouragement rather than fear
• Strengthen relationships by cultivating greater compassion for ourselves and others
• Create practices that support balance, joy, and connection in daily life

This course is appropriate for both beginners and experienced mindfulness practitioners. No prior meditation experience is required—only a willingness to explore your own experience with curiosity, openness, and care.

In addition to the eight weekly sessions, participants will have the opportunity to remain connected through a community of practice, offering continued support and connection as they integrate self-compassion practices into their lives.

Please Note: Registration Commitment and Program Fit

Because this is an 8-week facilitated community experience with limited space, registration will include a few questions to help us ensure the program is the right fit for participants and that everyone has the opportunity to fully engage.

Participants are asked to register only if they can commit to attending the full 8-week series. We understand that unexpected circumstances arise and will allow for limited exceptions when needed; however, consistent attendance is an important part of creating a meaningful and supportive experience for yourself and the group.

Join a community of parents, caregivers, and community members who are building the capacity to care for themselves—so they can continue showing up with greater compassion for their families, communities, and the world around them.

Email to register: info@sparkkindness.org

About Our Presenter

Jorge C. Armesto, Ph.D., Ed.M., C-IAYT is a bilingual clinical psychologist, yoga therapist, and mindfulness instructor. He is licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and practices telepsychology across state lines to adults living in PSYPACT participating states across the United States. Jorge is passionate about the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, spirituality, and somatic practices.

Jorge is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and teacher trainer, a Certified Yoga Therapist, and a trained MBCT and MBSR teacher. He serves as section faculty at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy Certificate Program and as Senior Mindfulness Instructor at the Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. He is also faculty in the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) Certificate Program through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Jorge practices in the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition and is a member of the Order of Interbeing.

There are many ways that Jorge cultivates seeds of joy, including hiking, cooking, dancing to the Afro-Cuban rhythms of salsa, building community, weaving, and collaging. Above all, Jorge loves spending time with family and friends. For more information: www.goslowly.com