Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living
What is MBCL?
Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) is an 8-week structured compassion training designed to deepen and extend mindfulness practice.
Developed in 2007 by Dutch psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Erik van den Brink and meditation teacher and psychiatric nurse Frits Koster, MBCL integrates mindfulness with contemporary compassion-based approaches.
The program is informed by the work of pioneers in compassion research and practice, including Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer, Paul Gilbert, Rick Hanson, Barbara Fredrickson, and Tara Brach.
MBCL builds on the foundation of mindfulness and focuses on how we relate to ourselves in moments of difficulty, self-criticism, and emotional pain.
Who Is This Course For?
MBCL is recommended for those who have completed MBSR, MBCT, Breathworks, or who have an established mindfulness practice.
It may be particularly supportive for individuals who:
Struggle with self-criticism
Experience shame or guilt
Feel emotionally overwhelmed
Live with chronic stress, anxiety, or depressive tendencies
Work in caregiving or high-responsibility roles
This course is not therapy. It is a structured training in compassion-based skills that can complement existing psychological or medical support.
What we practice
Throughout the 8 weeks, participants explore a range of compassion-based exercises and meditations. The course encourages flexibility — learning which practices are most supportive depending on one’s current situation.
Practices are designed to cultivate:
A sense of inner safety
Emotional resilience
Self-acceptance
Greater connectedness with others
The emphasis is not on eliminating difficult emotions, but on developing a more balanced and caring relationship to them.
Course Structure
The program includes:
8 weekly sessions (2.5–3 hours each. A total of 26 hours, including the silent day)
One half or full silent practice day
Guided compassion meditations
Reflective exercises
Structured home practice
Group dialogue and integration
Research and Effects
Recent research suggests that compassion and self-compassion are important factors in supporting mental health and emotional regulation.
Practicing compassion-based skills may contribute to:
Reduced self-criticism
Increased emotional stability
Greater resilience under stress
Improved relational awareness
MBCL can also serve as a supportive framework for stress prevention and burnout prevention.
Dates and Format
Format: Live online (Zoom)
Language: English
Duration: 8 weeks
Dates: To be announced
Registration will open soon. You may join the interest list to be informed when dates are confirmed.
Price
Course fee: €350 – €450 Sliding Scale
You are invited to choose the amount that reflects your financial situation.
Choosing a higher tier helps support accessibility for others.
Register
Registration includes a brief introductory conversation to ensure the course is a good fit.