Description
Gift Vouchers Available for the Annual Residential Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive
Start Date: Sunday, 27th September 2026
End Date: Friday, 2nd October 2026
Location: Ballyvaloo Retreat and Conference Centre, County Wexford
Learn to use the core practices of compassion so that it is possible to love others without losing yourself
This intensive training offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the key practices of mindful self-compassion, based on the research and work of the founders Kristin Neff and Chris Germer. Learn how powerful and transformative mindful self compassion is, while staying at relaxing accommodation beside the sea!
How do you reach out to a friend in trouble, who may have had a misfortune or is going through difficult times?
Most of us naturally feel compassion when a close friend is struggling and respond by offering support, a hug, a kind act, and kind words.What would it be like to receive the same caring attention from yourself whenever you needed it most or when you are experiencing difficulty?
If you are too hard on yourself, learn the skills of befriending your own heart through the research supported Mindful Self -Compassion curriculum.
Mindful Self-Compassion is a combination of mindfulness, loving kindness, and compassion. All that’s required is a shift in attention —recognizing that you, too, are a worthy recipient of love, kindness and compassion.
Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease.
Self-compassion involves the capacity to comfort and soothe ourselves, and to motivate ourselves with encouragement when we feel stressed, fail, or feel inadequate.
Self-Compassion is an inner strength that enables us to be more fully human – to acknowledge our shortcomings, learn from them, and make necessary changes with an attitude of kindness and self-respect.
The good news is Self-Compassion can be learned by anyone as it is innate to all human beings and is more a ‘remembering’ of our capacity to repeatedly evoke goodwill towards ourselves especially when life is difficult and stressful, while cultivating the desire that all living beings be happy and free from suffering, including ourselves!
This 5 Day Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive is equivalent to the full eight-session MSC curriculum experienced in an intensive format, five full days of training, with a Certified MSC teacher who has completed additional MSC teacher training.
As the name suggests, the MSC intensive is a deep dive into the practice of self-compassion. While it can be emotionally challenging, concentrated practice allows you to become deeply involved in MSC and experience its transformative potential.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is based on research by Kristin Neff, integrated with the clinical perspective of Christopher Germer. MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care and understanding.
Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships. And it’s easier than you might think.
Your Investment
Tuition Fee: €520
Tuition Fees includes 30 hours course tuition, handouts, Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, journal, and recordings post course.
Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre Accommodation Fee: €575
All-inclusive single ensuite accommodation including all meals, tea/coffee breaks and snacks x 5 nights/6 days
Investment: €1095
€50 Early Bird Discount on Tuition Fees Available Until Friday 26th June 2026!
All fees payable to Ashe House.
Full Tuition rate applies after Friday 26th June
Non-Refundable Deposit €200.00
Outstanding balance is required by 31st July 2026
(Balance of payment can be made in full or as two separate payments June/July by prior arrangement)
Our rate has no hidden extras and includes deposit, course tuition fee, course materials, guided meditations, room and board in a single ensuite room from Sunday evening 27th September including lunch before departure on Friday 2nd October 2026.
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook is included in the course fee, as well as a certificate of attendance/CPD 30 contact hours at the end of the course.
Registration and Payment Process:
Step One
Once your completed application form has been received by Anne, a zoom call will be arranged at a time convenient for you, to discuss your form and that the course matches your expectations, needs, and abilities.
Step Two
Following the pre-orientation zoom call, and your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email together with an invoice from the course administrator, Maria Dominguez. Maria will also offer support with any practical questions. In case of course cancellation by Ashe House, course fee will be refunded.
Payment is always due before the start of the course. The last pay before date and other terms of payment will be stated in the confirmation email with the invoice.
Your participation is final when the invoice has been paid within the stated business terms of payment. Not paying in time can lead to cancellation of your participation.
For whom
This program is designed for members of the general public, as well as for professionals who wish to integrate self-compassion into their work.
It would be beneficial, though not essential, to have taken a mindfulness-based course such as MBSR or MBCT. You may also have completed a Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course either over eight weeks or in an intensive format. It is equally suitable for those that have trained to teach MSC.
However, no previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required.
All are welcome!
The 5 day MSC Intensive meets the required prerequisite for training before taking the MSC Teacher Training course.
The number of participant places is limitied. We reserve the right to cancel the course if we do not reach the minimum number required to run the course. If the course is cancelled we will of course refund your registration fee, however please note that we will not refund any travel expenses related to this course.
Anyone feeling stressed and overwhelmed:
Stresses of life that challenge everyone such as chronic pain, loss, illness, aging, challenges of work-life, relationships, or parenting?
What would it be like to respond to the stress caused by these challenges with love and kindness?
What would it be like to love others without losing yourself in the process?
Do you ever feel exhausted by caring for others?
What would it be like to meet your own emotional needs by giving yourself compassion, instead of becoming depleted and less able to give?
Care Givers:
Do you ever feel drained and overwhelmed when caring for others?
What would it be like to develop a sense of tenderness and care that embraces the suffering of others rather than emotionally reacting to it?
What would it be like to meet your own emotional needs by giving yourself compassion, instead of becoming depleted and less able to give?
Learn to use the core practices of compassion in the midst of caregiving so that it is possible to love others without losing ourselves
Mental Health Professionals:
Do you ever feel exhausted by your clinical work with clients?
What would it be like to give yourself compassion when experiencing empathic pain, as well as giving compassion to those you work with?
What would it be like to deepen the therapeutic relationship by developing self- compassion for yourself and which benefits the client?
Learn to empathetically resonate with people who are suffering( which can be draining and even overwhelming, leading to caregiver fatigue and burnout), without losing yourself
Mindfulness Teachers:
Do you ever feel stressed or overwhelmed when teaching others?
Learn to respond to the challenges of teaching with compassion rather than self-criticism
Learn to develop a sense of tenderness and care that holds the suffering of others rather than emotionally reacting to it?
Deepen a sense of presence and awareness, through self-compassion practices.
Magnificently situated overlooking the Irish Sea, Ballyvaloo Centre is the ideal place to take time out from the stresses and pressures of modern living. The long beach frontage, rolling terrain, mature trees and farmland surroundings help to create a tranquil ambience for reflection and relaxation away from the incessant distractions of everyday life.
Location: Ballyvaloo Retreat and Conference Centre
Directions: www.ballyvaloo.ie/contact/directions/
Terms and Conditions for Residential Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive 27th September-2nd October 2026
Agreement
By submitting and signing an application form to Ashe House, Centre for MindBody Integration you are signifying your agreement to and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Payment Terms
After your registration application and following approval of your application by the lead teacher, you will receive a confirmation email together with an invoice. Your place is not booked until payment is received and you have received email confirmation from Ashe House that you have been accepted on to the course.
Payment is always due before the start of the course. The last pay before date and other terms of payment will be stated in the confirmation email with the invoice.
There is the option of phased payments upon prior request and agreement.
Your participation is final when the invoice has been paid within the stated business term of payment. Not paying in time can lead to cancellation of your participation.
If our invoice is not paid by the due date, the place will be released for other participants on the waiting list. This process reduces last minute cancellations, ensures that invoices are not left unpaid and that all places are allocated.
Applications will be accepted on the basis that you have met all the pre-requisites. If your application is not accepted and you have already made payment then you will be refunded any payment that you have made in full.
Please do not make any travel arrangements until after you receive email confirmation of your booking. Ashe House cannot be held liable for any travel costs.
Requirements, Attendance and Conduct
You must advise us at the time of making your application if you have any specific needs so that we can contact you to discuss your requirements.
You must be at least 18 years of age to attend the residential MSC intensive.
You must ensure that you comply with all health and safety, licensing and other rules and regulations of the venue or applicable to the venue. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with any rules and regulations that apply.
You are expected to behave respectfully and politely throughout the residential MSC Intensive. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to ask you to leave if your behaviour is deemed by the teacher(s) to be disruptive in any way and you agree to do so immediately. In such circumstances no transfer, refund or forward credit will be given.
Full attendance at the MSC Intensive is necessary to receive certificate of attendance and CPD hours.
Liability
By applying for the residential MSC Intensive, you assume responsibility for ensuring you are physically and psychologically fit to participate in the MSC Intensive and that you have consulted with your doctor or psychologist as necessary. Whilst Ashe House or its staff or representatives make no judgement as to your fitness to participate in the MSC Intensive, you should inform the teachers privately of any personal concerns that may arise as the MSC Intensive progresses. If for any reason the teachers find it necessary to ask you to leave the MSC Intensive then you agree to do so immediately. In such circumstances a refund, minus the €200 non-refundable deposit, will be given.
Some of the activities undertaken on the MSC Intensive are movement or floor based. It is always your responsibility to make a decision about whether to participate in a particular activity. if there is any doubt, the decision should always be to exercise caution and We recommend that you consult a doctor or health professional if you are ever unsure whether an activity is safe for you.
The MSC Intensive is not intended to be a substitute for counselling, psychotherapy or on-going medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner and subject to this clause Ashe House excludes any liability relating to any statement or representation made in respect of the therapeutic, psychological or medical benefits the MSC Intensive. Any unresolved issues which may surface for you and which may warrant medical treatment, counselling or psychotherapy will be at your own risk and expense.
You attend and participate in the residential MSC Intensive at your own risk. We accept no liability for:
- any costs or expenses arising out of or in connection with the MSC Intensive,
- loss or damage to personal property
- personal injury
Data Protection
Any personal information you supply to us will be processed in accordance with Our Privacy Policy, a copy of which can be found on Our website
Confidentiality
We take the confidentiality of those who come to our events and those who work with us very seriously. Teachers and staff members are under obligation to keep your information confidential.
From time to time, participants at a course may share sensitive information. We expect you to treat any information shared as confidential. We reserve the right to ask you to leave the MSC Intensive if such information is shared inappropriately, and you agree to do so immediately. In such circumstance no transfer, refund or forward credit will be given.
Cancellation by the participant:
- You may withdraw your application more than four months prior to the MSC intensive start date at which point you will be offered a full refund, minus €200 non-refundable deposit.
- If you cancel your place for any reason between three months and four weeks before the course start date the following applies:
refund of 50% of the course costs paid minus €200 non-refundable deposit.
- If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the start of the course no reimbursement, refund, or forward credit of the course will be offered.
- No refunds or forward credits will be offered after the course has started, for example, if you leave the MSC Intensive or fail to turn up to the event.
- Full payment due by Friday 26th June 2026
Cancellation by Ashe House:
If, in exceptional circumstances, the MSC Intensive cannot take place, for example, because the teacher is ill, you will be notified as early as possible. The course can be rescheduled and if this is not possible, the full course fee or the applicable part of it will be refunded.
Cancellation is also possible when the minimum number of participants for the course is not reached. In this case there will be a full refund of the course fee.
Ashe House is not liable for travel costs made for the course by the participant and no refund of these is possible.
Ashe House reserves the right to move events online where in-person events are not possible due to coronavirus (COVID-19) related requirements or any other considerations. We will notify participants of any changes via email and reimburse any difference between what you paid when booking and the online price by way of a forward credit or refund.
We strongly recommend participants have adequate insurance to cover any cancelled travel or personal expenses, as we cannot make reimbursements over and above our cancellation policy. All travel costs and other expenses are entirely your responsibility.
About the Certified MSC Teacher: Anne Kirwan
Owner/Manager of Ashe House, Centre for MindBody Integration,
North County Dublin.Certified Teacher, Mindful Self Compassion, UC San Diego CFM Mindfulness-Based Professional Institute and Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) Bangor University.
Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
Certified MBSR Teacher with the Institute for Mindfulness Approaches, Germany.
Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist (CSP) with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, Boulder, Colorado.
Teacher Training in Self-Compassion for Shame (SCS) with the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion, San Diego School of Medicine, June 2025.
Teacher Training in Fierce Self-Compassion (FSC) with the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion, San Diego School of Medicine, June 2025.
Radically Embodied Compassion, Dr Neil Clapton and Dr Syd Hiskey, June 2025.
Certificate of Attendance
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 30 contact hours available on completion.
Please ensure you are able to attend the entire course. If this is not possible, please contact us to discuss before submitting an application.
Schedule
All times are GMT
27th September 2026 – 2nd October 2026
Arrival Date and Check In
27th September 2026 – 4.00 – 6.00pm, supper at 6.00 pm
7.30 pm – 9.30pm Our first evening will be an orientation session.
Final session 9.00am – 1.00pm. The MSC Intensive finishes at 1.00 pm followed by lunch before departure.
How the MSC Intensive helps to deepen Self-Compassion
The emphasis of the Intensive will be on looking after ourselves, and on nourishing our compassion both through our practice, and through time for relaxation. We will be spending plenty of practice time outside by the sea. (weather permitting!)
What is possible to practice and learn over the 5 Day Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive Course?
In this course you will:
- practice mindfulness and self-compassion skills for daily
- Learn ways to meet difficult emotions with greater ease and moment to moment acceptance
- respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness
- Learn resources to motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
- Explore ways to transform challenging relationships, old and new
- Experience and learn tools to manage empathy fatigue
- practice the art of savouring and self-appreciation
What to Bring/Wear
Some Practice equipment will be available from Ashe House but please bring anything that would particularly support you in your personal practice- own meditation cushion/bench, yoga mat, blanket, wrap, drinking bottle, indoor socks/indoor shoes, suitable outdoor shoes and clothing for walks and inclement weather bearing in mind we are adjacent to the sea!
Please contact us if you have any specific needs that we need to be aware of.
Dietary Requirements
All meals will be vegetarian. Please note, we are not able to cater for individual preferences or tastes, only for essential dietary requirements.
Please contact us on info@ashehouse.ie with any essential dietary requirements which we will pass on to the venue.
What to expect
The MSC Intensive will be a combination of sitting, walking, and movement practices as well as reflective /written exercises, discussion in small groups and large group inquiry.
During the program you will have ample opportunity to enjoy your accommodation and surroundings. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring how we typically respond when difficult emotions arise and to provide tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to ourselves. The emphasis of the program is on enhancing emotional resources and personal capacities. There are extended lunch breaks and space in the evening time to deeply explore, rest, reflect, and learn as much as possible from your own experience of the practices and the course
The first evening will be an orientation session. For the rest of the four and a half days, the practices in the mornings and afternoons will include alternate sitting or lying and movement practices. For this time together, we will be practising meditations to enhance and deepen our mindfulness, loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity.
In addition, there will be a silent early morning practice before breakfast.
In the evenings the teacher(s) will offer talks to help you relate experientially to the day’s practices or alternative quiet space in silence or other mindful activities.
Ashe House Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Accreditation and Affiliation Logos
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