What is this program about?

It’s about learning ways to not be so hard on yourself, and still be motivated and get things done.

1. What actually happens in the class?
   We talk about what mindfulness and self-compassion are, we watch short videos, play a few games, learn how to do a music meditation, do a little bit of mindful art at the beginning of each class, and learn ways to de-stress in the moment when we start feeling overwhelmed.

2. Do I have to participate in everything?
   No. You never have to participate in anything that you don’t want to.

3. Am I going to have to talk about my feelings? What if I don’t want to?
   You never have to talk about anything that you’re not comfortable discussing. FIRST AND FOREMOST, this program is about being kind to yourself. So, if it doesn’t feel like you’re doing something kind for yourself, you don’t have to do it.

4. I think you’re just saying that. I think once I get there, you’re going to find ways to make me participate.
   Nope! We’re serious. This isn’t school!

5. How do you know that this program will help me not stress as much?
   Through a number of research studies, we know that when teens are kinder to themselves, they have less depression, anxiety, and stress. So in this program, we “build” the self-compassion muscle. Just like lifting weights builds arm muscles, learning self-compassion builds resilience de-stress muscles.

6. My parent/therapist/coach/teacher thinks I should take this class but I don’t trust them. They’re an adult and they think they know me but they don’t really. Why should I take it?
   Well, certainly don’t take it to make them happy! Take it to make you happy, because lots of teens have talked about how it has really helped them, and they don’t feel as stressed as they used to. Watch the Benji Project video to see what teens say about the program!