Self-compassion is one of the most powerful sources of coping and resilience we have available to us. In times of struggle, self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same care and concern we would normally show to a good friend – so that we are an inner ally rather than an inner enemy. It involves generating kindness toward ourselves as imperfect humans, and learning to be present with the inevitable challenges of life with greater ease. It motivates us to make needed changes in our lives not because we’re worthless or inadequate, but because we care about ourselves and want to lessen our suffering. This lecture will present theory and research on self-compassion, which a burgeoning empirical literature has shown to be strongly associated with psychological wellbeing. A brief self-compassion practice will also be taught.