Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Inclusion Criteria: Must have a primary anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia) or major depressive disorder, current Must score low on self-compassion, as measured by the self-compassion scale Must understand study procedure and willing to participate in all testing visits, and treatment as assigned must be able to give informed consent to the study procedures Exclusion Criteria: Comorbid psychiatric disorder other than anxiety or depression, such as psychotic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders (i.e., anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder; developmental or organic mental disorders; and current (past 6 months) substance use disorders and current post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by clinician at screening visit A serious medical condition that may result in surgery or hospitalization. A history of head trauma causing prolonged loss of consciousness, or ongoing cognitive impairment Inability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation (assessed during the clinical interview). Subjects who will be non-compliant with the study procedures. This may include planned travel out of town. Subjects taking some psychiatric medication such as barbiturates or antipsychotics. Sleep medications and some anti-depressants will be allowed, if the subject has been taken at stable dose 8 weeks prior to baseline and the patient plans to continue at the same dose through the trial. Concurrent psychotherapy initiated within 1 month of screen interview, or ongoing psychotherapy of any duration directed specifically toward the treatment of anxiety (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Individuals who have completed a course of MSC or an equivalent meditation training in the last year. Individuals reporting significant active suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviors within the past year. Individuals with a medical condition (i.e., epilepsy) that may be exacerbated by study treatment, as determined by a study physician or nurse practitioner based on history, physical, and/or labs. Adults unable to consent Pregnant women Prisoners