Psychologist Lesley Huff will lead the eight-week seminar series, Change Through Compassion, at Samaritan Counseling Center, in Lancaster. There are two scheduling options for the series: Wednesdays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning March 5, or Saturdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., beginning March 8. A retreat will be held for participants in both sections from noon to 3:30 p.m., April 12.

The series will incorporate hands-on activities and exposure to the concepts of mindfulness and self-compassion, influenced by a program created by Kristin Neff, Ph.D., and Christopher Germer, Ph.D. Research has shown that this approach can help individuals be kinder to themselves, handle difficult emotions and learn to self-motivate through encouragement, instead of criticism. Germer’s 2009 book, The Mindful Path to Self- Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions, can be purchased by cash or check at the seminar for $15.

Huff, who holds a doctorate in psychology, integrates mindfulness and self-compassion into her work at Samaritan Counseling Center with individuals, couples, families and organizations. In addition, she conducts neuropsychological assessments with clients at Behavioral Healthcare Consultants in Lancaster.

Cost: $150; sliding scale available. Locations: Wed., 1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster; Sat. and retreat, 1821 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-560-9969 or visit BalancedLifeSolution.com.