Self-Care Circles 

Each person has a chance to speak. It works better not to set a timer but to facilitate it gently, not letting someone dominate the time. We take turns to go around in a circle. When you have your time, you describe how you feel in the best way you can. It is better to talk about yourself and not make it about others. Think about how your day/week has been. You may bring up something unexpected. You do not have to speak if you are not ready. A question may be set to help ease the group into conversation. Nothing is expected from you in a circle.​

When you talk, it is your turn to be heard and seen. No one is here to fix anyone, you are here to listen or be heard. When someone is talking, it is better if everyone listens, so try not to think about what you are going to say when it is your turn. It gets easier the more you participate. We go slow and are patient with everyone. The emphasis is on being kind to yourself. It takes adjustment to be in a circle, so we take as long as it needs.​​

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If someone gets upset, space is given for them in that moment. If we stop someone in mid-flow or try to offer solutions or advice, they may feel self-conscious. It is our instinct to jump in and offer empathy, but it is better to do this after everyone has had their chance to talk. If someone in the group has got upset, it will be acknowledged and they will be offered support from the group. Sometimes being heard is enough. 

It is important not to interrupt someone while they are speaking. Sometimes it is a response to finish someone's sentence, offer advice or tell a similar story to help someone feel better; however, often, someone just wants to be heard and seen. You will notice how healing this is. Listening is a skill that we may need to learn, It isn't always easy to listen; that's okay. It is very good practice and can help to create deep and special bonds.