This section is one of the most important area of the website. It answers your questions about the who, when, where, why and how. 

So lets kick off... 

Where do circle sharing originate from? 

Sharing circles, also known as talking circles or healing circles, originate from Indigenous cultures, particularly among Native American and First Nations peoples in North America. These circles are deeply rooted in spiritual, communal, and ceremonial traditions and are used as a way to foster respectful communication, collective healing, and community decision-making. 

In modern times, sharing circles have been adapted into restorative justice frameworks, especially in schools, prisons, and community mediation and are used as a powerful tool to promote emotional healing, connection, and mutual support. 

What are the benefits of joining a circle sharing?

There are many ...

• A safe space for expression, sharing circles provide a non-judgmental environment where people can speak openly about their feelings and experiences.
• Emotional release and healing. In speaking from the heart and being witnessed can help release suppressed emotions and promote healing, especially from trauma or grief.
• Increased self-awareness on your own experiences and hearing others’ stories can deepen your understanding of yourself.
• Sharing circles can foster connection and community, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness.
• Empathy and compassion. Listening to others’ stories cultivates empathy and helps participants see the world through different perspectives.
• Improved Communication Skills. Practicing active listening and respectful speaking enhances interpersonal communication.

Who goes to a circle sharing?

Anyone can attend a sharing circle, but the people who participate often share a common purpose, experience, or intention. What unites participants is a desire to be heard and to listen and a commitment to respect, confidentiality, and presence.

What is the structure of circle sharing session?

It looks something like this...

Welcome & Grounding 

The facilitator opens the circle with a warm welcome and an overview of the session format. 

Circle agreements are reviewed:

• Speak from the heart
• Listen with respect
• No interrupting or fixing
• Confidentiality is honoured
• Timing explained 
• The talking stick 

Opening

A first round the room with just name and perhaps sharing one word about how they’re arriving today (emotionally, mentally or physically).

A short reading, a poem, or some deep breathing may be incorporate to set the tone.

Sharing 

The talking stick is passed around. Each person speaks when they hold it; others listen silently.

The facilitator will keep time to ensure everyone has time to share and it anyone runs over then this will be indicated to them in a gentle way.

No one has to share—passing is always allowed if you don’t want to speak.

Reflections  

Participants reflect on what they heard or felt. Prompts might include:

“What are you taking with you from today’s circle?”

“What did you learn about yourself or others?”

Closing 

Facilitator thanks everyone and formally closes the circle.

What is the role of the facilitator and what are your credentials that qualify you to run a circle sharing group? 

The facilitator plays a crucial role in holding the space and guiding the process. 

The facilitator is not a therapist but rather a space-holder who ensures the circle remains respectful, inclusive, and emotionally safe. They will gently guide the flow, holding silence when needed, and managing time.

There isn’t a qualification or professional body aligned to this work.

A facilitator will…

• Setting the intention and theme for the session (if there is one)
• Prepare the space to feel safe and welcoming
• Establish group agreements (e.g., confidentiality, respect, no interrupting)
• Open the circle with a grounding activity or ritual
• Introduce the talking piece and explain the process
• Ensure everyone has a chance to speak and feels heard
• Addressing any emotional distress or conflict with care and neutrality.
• Close the circle 
• Offer follow-up support or sign post to relevant resources if needed.
• Reflect on the session to improve future circles.

There’s no single credential that qualifies someone to facilitate a sharing circle. 

Some people have a counselling, social work, or psychology background, others have lived-in experience of emotional trauma or mental health issues that has given them an insight into leading this type of work. 

The ability to manage group energy and emotional intensity is essential.

Other essential qualities are seen as deep empathy and presence, strong listening and communication skills and cultural humility and respect for diverse experiences. 

For me, I fall into the category of lived in experience. I have emotional trauma from experiences and relationships that continues to challenge me. I have some mental health issues that are ever present and always will be. However, I have learnt a lot through my own journey of trying to live my life in the most stable, calm and happy way. 

Circle sharing has undoubtedly helped me and the feeling of being park of a connection that is warm and supporting. This is what led me to want to share how special circle sharing groups are. They have enabled so much reflection on my past and how I want to move forward in a fulfilled contented way. 

I do have some qualifications that align with this work (see the about me page ) but I know that the real insight to this work comes from experience and being able to see the bigger picture of life and experiences.  I’m passionate about this work and being able to give some of myself into leading these groups.

I’m nervous about being with a group of strangers and not feeling a connection to the circle

That’s such a valid feeling—and you’re definitely not alone in it. Many people feel nervous before joining a sharing circle, especially when it involves opening up around strangers. It’s okay to just listen, you’re never made to speak in a sharing circle. You can simply listen and observe until you feel more comfortable. Just being present is enough.

It’s natural not to feel an instant connection but over time, as people share honestly and respectfully, a sense of trust and belonging often begins to grow—sometimes in quiet, unexpected ways. Many others in the circle may be feeling the same nervousness. That shared vulnerability is actually what makes the circle so powerful.

What type of thing do I share?

That’s a great question—and one that many people wonder about before joining a sharing circle. The beauty of a circle is that you get to choose what you share, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” thing to say. 

You might share a thought or reflection about something you’ve been thinking about lately or a realisation or insight you’ve had. Sometimes a feeling or emotion about how you’re feeling  such as “I’m feeling anxious being here, but also curious.”

A memory, challenge, or meaningful experience from your life or a hope or intention that you’re working on “I’m here to learn how to be more open with others.”

Honesty about not knowing what to say is completely okay too.

“I’m not sure what to share yet, but I’m grateful to be here and listening.”

The circle is about being heard, not being fixed or judged.

You can always pass if you’re not ready to speak. You don’t need to be profound or polished, authenticity is enough.

I’m an emotional person.. what if I get upset?

It’s completely okay to get emotional in a sharing circle. In fact, it’s often a sign that something meaningful is being touched—and the circle is designed to hold space for those emotions with care and respect.

Emotions are welcomed, not shamed.

You can take your time, if you need a moment to breathe, cry, or pause, that’s absolutely okay, you can always say, “i need a moment,” or “I’d like to pass for now.”

Remember that getting emotional is not a weakness—it’s a sign of courage and authenticity. Many people find that sharing their feelings, even through tears, leads to deep relief and connection.

How do I know this is a safe space to share my feelings? 

Feeling safe is essential to being able to share authentically. 

There will be clear group agreements (see the ?? tab) and these will be briefly mentioned at the beginning of each meeting. 

‘Share with Clare’ circle space honours diversity and encourages authenticity. All identities, backgrounds, and emotions are welcomed. Inclusivity and non-judgement are paramount. 

Do I have to commit to coming every week?

There are generally two types of groups, one a drop-in when you can be flexible about attendance and go when you feel or the circles are held in blocks, typically 4 or 6 weeks. 

There are merits in both as...

Drop-In Circles

• You can attend whenever you feel called to.
• No pressure to commit weekly.
• Great for newcomers or those with busy schedules.

Closed Circles

• Usually run for a set number of weeks.
• Regular attendance can build trust and continuity.

Initially I will run 4 week blocks and then see how things progress. Please see the bookings page. 

What happens is someone discloses something that could be harmful to them or someone else? 

That’s a really thoughtful and important question. In a sharing circle, emotional safety is a priority—but so is real-world safety. If someone shares something that suggests they or someone else is in danger, the facilitator has a responsibility to respond appropriately.

If someone shares thoughts of self-harm or suicide, plans to harm someone else, experiences of abuse or neglect (especially involving children or vulnerable adults) confidentiality will be overruled to ensure safety.

Depending on the nature of the situation, I will speak to the person privately after the circle to offer support and resources (e.g., crisis lines, mental health services) if appropriate. 

In some cases, I may need to contact emergency services or a safeguarding authority.

Please see my Safeguarding Policy 

If action is taken, it’s not to shame or punish—it’s to protect and support the person involved. 

The circle remains a place of compassion, even when serious issues arise.