Connection Circles were launched by Mary Adams, LCSW, and Barbara DiGangi, LMSW in response to Covid, civil unrest and the 2020 political climate.
During a time when burnout and stress is at an all-time high, virtual Connection Circles offer an opportunity for folks to allocate time and space to connect and process with each other. It’s a trauma-informed and healing-centered community building strategy to buffer against emotional distress, uncertainty, trauma and secondary stress.
Connection Circles can be used for any group ranging from teams and colleagues to community members, youth and parents. It’s typically 1.5 hours long and consists of a mindfulness exercise, guided prompts for emotional processing and reflection, and psychoeducation on stress and healthy coping skills.
For Teams
Connection Circles offer an opportunity for community members or a team to check-in. They provide insight and information regarding how people are feeling, their challenges, what support they may need and what’s working well for them. Connections Circles for staff aim to increase resilience, prevent burnout, provide emotional support, and build connection amongst team members. It’s also a way for a leader to offer support to their team and communicate that their mental health, self-care and well-being are important. In addition to being beneficial on an ongoing basis, specific Connection Circles may also be tailored towards a specific issue or event such as a crisis, death or loss, or emotionally charged event.
Facilitator trainings for Connection Circles offer leaders and key staff a model to build into their climate and culture for debriefing and checking-in with their colleagues.
Host a Circle
We’re currently offering Connection Circle Facilitation and Connection Circle Facilitator’s Training. Fees for circles and trainings vary. Contact Barbara for circle or training inquiries.
Testimonials
“Thank[s] for today’s lovely and moving session. I think it’s the first time in months that I’ve experienced a safe place professionally to just feel and share. It was both healing and communal and very much appreciated. Thank you, Mary and Barbara, for sharing your skill and gifts.”
“It bolstered my spirits to be with you all and to marvel at Barbara's and Mary's skills…I just knew to show up. Take care. Thanks.”
“The session seemed really well received, and I am grateful also for the resources and the steps you were able to share with the participants...Thank you again for creating such a responsive session, and for sharing so generously your lessons learned.”
“I want to thank you for facilitating the meeting last week; it was well-received by the parents, school staff, and me. The parents found the techniques and questions asked to be helpful and have incorporated [them] into their daily routines.”
“It was a really moving experience”
“It meant so much to have a space where I could be and share my experience and hear other staff experiences.”
“It was really moving and powerful.”
“Thank you for facilitating the Connecting Circle last week…. I know you had about 10 families participate, and they appreciated a safe space to talk about what's been challenging for them. Because remote learning is likely to be on-going, continuing opportunities for parents to be heard and more will be needed.”