Women’s Circle

Participation & Community Agreement

Welcome

Thank you for joining the Women's Circle.

The Women's Circle is a supportive community for women navigating life's transitions through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and whole-person wellness. Together we'll explore practical tools, meaningful conversation, and opportunities for reflection in a warm and respectful environment.

My hope is that this community feels safe, welcoming, and supportive for everyone who participates.

Nature of the Circle

The Women's Circle is educational and experiential in nature. It is not psychotherapy, medical treatment, coaching, or crisis intervention. While many participants find the circle personally meaningful, supportive, and therapeutic, it is not a substitute for individual therapy, medical care, or mental health treatment. You are always encouraged to seek additional support whenever needed.

What to Expect

Each gathering may include:

  • Gentle movement

  • Mindfulness or meditation

  • Recipe Making

  • Journaling and reflection

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) practices

  • Education on whole-person wellness topics

  • Optional discussion and questions

  • Closing intention for the week ahead

Every gathering is designed to stand on its own, allowing you to join whenever you're ready.

Confidentiality

Creating a space of trust is one of my highest priorities. By participating, you agree to respect the privacy of everyone in the circle by not sharing another participant's personal story or identifying information outside of the group. While I will maintain professional confidentiality, confidentiality among participants cannot be guaranteed. Please share only what feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Participation

There is no expectation that you share personal experiences. You are always welcome to simply listen, reflect, journal, or participate in whatever way feels supportive for you. Everyone's journey is different, and all levels of participation are respected.


Emotional Well-Being

Some topics may naturally bring up emotions or personal reflection. Please participate at a pace that feels right for you. If you become emotionally overwhelmed, you are welcome to pause, step away briefly, or seek additional support from your own healthcare or mental health provider.

Technology

The Women's Circle is held via Zoom. Please join from a private, quiet location whenever possible. Although reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy, internet-based communication cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Crisis Support

The Women's Circle is not appropriate for individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, or require immediate assistance, please contact emergency services or your local crisis resources before participating.

Community Guidelines

To help create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for everyone, I ask that participants agree to the following:

  • Treat one another with kindness and respect.

  • Refrain from giving unsolicited advice or trying to "fix" others.

  • Honor different experiences and perspectives.

  • Honor confidentiality. Please do not share another participant's personal story or identifying information outside of the group.

  • Respect our shared time. Arrive on time whenever possible, and help us create space for everyone by keeping check-ins mindful of the group's time.

  • Speak for your parts whenever possible. Rather than speaking from a part that feels highly activated, we'll practice noticing and speaking about what that part is experiencing. There is no expectation to do this perfectly—it's simply something we'll continue learning together.

  • Allow space for gentle facilitation. At times, I may lovingly interrupt to help keep the group emotionally safe, maintain our agreements, or support the flow of the conversation.

  • Listen with curiosity rather than judgment. Everyone's experience is different, and there is no "right" way to navigate life's challenges.

  • Avoid cross-talk during check-ins. During designated sharing time, our role is to witness rather than advise, interpret, or problem-solve. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions later in the session.

  • Share at your own pace. You are always welcome to simply listen, reflect, or journal. Participation looks different for everyone, and all levels of engagement are respected.

  • Practice self-leadership. You know yourself best. Take care of your needs, pause if needed, and honor your own pace throughout our time together.

Consent

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

  • I understand the purpose and nature of the Women's Circle.

  • I understand that this is an educational and experiential community, not psychotherapy or medical treatment.

  • I understand that my participation is voluntary.

  • I agree to respect the confidentiality of fellow participants.

  • I take responsibility for my own well-being and participation.

  • I understand that I am responsible for consulting my healthcare provider before making significant changes to my nutrition, exercise, medication, or healthcare plan based on information discussed during the Women's Circle.