Circle Holding

NEW BOOK! CIRCLE HOLDING: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FACILITATING TALKING CIRCLES

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“For anyone considering venturing into facilitating a circle, this book is essential reading…

Davis and Sanderson are wise and encouraging guides”

~ Juno Magazine, Autumn 2024

What people are saying about the book…

“A much-needed guide to the art and skills of circle holding, this book is inviting, accessible, and full of inspiration and practical advice. If you work with groups, or you would like to, put it at the top of your reading list - you won't regret it."

Jess Glenny, somatic movement teacher, facilitator, therapist
“With crystalline enquiry and analysis, as well as passion for the form, they have built an easeful, how- to guide for beginning and extending a circle-facilitation practice. What a treasure trove of thoughtful, creative tools for holding the simplest and most informal circles through to managing serious and impactful group intentions. Thank you!"

Jane Bennett, Menstrual Educator and Founder of the Celebration Day for Girls
“ As an individual working in hospitals and prison settings, Circle Holding was a transformational read. In the exploration of meaningful connection, the authors’ heartfelt voices were especially moving as they led us to gain intimate insight into how various communities engage with the shared values of inclusivity, personal and communal growth."

Soshana Perry, Narrativ 4 Facilitator & Mindfulness Educaor
"A gorgeously nourishing book that will open the heart of anyone who reads it. Julia and Tessa take us on an inspiring journey, immersing us in knowledge and courage so we know how to design beautiful inclusive, safe and creative circles in an infinite number of ways."

Fiona Agombar, Yoga Therapist, author and Rest Activist
Circle Holding by Julia Davis and Tessa Venuti Sanderson is a must-have guide for anyone leading circles. Their passion shines through as they empower you to create safe, supportive spaces for meaningful conversations. Packed with practical tips and insightful interviews, this book equips you to confidently navigate every step. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just starting out, Circle Holding will be your trusted companion on your circle-leading journey.

Donna Noble, Author, Teaching Body Positive Yoga
Julia Davis and Tessa Sanderson's clear, approachable discussion of the dynamic process of circle holding in Talking Circles is vital reading for anyone interested in fostering empathy and empowering positive change. It will be extremely useful for my own work in interfaith and cross communal conversations. This is a book that will help build the supportive communities of the future, and enable anyone to access the necessary skills required to set up and run a circle, enabling us to appreciate and overcome any challenges along the way. It is written with warmth, insight and humour. A significant contribution to changing the culture and building a better society.

Ariel Kahn, novelist and Associate Artist at the Woolf Interfaith Institute
Julia Davis and Tessa Sanderson take us gently by the hand and invite us to dive into the possibilities for connection and healing that are calling us to hold space for our communities. Deeply practical, it offers step-by-step guidance on everything we need to consider; who to invite, inclusion, venues and online meetings, preparing the space, marketing, support and money are all laid out. An absolute gem, I wish this book had existed before I held circles - it would have saved me heaps of time, energy and heartache.

Kate Codrington, Author of Second Spring and The Perimenopause Journal
Just wow!! This book is ALL THE THINGS when considering or creating a Circle. So many authors on this subject focus only on what will be happening during the event but these authors cover not only those essentials with great passion, insight and depth but then also speak to the 'dream space' that will lead you to create a deeply authentic-to-you, congruent and meaningful offering. They then double down on the value by walking the reader, step by step through all the technical, logistic, administrative and challenges of circle creation by sharing their personal insights and 'time in the trenches'. It's beautiful, powerful and pretty ESSENTIAL if you like to either start your journey creating Circles or want to seriously hone your craft!

Jenny Burrell, Founder of Burrell Education
Julia Davis and Tessa Sanderson have written a well researched, clearly communicated and compelling story into the art and craft of how important Talking Circles are and how they work. It is strong theoretically AND practically. This is an essential read for anyone who works in the Wellness Industry - Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Sound Healer, Breathwork Facilitator - because all of this work essentially takes place in the sacred space of a circle. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Benedict Beaumont, Founder of Breathing Space

Have you been dreaming of building community & connection?

Learn how to facilitate trauma-informed talking circles in your community

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DEVELOP YOUR CIRCLE FACILTATION SKILLS

Talking circles can be transformational on a personal, community and global level. They are an ancient form of connection, starting in the simplest way; huddling around a fire. Circle gatherings can be simple and happen spontaneously. They can also be elaborate with layers of ceremony.

The truth is there is no one right way of holding a circle space. By guiding you to understand the needs of your community or the people you wish to support, an understanding of the components of a talking circle needed to create a strong container and the skills to manage group dynamics, you will be confident in providing the most valuable resource: connection.

Circle Fundamentals

An 3-hour online introductory workshop

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Weekend Retreat

In person 2-day immersion in circle faciliation

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The Circle Holders Journey

12 Week Certified Circle Facilitation Training

Group Mentoring Programme

90 minute bi-monthly sessions for group facilitators. 3 month programme. Thursdays 1200-1330 Live.

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Circle Facilitation: Self Study Programme

A step by step guide to circle facilitation created to take you through each step from invitation to close.

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Listening Skills Practice

A 60 minute live experience of listening partnerships and listening skills.

A useful tool for lifting up quiet voices.

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Work with us

For a clarity call on which training is right for you, bespoke training or mentoring, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Book Clarity Call

About Julia and Tessa

Autumn Retreat

Join us for a nourishing residential circle holding retreat experience.

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Yoga Nidra & Circle Holding

Create your bespoke yoga nidra practices and learn circle holding techniques you can use when sharing this practice with groups.

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Work with us

Book your 15 minute discovery call to find out what training is right for you.

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Upcoming events.

Trainings

Listening Skills Practice (online) Thursday 14 November 2024 1200-1300 GMT - 1 hour workshop

In Person Book Launch Thursday 14 November 1830-2030 GMT - West End Lane Books, London

Circle Fundamentals (online) Wednesday 24 November 2024 0930 - 1230 GMT - 3-hour workshop (3 spaces left)

Book Club (online) 16 Jan - 6 Feb 2025 1230 - 1330 GMT - 4-week dive into the book together

Group Mentoring Programme (online) 13 Feb - 8 May 2025 1200 - 1330 GMT - 3 month live programme

Comprehensive Facilitator Training (online) Mondays Bi-Weekly 13 Jan - 31 March 2025 13:00-15:00 - 12-week in-depth training - Early bird ends 4th December 2024

Circle Holding Fundamentals (online) Monday 3rd February 2025 1200 - 1500 GMT

London Weekend Retreat 8 & 9 March 2025 10-16:00 2025 GMT - immersive non-residential training

Yoga Nidra & Circle Holding Facilitator Training (online) 28 April l- 16 June 2025 1230-1430 BST

Autumn Weekend Retreat 3-5th October 2025 - residential retreat at Holland House, Worcestershire

Join whenever you like: Self-study course

Free mini trainings happen regularly through the year.

What people are saying…

“Fabulous and inspiring course. Run by two lovely people who made me feel safe and supported as well as being encouraged to take risks and try new things/skills. I feel empowered to take these new offerings into my community.".”

Louise Reynolds
"Your training helped enormously, I think it gave me the confidence boost that I needed just beforehand. It helped me to create the structure that I needed and the shared guidelines were much appreciated."

Anna Carruthers
"I loved the course, it was informative, interactive and inspiring. I finished the course totally inspired to hold a circle for menopausal women to help build community and fight isolation in our increasingly automated world. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in starting to learn how to facilitate circles."

Emma Catherine Lawn
""The course itself has been a space to explore, to listen and to learn in a way that is safe to express whatever I have experienced and know whatever I share will be held with respect and kindness. my ambition is to create these spaces and also prioritise joining these spaces held by others."

Roisin Gaughran

Our book

Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles hit the shelves in October 2024. It has 20 chapters guiding you through the essential components of circle holding, with exercises and stories, plus special guidance around including children, movement practices and online gatherings. Get special discount code to order the book directly from Singing Dragon when you sign up for updates…

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