Where Healing Begins: The Power of Circles in Community Wellness

In a world that often rushes to offer advice, healing circles remind us that being heard – truly listened to and seen – is sometimes the most powerful medicine of all.

A healing circle, like its name suggests, is conducted in a circle where participants come together to share and provide support to each other. It is built on the values of empathy, compassion, unity, trust and equality. For these values to be upheld, whatever is said in the healing circle is strictly confidential, and participation is voluntary, where no participant is required to share unless they choose to. (Justice, 2019)

To ensure equality, a talking piece is used, allowing only the person holding it to share with the people around. The others have to give the speaker the space, attention, and silence to share openly about their experiences. This will allow everybody to feel that they were given the space and time to share and, more importantly, be heard, allowing them to build trust with the people around them. 

Facilitators must build on this by asking meaningful questions to the speaker and the floor, allowing everyone to reflect and empathise with each other’s shared experiences. More importantly, facilitators must be able to read the room and ensure that no overt judgments are being made by any participant, thereby creating a safe yet open environment. 

Healing circles are a unique community support tool where bonds are formed through the vulnerability of individuals. Vulnerability is welcomed in healing circles, where others can see themselves in each other’s shoes. That sense of ‘me too’ forms the foundation of trust and emotional closeness between participants. When individuals witness others opening up and being supported, they learn that community support is not only available but powerful in reducing stigma and loneliness. 

In conclusion, healing circles are a unique community support tool that has its foundation constructed to support vulnerable individuals, giving them not only a space to share, but also allows them to actively listen to others, allowing for an open-minded and empathetic space to be formed. If you ever find yourself in a dark or difficult spot, know that there are support tools out there; don’t be afraid to reach out.

Written by: Jovan Chow

01/2026

References

Justice, H. (2019). Healing retreats for crime victims, survivors, exonerees & their families| healing justice. Healing Retreats. https://healingjusticeproject.org/healing-retreats/