Restorative Circles

Experience one of the oldest forms of group processes that is grounded in indigenous traditions and wisdom.

Participate in courageous sharing and authentic relationship-building, through equal opportunity for every voice. 

Let go of mainstream heated debates and instead engage in a holistic, generative process that truly fosters community and understanding.

Allow the intentionality of the circle’s flow to ground you in your heart and transform the way you listen and interact with others.

  • Restorative circles, also known as “circle processes,” originated from indigenous and First Nations peoples and we are grateful for the wisdom they offer us. It is believed that convening in circles has been a part of numerous ancient cultures all across the world and that, as social beings, we innately recognize the value and potential of sitting in circle with others. This is the core of restorative circles – a non-hierarchical approach of physically (or virtually) gathering in a circle so every person can see each other and no table is present to impede the view of each person fully.

    Through a very intentional structure and flow of the facilitation process, restorative circles offer participants an equal opportunity to speak about a planned theme through storytelling and personal experiences while the group offers compassionate presence and deep listening. Restorative circles foster rich encounters and deeper empathy around different perspectives and experiences.

    • Connection and community-building circles:

      • Welcoming a new member into your group/staff

      • Growing in deeper understanding around each person’s passion for a specific type of work or ministry

      • Orientation for a group that is meeting each other for the first time

    • Gratitude, celebration, or farewell circles:

      • Thanking a group member or honoring someone for their service or career

      • Celebrating an individual or a group’s milestone

      • Intentionally transitioning or closing a group’s time together after a season of community and connection

    • Exploring or learning circles:

      • Learning more and better understanding a variety of perspectives on a specific topic

      • Exploring or brainstorming ideas

    • Wisdom, envisioning and discernment circles:

      • Shifting from one’s head to one’s heart in order to more intentionally step forward with future plans about a specific ministry, program, organization

      • Seeking wisdom around a specific life transition (wisdom for a new parent for example)

      • Engaging in creative brainstorming and envisioning process

    • Other:

      • Grieving a collective loss or a person

      • Seeking healing (many healing circles require additional training depending on the intensity of the harm)

  • In a restorative circle there are agreed upon shared values (such as no cross-talk) guiding the conversation, and each person has an opportunity to speak when a talking piece is passed around the circle to designate that it is their turn. With having only set times a person is able to speak, each group member is able to more deeply embrace listening, not from a place of needing to immediately respond, but from a place of love and empathy. This allows for a very different type of listening and a different type of group process to unfold than in a more typical group discussion set up. The structure of the circle also prevents only one or a few individuals from dominating the speaking time and instead allows for every person to share their voice.

  • No! I offer restorative circles to all different types of groups. The incredible transformative power of circle processes is for everyone and they can easily be adapted to fit the unique needs and hopes of that particular group. I would be happy to learn more about your particular group. Please contact me using this email form and we can schedule a call to discuss your particular group.

  • Each circle varies in expense depending on how much preparation will be needed. To receive a quote, please email me by using the contact form here.

    There will also be opportunities for individuals without a set group to participate in circles and those participant fees will be announced at the time a new circle is scheduled.

  • Please email me with your question by using the contact form here.

Sign up here to receive updates about the next scheduled restorative circle
Have a group you want a circle for? Let's connect!

What People Are Saying

  • "Participating in the sacred listening group facilitated by Emily was a truly transformative experience. Her gentle, grounded presence created a safe and sacred space where authentic sharing could unfold naturally. Through the circle process, I found myself deeply heard—not just with ears, but with heart and spirit. It was a time of profound connection, where each voice was honored and each silence held meaning. The experience filled me with both joy and insight, offering a new and unexpected gift on my spiritual journey. Emily’s skillful and intuitive facilitation allowed something deeply human and deeply sacred to emerge. I left feeling nourished, seen, and more connected to myself and others. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this circle. It was more than a gathering—it was a sanctuary of presence and truth."

    — Ronna S., Interspiritual Minister, Counsellor and Companion

  • "I was part of an interspiritual circle process that Emily facilitated and it was an amazing experience!! She led us through our sacred time together with compassion and grace. I am personally pulled towards those with gentle voices and Emily's voice is comforting!! As a Spiritual Companion myself- I so appreciate feeling safe in community and that was definitely present in the circle!! I look forward to future gatherings with Emily!!"

    - Joanne K., Spiritual Companion

  • "Emily holds truly sacred space in her Interspiritual companioning circles, where all paths of spirituality are welcomed. A space that feels both brave and safer, brave in that it invites honest, heartfelt sharing, with a container of mutual respect. Safer in that it feels cozy and grounded as a shared space can be. He facilitation flows with warmth, love and gentle presence, allowing each person to feel seen heard and honored. The time in the circle passes effortlessly, as if only a moment has gone by, because the experience is so nourishing. Her circle blooms like a garden of souls, each voice a radiant bloom, bringing unique beauty and resonance. By the end you may leave with a sense of comfort, joy and spiritual restoration."

    — Rev. Dominique-Faith Worthington