Circle of Experiences (Коло досвідів)
Topic: Resilience
Emotional Intensity: HIGH
Format: Extended Workshop
Source / Author: Concept developed by Yuliia Sinkevych (Ukraine) within the Storytelling Rooms program. Adapted by Anastasia Netrebytska with a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach.
Topic
Resilience
Also relevant for
Mental Health, Community & Inclusion, Trauma-informed Youth Work, Post-Conflict Dialogue
Objective (learning focus)
To create a safe, trauma-informed space where young people affected by war can reflect on their lived experiences, strengthen resilience, and feel seen and supported — without pressure to disclose detailed personal stories. The workshop prioritizes presence, dignity, meaning-making, and collective support rather than storytelling for documentation.
Target group
Young adults (18–29) Primarily youth affected by war, displacement, loss, or prolonged uncertainty.
Group size
8–15 participants (recommended). Maximum 18 with two facilitators.
Timing
2–2.5 hours
Materials Needed
Chairs arranged in a circle
Flipchart or large paper + markers
Associative cards (e.g., Dixit, Open Dialogues for Peace)
Small symbolic objects or images
Water and light snacks
Optional grounding elements (soft music, candle, sensory object)
Step-by-step guide:
1. Opening Circle & Introduction (30 min)
Facilitator introduces the purpose of the workshop and frames it as a reflective, supportive space. Participants introduce themselves through a Tree of Identity metaphor (short, voluntary):
Roots — origins / culture
Trunk — experiences / skills
Branches — dreams
Leaves — supportive people
Storms — challenges (without details)
Emphasize: sharing depth is always a choice.
2. Setting Safety & Agreements (15-20 min)
Co-create group agreements:
Right to pass / STOP rule
Confidentiality
No advice-giving or analysis
Respect for silence and emotions
Clarify:
“No one is expected to tell their full story. Presence and listening are already participation.”
3. Entering the Theme (15 min)
Participants choose one associative card or image.
Prompt:
“What in this image or word resonates with how you feel today?”
Short sharing, one at a time. No comments from others.
4. Circle of Reflections (45–60 min)
Core part of the workshop. Participants speak (or pass) about:
feelings, metaphors, insights
what living through war has changed in them
what helps them stay human, grounded, or hopeful
No detailed event narratives. Others listen in silence.
Facilitator role:
hold the pace
normalize pauses
gently redirect from graphic storytelling to meaning
5. Reframing Through Symbols (20 min)
Participants choose an image or object that represents:
strength
support
balance
dignity
hope
Each participant may share:
“I choose this because…”
6. Closing Reflection & Grounding (20 min)
Guided reflection questions (choose 2–3):
What do I take with me from this circle?
What supported me today?
What will help me stay balanced after this session?
End with a grounding practice:
breathing
body awareness
sensory orientation to the room
Ensure participants leave emotionally regulated.
Expected outcomes (for participants)
Increased sense of dignity, visibility, and belonging
Strengthened group empathy and trust
Reduced emotional tension through shared reflection
Greater capacity to hold personal experience with balance and meaning
Feeling less alone with one’s story
Trauma-informed note:
No pressure to share personal or traumatic details
Silence is valid participation
Avoid “why” questions; focus on “what”, “how”, “what helps”
This workshop is not for story collection or documentation
Psychological safety note:
Ensure on-site psychological support or provide clear contact information for a qualified mental health professional. Participants should know support is available if emotions become overwhelming.
Adaptation (context / intercultural / age)
Suitable for mixed groups (IDPs, volunteers, activists, veterans)
Can be shortened slightly, but not below 2 hours
Not recommended for minors without additional safeguards
Avoid recording, filming, or note-taking during the process
Recommendations for facilitators
Advanced facilitation and trauma-informed competence required
Maintain neutrality; do not interpret or reframe participants’ words
Allow silence and slow pacing
Always close with grounding and future-oriented reflection
Have a clear support plan before starting