Talk & Listen Sessions

What we’re about

Talk and Listen Sessions

Description

Feeling the need to talk about a troubling issue, share something that's playing on your mind or simply have something you'd like to talk about? You can do so in our small, informal and friendly group. This is a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space.

You can take part for free as I don't charge for running these sessions. I use Meetup to manage the actual events. You can sign up for free here:

Talk & Listen

We actively and empathically listen to each person. We try and help the speaker identify and explore their feelings and needs if they would like this. We do not offer each other advice but can offer thoughts to help the speaker gain greater insight.

Everyone who wants to speak will have opportunities to do so and anyone wanting to just listen, empathise and provide feedback is welcome to do so. The talking and the listening are equally important!

A deeper human connection is sought during the session so that people can feel heard and understood with feedback from other members.

Format

We follow an informal but considered way of sharing the space. We use ideas drawn from mentoring, psychotherapy, empathic listening and non-violent communication. Although this may seem a bit like group therapy it is not a formal therapy session. It is not suitable for anyone in crisis or requiring urgent help.

It is more informal, friendly and will involve some discussion in the group, where we can all share our own thoughts and feelings on the issues raised. We will also expand to a more general conversation about some of the subjects that come up and related topics.

The format is more "cafe conversation" rather than "therapy room analysis". The aim is to meet with people in a space encouraging deeper, authentic and meaningful connection compared to, say, a social night out in a pub or a bar where the expectation might be more on "small talk" and "banter" (although that's good too, just a different kind of event!).

Discussion Sessions

I'm also going to arrange some group discussion events where we will have an opportunity to talk about various issues.

These might include subjects such as personal growth, motivation, existentialism, psychoanalytic concepts, human connection, social psychology, emotional intelligence, traumatic experience, positive living, anxiety, depression, happiness and fulfilment, humanity and society, and other topics members wish to bring to the group.

Other Sessions and Events

I may also invite guest facilitators or speakers or arrange visiting events run by other groups or organisations that may be relevant and of interest. These might include seminars, classes etc.

Please feel free to make suggestions of things you may like to be involved in. All of this will take time to evolve and develop as this is a new group and I am trying to find a suitable path for it for the benefit of members.