About Empathy Circles
An Empathy Circle is a structured dialogue process that effectively supports meaningful and constructive dialogue. The basic process can be fairly easily learned in about 15 minutes and it is a lifelong practice to deepen. An Empathy Circle increases mutual understanding and connection by ensuring that each person feels fully heard to their satisfaction. The practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing and deepening listening and empathy skills, as well as, nurturing an empathic way of being.
How-To Conduct an Empathy Circle
In a circle of 3-5 participants:
- The first person selects who they will speak to.
- They speak for whatever comes up for a set time (typically 3-5 minutes).
- The listener reflects back on what they are hearing until the speaker feels heard and understood to their satisfaction.
- The it is the listener’s turn to select who they will speak to and for that new listener to reflect back on what they are hearing.
- Everyone helps to hold the circle process by monitoring and sticking to the steps.
- The dialog continues around the circle for the time allotted.
Speaker tips:
- Please give the listener a chance to reflect back on what they heard.
- When you are done talking and feel fully heard, please say “I feel fully heard.”
Active Listener/Reflector
- In your own words, reflect back on the essence on what you hear the speaker saying.
- Refrain from asking questions, judging, analyzing, detaching, diagnosing advising or even sympathizing. When it’s your turn to speak, you can say what you want.
- Ask the speaker to pause periodically so that you can reflect back on what you have heard.
Silent Listeners
- Listen and be present to the exchange between the speaker and the active listener. You will soon have a turn to listen and speak.
Resources
- Empathy Circle Website: This is a resource site for taking part in, learning about, facilitating, developing
and spreading the Empathy Circle practice. - Empathy Circle Facilitation Training: Sign up to receive training on how to facilitate empathy circles.
