Listening Circles

The International Institute for Restorative Practices

Adapted by Frida Rundell

 Witnessing Relational Alliances
The Practitioner’s Windows of Opportunity

AWARE UNAWARE

1 2
EMPOWERED

Reclaiming Coercive
Restorative Manipulative

4 3

DISEMPOWERED
Discomfort Neglectful
Frustration Numb

Rundell,2007 Adapted from Weingartein,2004 & Costella et. al. 2009)

 Relational Care Ladder
Frida Rundell Ph.D.(2017)

Client Needs Professional Competencies to be used.

CHALLENGE Competence, Mastery, Play.

Empowerment

Feelings ENGAGEMENT
Joy of companionship, attunement, now moments.

Awareness NURTURE
Security, Self Worth, Stress Reduction.

Safety STRUCTURE
Safety, Organization, Regulation.

“SNEC”
What listening circles are NOT
• Dialogue
• Discussion
• Facilitators giving advice
• Judgement on how others have been impacted
• A process to fix the problem
Our Agreement for small group gatherings

1. I recognize the facilitator as moderator

2. I will answer only the questions that are asked
3. I will speak when holding the “Talking Piece”
4. I will not comment on what others have said
5. I can pass if I do not wish to share
5. I will be respectful at all times
6. I will not share others experiences outside of this group.
Process
• Open with a check in: a fun fact.
• Read through the agreement
• Choose the topic for the three questions
• No more than 6 in a group.
• Meta-discussion closure after the small group go-around.
“What words or phrases stood out for you as you listened?”
* Close with what did you learn, realize or were surprised at during our
listening circle.
Listening Circle (each person limits to a maximum of 2 minutes each
time.)

• First Question:
What impact does _________ have on your life?
• Second Question:
What has been most difficult for you talking about this?
• Third Question:
What one support would you wish to put in place for yourself?
• Meta-discussion:
What word or phrases did you hear in our listening circle?