Circles Model
Circles Model
Circles of Connection and Resilience (“Circles”) is a model that engages young people to participate in conversations that support growth in three key areas: self-regulation, problem-solving, and planning and affecting outcomes. Through facilitated conversations, lessons, and coaching, Circles organizes the chaos borne out of life stressors, helping young people create a future in which they can thrive. We have collected qualitative data that demonstrates the impact of the Circles model.
Conversations
Facilitated conversations are a core part of Circles. Young people talk about what really matters to them and learn together how to manage the stressors associated with daily life. The conversations facilitate connection and positive relationships with peers. The model is designed to share power with young people so they are active participants in shapingeach unique Circles group. Sharing power activates them to be a driver of their mental health and wellbeing.
Coaching
At the heart of Circles is coaching. Co-facilitators are coached to infuse the model’s core principles (shared power, inclusion, nonviolence, and growth and healing) into every conversation. This is essential because Circles conversations can be emotionally difficult. Co-facilitators learn to tune into the presence or absence of safety so that participants can practice emotional safety and problem-solving skills and develop affirming relationships with themselves and others.
Lessons
The lessons are organized around four concepts that are central to the experience of being human.
These four concepts serve as the organizing framework for conversations that support participants’ ability to manage emotions, problem-solve, and develop an internalized locus of control to effect change in their lives.
Safety
Safety is the foundation of Circles because without safety, growth and healing stall. Circles breaks down safety into five types, all of which are essential to function in a healthy way: physical, psychological, social, moral, cultural.
Emotions
Life challenges can bring about overwhelming emotions. Without skills to understand and manage these emotions, many try to numb or avoid feeling these emotions. When difficult emotions are suppressed or ignored, they can come out in ways that harm relationships, disrupt school or jeopardize employment. Building skills to effectively manage emotions enables young people to build positive relationships and plan for the future.
Loss
Losing a dream, hope, person or something else we value can arouse many different kinds of intense and disturbing feelings. When this happens, our brains are overwhelmed with stress hormones, and learning is more difficult. Understanding and addressing the impact of loss paves the way for healing and growth.
Future
Hope is essential for setting goals and envisioning a future. People who experience life challenges may feel hopeless, like they are not the author of their own story. As we learn to make meaning of intense and hurtful experiences, we become more able to solve problems and develop a plan for our future goals. Developing a belief that we can influence our own future is empowering and healing.
Just as young people who participate in Circles learn from one another, co-facilitators learn and help shape ongoing adaptation of the model. The model holds space to bring our own stories and identities into each conversation, which helps shape the evolution of Circles. Each iteration of the model offers rich opportunities for learning.
Since 2014, Circles has been implemented in a variety of settings. The feedback and qualitative research we have collected from participants clearly demonstrates the transformative impact Circles has had on their lives. Our research found that participants experienced increased:
- ability to manage emotions
- problem-solving skills
- feeling of agency
- self-care behavior
- hope for their future
These outcomes help participants increase their ability to successfully navigate work, school and relationships.