Gordon Asks: how to deepen authenticity in an empathy circle?
Self Revelation, Personal Openness of Facilitator
One thing that I do to foster more authenticity is to share something myself. I "take the first turn" so to speak by setting the tone and being vulnerable myself.
Create Safety
The other thing that I have found is important in creating safety in a group is to set some ground rules such as, no preaching, advice giving, fixing, or rescuing and keep it personal by using "I" language rather than "you" language . The last thing I want when I am being vulnerable is for someone to give me advice!
Set Ground Rules
set some ground rules such as, no preaching, advice giving, fixing, or rescuing and keep it personal by using "I" language rather than "you" language .
Edwin
Set Themes
how about the circle theme being something like share a stress, anxiety, or fear you are dealing with?