1. Purpose of the 6-Week Trial Run
The trial run serves as an experimental Minimum Viable Product (MVP) test. Rather than launching a full-scale public offering immediately, the team is running a small, closed pilot to test assumptions, refine protocols, and establish proof-of-concept.
The primary objectives are:
Validate the Paid Facilitator Model: Test the feasibility, willingness-to-pay, and pricing dynamics of transitioning the Empathy Circle practice from a free/gift-economy model into a professionally compensated role.
Test Participant Retention & Cohort Dynamics: Evaluate how a committed, closed group of 6 participants bonds and progresses over consecutive weeks compared to one-off, drop-in Empathy Cafes.
Establish Facilitator Guidelines & Standards: Define the boundaries of the facilitator role—specifically balancing structured listening enforcement without drifting into licensed psychotherapy or unstructured support groups.
Gather Structured Feedback: Harvest direct qualitative feedback and survey data from participants and facilitators across the 6 weeks to refine marketing copy, agreements, and session formatting.
Prototype Financial Sustainability: Lay the groundwork for the core financial engine intended to sustainably support facilitators full-time and fund The Empathy Center (501(c)(3)).
2. The Operational Plan
Cohort Structure & Participant Size
Cohort Size: 6 participants plus the facilitator.
Duration: 6 weekly sessions running for approximately 90 to 120 minutes per session.
Cohort Continuity: A fixed, closed cohort where participants commit to the full 6 weeks, fostering psychological safety and familiarity.
The Circle Process & Flow
Standard Active Listening Protocol: Each participant receives dedicated, timed turns to share what is on their mind without interruption, debate, or unsolicited advice.
Reflective Listening: The chosen listener reflects back the speaker's thoughts and feelings until the speaker indicates they feel fully heard to their satisfaction.
Rotational Mutuality: Roles rotate until all participants and the facilitator have taken turns as speaker and listener.
De-brief / Check-out: The final portion of the circle is reserved for a brief check-out and experiential feedback to inform subsequent iterations.
Logistics, Agreements & Administration
Pre-Trial Onboarding & Agreements: Participants review guidelines clarifying that the space is peer-led mutual support and self-care, not clinical therapy. A confidentiality agreement is signed prior to the first meeting to protect personal sharing.
Payment Mechanism: Testing fee collection prior to or at the start of the series, working out revenue distribution, platform fees, and refund/absence policies.
Facilitator Debrief & Iteration: Post-session notes and facilitator meetings will track operational roadblocks, time management issues, and participant feedback to update the official project roadmap and facilitator training materials.