Queer Connections:
an LGBTQIA+ self compassion workshop
It is common for there to be times when we want to feel more connected to ourselves and our communities. This space is about showing up as we are and offering the framework for us to hold ourselves and each other in kinder and more compassionate ways, that foster connection and co-regulation.
These workshops are centred around:
gentle self-awareness and kindness,
compassionate self-talk,
embracing imperfections and self-acceptance,
nurturing resilience, and
compassionate action.
They involve:
compassion meditations,
embodiment exercises,
writing exercises, and
group reflection.
The intention behind this work is to offer a space that holds queer people softly and gently, and that enhances self-connection and community connection. We can't get too much of this in the current climate!
If you are LGBTQIA+ and you are curious about making connections and practising more self compassion, then this workshop is for you. All you need to do is come and try it out! The aim is for this space to be playful, non-judgemental, and low pressure. We are co-creating the space together and so we get to decide how it looks to make it work for our diverse minds and bodies. You don’t need to do anything beforehand to prepare and, although there will be lots of opportunities to speak and share our experiences of the exercises, this is never a requirement, and I will be led by you in terms of how much you want to participate. Part of self-compassion is about being able to embrace ourselves in all our messy, human imperfections, and being present with our fears of what it means to be vulnerable.
The workshops take place at Silk Brighton and are priced at £6 per session, £36 per 6-week block. If you can’t afford it, you are still absolutely welcome to come. When you go through the booking portal enter the code FREE in the discount bar and you’ll be able to book in without paying. For those that have the means, it is very appreciated if you can make a pay it forward donation to support the running of the workshop, and the capacity for people to come for free if they need to. The workshop is not for profit.
Disclaimer: this is a co-created and shared community space and is not group therapy, nor is it a replacement for therapy. The exercises and skills we will be working with can bring up all sorts of feelings which is totally okay and welcomed. If you feel you need more support, Please see the FAQs below for more information.
safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives - Bessel Van Der Kolk
Location:
Silk Brighton
3 Queens Place, Brighton BN1 4JY
FAQs
-
You can expect to get cosy and comfortable in whatever way that looks for you. We will start by checking in with ourselves and each other, sharing as much or as little as you want to at that stage. Before we start any exercises, everyone will have the chance to indicate nonverbally using objects provided, whether they are open to taking part in group discussions or whether they would prefer not to be called on to speak (neither is right or wrong!). We will do two self-compassion exercises in each session, with lots of opportunity in between to connect with each other around how we are finding each of our self-compassion journeys.
-
That’s totally okay! If you’d like to talk about ways in which we could adapt the workshop so that it works for you then please do let me know. If you feel like it’s not for you, then you can choose to end your sessions at any time.
-
This is a co-created and shared community space and is not group therapy, nor is it a replacement for therapy. The exercises and skills we will be working with can bring up all sorts of feelings which is totally okay and welcomed.
If you feel that group or individual therapy would better meet your needs now, please check out the following low cost/free options:
https://mindout.org.uk/get-support/counselling/
https://www.consortium.lgbt/member-directory/elop/
https://spectra-london.org.uk/trans-services/trans-counselling/
https://lgbt.foundation/trans-resources/
And if you need a support group, you could try the following:
https://mindout.org.uk/get-support/peer-support-groups/
https://spectra-london.org.uk/events/category/trans-service/trans-groups/
https://thequeery.co.uk/event/dyke-peer-support-6/
If you need to talk to someone right away, but it’s not an emergency, you could try the following helplines:
LGBT Foundation: 0345 3 303030 https://lgbt.foundation/helpline
Switchboard LGBT: 0300 330 0630 https://switchboard.lgbt
Mindline Trans+: 0300 330 5468
In the event of an emergency, please go to the hospital or call 999.
-
Accessibility is a big part of Silk and I want to make sure your experience is as accessible as possible. For in depth information about accessibility at Silk please visit https://www.silkbrighton.co.uk/accessibility. If you have accessibility needs that you'd like to discuss with me, please get in touch using my contact form.