1. Arrange seating in a circle or semicircle to foster a sense of equality and openness among participants.

2. Explain the purpose and benefits of journalling and sharing, emphasising the value of introspection and the power of shared experiences.

3. Set clear guidelines for respect, confidentiality, and non-judgment to create a safe and supportive environment. Highlight the importance of active listening and empathy when others are sharing.

4. Select a journalling prompt that is open-ended and relevant to the group’s goals. Prompts can range from reflective questions about life experiences, challenges, aspirations, emotions, or reactions to specific events.
Examples of prompts might include: “What was a pivotal moment in your life, and how did it change you?” or “Describe a challenge you overcame and what you learned from it?”

5. Give participants a set amount of time for journaling, typically between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the prompt and the session’s overall duration. Encourage participants to write freely and continuously, without worrying about grammar or spelling, to fully engage with their thoughts and feelings.

6. Once the journalling time is up, invite participants to share their reflections with the group. Make clear that sharing is voluntary, and there’s no pressure to share more than they’re comfortable with.

7. You can pass a token or object around to signify whose turn it is to share, ensuring everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity without interruption.

8. After each sharing, the facilitator or other group members can offer supportive feedback or reflections. This should be done in a way that validates the individual’s experience and offers empathy, rather than advice or judgement.

9. Encourage participants to identify common themes or shared feelings that emerge during the sharing, which can help foster a sense of connection and community within the group.