Selebral Samaat

‘Samaat,’ meaning ‘listening’ in Arabic language, is name of the listening circles programme at Selebral. On the continuum between a support group and group therapy, a listening circle can be placed somewhere in the middle. The experience of a listening circle is that of discovering a language to talk about the silenced parts and experiences of our lives. Often, this silencing is caused by the lack of holding spaces in our relationships, cultures and systems. Continued silencing can lead to emotional and psychological distress. This can be prevented if we are able to access therapeutic spaces in which we can collectively hold them and dissipate their impact.

The experience of listening circles is therapeutic and bears resemblance to psychotherapy but isn’t a substitute for latter. However, they make therapeutic care & support accessible for more number of people, especially in cases where psychotherapy is not accessible.

Format: A listening circle can be curated around a theme but can also be conducted without one. It is a democratic space where a group of 6 participants and the facilitator(s) meet on a weekly basis for upto 2 hours for about 6-8 sessions. All circle facilitators are qualified psychotherapists. The session could open with the facilitator inviting the participants to talk about their experiences as they relate to the theme. There is no compulsion to speak and the circle also makes it possible to hold our silences. However, the circle facilitates sharing of experiences for all participants. Sessions can be held online or offline in the Noida clinic depending upon the group constitution. This space is regularly updated with details about the circles being run at the moment.

If you are interested in being part of a circle and have queries regarding the same, please feel free to write at selebral.cp@gmail.com.

Upcoming Circles

Neurodivergent Subjectivities

With weekly sessions starting from 16th October 2024, the Neurodivergence listening circle will be a collective, reflective and therapeutic space where unarticulated experiences of difference and atypicality can find a language to be expressed in. 

Considering the daily complexities of being neurodivergent, sometimes what we need is to speak to others who share our experiences and be able to rant without judgment or follow-ups. A listening circle makes such sharing possible. 

Registrations open!

Click here for details and registration.