Gloucestershire IFS Healing Circles - Connection
This Month’s Focus: Connection 🧡
In our IFS Healing Circles this month, we’ve been exploring connection — and not just any kind, but that innate sense of Self - Connected.
In everyday life, “connection” or “connected” can mean many things — talking, texting, spending time together, or being part of a group.
in Internal Family Systems (IFS), connection starts inside. We see it as an innate quality of Self. Before we can connect with others, we learn to connect to ourself — Self to Part and Part to Self - we connect to the many “parts” within us, each carrying its own emotions, stories, and roles.
Connection is what happens when both are true: when we’re in touch with our inner world and able to meet others from that compassionate place. It’s not about being endlessly calm and open — it’s noticing what’s happening inside while staying curious about what’s happening between us in relationship
What We Practise in IFS Healing Circles
Each circle begins with a go round and we say our names and what parts are with us (youre always welcome to pass!), you might want to share any identities. We do a bit of housekeeping and then someone leads a guided meditation, helping us slow down and listen inwardly.
Then we do some creative parts-mapping — we explore which parts of us are around and how they relate to each other and what they might need from Self and then move into sharing in community — a space where we listen without advice or fixing, simply witnessing each other’s inner worlds. A short break and then maybe a brave sculpt followed by co listening/sharing in small groups and a one word close
This blend of meditation, externalising, and sharing creates a bridge between inner and outer connection — a chance to feel both attached to Self and together. Many people describe leaving with a sense of warmth, relief, inspiration or a quiet settling inside.
Why Connection Matters
In IFS terms, disconnection often comes from protective parts that learned to guard us from pain — the ones who withdraw, perform, please, overthink, or criticise. Unfortunately protectors never seem to get what they want! When Self is present — curious, calm, compassionate — those protectors can come into connection and the inner worlds becomes safer again - which may then change outside
Connection inside and then out is the antidote to loneliness — not forced closeness, but genuine contact:
✨ Self with parts.
✨ Parts with Self.
✨ Person with person.
✨ Us with the wider world and spirit/source
Join a Circle
Our drop-in Healing Circles run regularly in Stroud, Cirencester, Cheltenham and online.
They’re open to anyone curious about IFS — whether you’re brand new or a long-time practitioner.
Come as you are. Bring your inner world. Leave feeling a little more connected — inside and out.
