For many of us, there may be few places, and sometimes none, where our unique experience of life can be listened to, respected, and given the emotional space it needs to grow and be understood.

If the true measure of a relationship is how well it helps us connect with our own deeper self and live authentically, rather than deny our unique selves and mould us according to the expectations of others, then a listening circle is an endeavour to create such a relationship between a small group of persons who meet once a week to reflect on their lives, particularly on their emotions.

For many persons, being in a listening circle may address their need for emotional care, and prevent psychological distress from reaching unbearable proportions, when one-to-one psychotherapy may be needed, or when psychological distress results in physical illness. In this way, a circle may play the role that traditional social institutions have intended to play but often fail to do so.