Psychosocial Circles Now Open!
Team CommUNITY is happy to announce the Spring enrollment of three psychosocial “circles” - a series of weekly virtual private gatherings, led by mental health professionals, that provide digital rights defenders with the opportunity to process experiences and emotions, while learning adaptive coping mechanisms, and connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Circles are open to all digital rights defenders and are free of charge, and will run from March 13 to June 12. Note that each Circle is limited to 10 participants.
The three Circles for Spring 2023 include:
Activist Fatigue Support Circles (Two Instances)
Given past demands, we are running two instances of our Activist Fatigue Circle this Spring. Please note that each group is limited to 10 participants each.
The Activist Fatigue Support Circle helps digital rights defenders come together to process the various threats and stressors they face on a daily basis, ranging from online harassment to surveillance and censorship to navigating difficult environments. Participants will explore their relationship with technology and the digital world, and gain a deeper understanding of how the threats to digital safety impact mental health including behaviors, thoughts and beliefs. The Circle will also provide participants with an opportunity to care and support each other and connect with others with similar experiences as well as develop coping tools
Circle 1
Dates: Every Wednesday at 2pm UTC from March 15 to June 14 (What time in my location?)
Duration: Each weekly gathering lasts 90 minutes
Facilitated by: Fahad Awan is a mental health professional that is also working as the Operations Consultant for TCU’s Community Mental Health Program. They specialize in issues surrounding gender, sexual orientation and identity. Fahad hopes to create a non-judgemental safe space for their clients and their unique lived experiences.
Circle 2
Dates: Every Thursday at 8am UTC from March 16 to June 15 (What time in my location?)
Duration: Each weekly gathering lasts 90 minutes
Facilitated by: Mathero Nkhalamba is a psychologist with over 16 years experience working with multicultural groups. She also is a psychosocial consultant for TCU where, besides running Circles, also provides one-to-one psychosocial services. Mathero’s approach focuses on preventative mental health that empowers people to take control over their wellbeing.
Diaspora Support Circle
The Diaspora Support Circle is a group for members who are living in the diaspora, are in exile or have been displaced from their home country. This group will focus on drawing strength from each other's experiences as well as giving space to sincerely and safely honor each person’s experience through listening and processing.
Dates: Every Thursday at 4pm UTC from March 16 to June 15 (What time is it in my location?)
Duration: Each weekly gathering lasts 90 minutes
Facilitated: Selma Zaki is the Director of TCU’s Community Mental Health Program and a psychotherapist. Selma focuses on building a supportive and collaborative relationship with clients, helping them move towards finding a sense of balance and integration with themselves.
How to Apply
If you are interested, please fill out the form found here by March 2.
Accepted applicants must commit to attend all sessions of their Circle. Note, there will be one week break every four weeks.
Applicants will go through a 1 hour screening process with a mental health professional to ensure that their circle of choice is a right fit for them.