"I was initially nervous and unsure what to expect, but it ended up being such a wonderful and powerful experience! Siri and Kelly were great at leading the vibe while also being attentive and available as trained therapeutic supports. And also there was something powerful about being allowed and encouraged to be physically destructive when the authority figures of the event were women.
They led the way in helping us set aside our self-consciousness to better connect with each other and ourselves. The freedom to express and release emotion physically in a sanctioned, supportive, and safe environment is so rare. I couldn't believe how light I felt at the end of the experience."
~Brian, Men's Smash Participant
What is a Smashing Circle?
We live in a time full of chaos and uncertainty.
Our nervous systems are full from holding too much.
A rage room can bring release and empowerment,
but it is not enough to provide the deep healing we need
to feel restored and ready to return to the demands of life.
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The Smashing Circle is for releasing that which no longer serves us
and rebuilding with courage and authenticity.
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PART 1: BREAK AND BURN
Participants bring items that represent something they feel stuck around or wish to let go of in order to move forward. We support each other with accessing the pent-up feelings most of us feel we cannot express through movement, loud music, drums, dancing, screaming, and --of course-- breaking stuff!
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PART 2: REBUILD AND RENEW
The group takes pieces from the ash of what was and uses it as soil to nourish what can become. We each create an art piece of the broken shards that represents a new vision for how to move forward.
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This circle includes supportive processing, writing,
and a focus on physical and emotional safety.
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We hold an optional integration circle in the weeks following the smash
for further reflection and processing.
This is a circle that allows all feelings to come forward and be welcome. We seek to break down the structures that serve to keep us isolated and at odds with one another, and one way to do this is to hold space for the "both-and." We can both express our deeply personal feelings and beliefs, and hold space for those whose truths may seem to contradict or challenge ours.
We limit the circle to 8-12 participants to keep the energy high without losing access to individual experience.
We hold separate circles for women and men. Enbys are invited to join the circle that feels most aligned.
We then hold a third co-ed circle for graduates.
What to Expect
-In advance: Please send us THREE songs that get you in the smashing mood! We will co-create a playlist for the experience.
-We will start by sitting around a fire and doing the smashing portion outside. Plan to wear weather-appropriate layers and comfortable clothing you can move around in. Bring sturdy shoes, work gloves, and eye protection if you have them.
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-Feel free to bring comfort items, tea/coffee, and snacks; we will also provide snacks.
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-It can be helpful to journal beforehand about what kinds of messages and old beliefs you are ready to part ways with. Gain clarity about what you are hoping to release from this process (there is a lot to feel angry/sad/hurt/rageful about...)
-Bring items to smash that represent what you hope to release. Thrift store items or personal items are great; PLEASE AVOID GLASS or items with perfume/scents.
-Bring 3-4 ceramic plates (you are going to want to break lots of things!)
-We will have a second part for making a small sculpture out of the broken pieces. Know that this is not meant to be "good art," it's more to get you into a mindspace of thinking about your future goals. We will walk you through the process.
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-Plan to take some down time after the event to rest and process. Tell those you live with that you might need to avoid plans and commitments in the evening.
-Expect that the day before the event you are going to feel very strongly like bailing. This is expected--vulnerability is hard! Trust that the part of you that signed up for this will get what you need.
-Please reach out if you have any questions!
Common Questions
What if I have too big of an emotional response and I can't handle it?
We are two therapists with lots of experience holding space for moving through the big feels. You will not be alone, and we have been intentional about creating a schedule that will hold you gently through the ups and downs.
What if I don't have any emotions come up at all?
Sometimes we have some pretty big protective parts that aren't ready for us to be so vulnerable and that is okay. Just showing up to this is a brave act that signals your intention to journey into greater self-awareness and emotional peace, and that can be enough.
What if I make weird noises or make a fool of myself?
We are co-creating the experience we all need. If you hear someone make a weird noise, make a weirder one! Every participant is here to amplify their experience through the collective, and we will all hold space for each other.
What if I just can't do it and I need to cancel the day before or day of?
We encourage you to weigh more highly the voice that signed up over the fearful voice, but we definitely support you in knowing when you are ready for an experience like this. However, due to the amount of tine, effort and supplies required from us to facilitate this event, we will not be able to refund your ticket in that time period.
What if I have a million dumb questions before the day comes?
No question is too small to ask us! This is a new experience for everyone attending with you, and rare in our culture as a whole. It takes time to fully understand what we seek to do here, so ask away!
What is the reasoning behind the cost?
Look at prices for your average rage room and consider that we are two people doing all of the set up and clean up and facilitation. This event has more depth and therapeutic value than a rage room, and is run by two licensed therapists. We offer the sliding scale to make this event more inclusive and allow you to participate in a way that is feasible for you.
Why is this event five hours long?
Think of this event as a retreat. We have made an intentional container for you to access and release some big feelings. It can take time to open up, move through, and close down your emotions, and we want to ensure you don't go home too raw.
What should I bring?
-A camping chair
-Layers for being outside
-Eye protection, gloves, boots
-Item(s) to smash (no glass!)
-A journal if you have one
-Anything that will help you feel comfortable (blankets, snacks/drinks)
-Send us THREE songs that get you in the smashing mood!
What will facilitators provide?
-A solid smashing structure to break your items on
-Weapons like a bat, crowbar, hammer
-Noise makers like buckets and sticks
-Assorted snacks
-A fire pit for burning written words
-An indoor table with art supplies to create a small sculpture
-Tarot and medicine cards for personal reflection
Schedule
10:
45
Arrive a little early to give yourself time to get settled. Street parking is available.
11:
00
Start in a circle around the fire, share your item you plan to smash
12:
00
SMASH
01:
00
Break--We ask you to avoid phones or distractions. Eat, rest, journal, reflect.
02:
00
Return to the circle, process as a group and burn stuff
03:
00
Create art from the shards. Take your time. You are free to leave as soon as you are done.
Self-Investment
We offer our circles at a sliding scale to support community access and mutual sustainability.
It is deeply important to us that you are able to attend if you are called,
so please reach out to us if you need special considerations beyond the scale.
$65
This cost gets you in the door!
We are grateful you are here, and ask that you give back through your intentional presence.
$80
This is the actual cost of the event. Your investment keeps this offering sustainable for the long haul!
$125
This cost pays for your ticket, and pays it forward for another person to be able to attend for free or at reduced cost. We appreciate your support of this community and our offerings!
Who We Are
We are two therapists who have been collaborating together on group offerings since 2020! We offer the Smashing Circle and Holding Circle most regularly. Follow us @holdingcircles on Insta to stay up to date on offerings.
Siri Austill
Siri is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and visual artist. She practices creative and experiential therapies, and EMDR. Siri is always seeking ways to incorporate JOY into the journey of healing and growth, and is constantly inspired by the deep processing and vulnerability that come from group work. Siri loves travel, playing outside and finding wonder in small things.
Kelly Gonynor
Kelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Self-Love and Life-Purpose Coach. She is trained in mindfulness and nature-based therapeutic interventions, circle facilitation, and culturally sensitive ceremony, ritual, and rites of passage work. She loves spending time outdoors with loved ones, traveling the world, and connecting about spirituality.