Generally, the group will meet once a week for about 90 minutes. At the same time the children's groups are meeting, there is a support group offered to the care giving adults as well. The Talking Circle provides the warmth and support of a group setting, and gives children an opportunity to share their feelings with other participants, or just listen to other children's stories. At The Talking Circle, everyone comes together, sitting on large pillows placed all over the floor, with all sizes of stuffed animals to hold and surround themselves with. The children begin by saying their names and who has died in their families.
Some children just say their own names and leave it at that.
Sometimes saying the name of their mother, father or sibling who died or was killed, may be too painful, and they are not yet able to express themselves. But eventually, after some time may pass, they are able and ready to share, and so they do. This environment gives them that time, patience and support to grieve and share their feelings at their own pace. Because play is so vital for children, The Healing Center has incorporated The Play Room . The Volcano Room invites children to be physical and express themselves through their physicality.