The Creative Compassion Group

Lately I’ve noticed that it’s rare to find spaces that encourage us slow down and be mindful. We’re physically on the go, our minds racing, feeling constant pressure to be productive while trying to push through endless distractions.

It can also be difficult to find community — something I think we underestimate the importance of. Humans are social creatures. We’re wired to connect with one another. To support one another. When that connection is missing, we feel it. Sometimes it shows up as loneliness. Sometimes as restlessness. Sometimes as the sense that something is missing, even when life looks “fine” on the outside.

In today’s world, especially with the influence of social media, it’s easy to fall into comparison and self criticism. The constant exposure to curated versions of the lives of others reinforces the feeling that we aren’t enough. This pressure to improve or “fix” ourselves can make it difficult to show up authentically which also makes it harder to connect with others.

With that said, we need more spaces to simply arrive as we are — tired, thoughtful, creative, quiet, curious — and be met with warmth and acceptance.

In noticing all of this, I’ve been quietly thinking about an idea that I want to bring into reality and I think it’s finally time to start talking about it — The Creative Compassion Group.

What this space is (and what it isn’t)

The Creative Compassion Group is an 8 week psychoeducational, skills based group for women who are longing for more presence, self compassion, and gentler ways of being with themselves.

The group is rooted in:

• mindfulness — slowing down, noticing, being here in the present

• self compassion — responding to ourselves with kindness and care

• creative expression — used as a tool to practice both of the above

I am a licensed therapist, and this group is informed by therapeutic approaches such as ACT and Compassion Focused Therapy, but it is not group therapy.

Instead, it’s a structured and supportive space to learn and practice skills that can be integrated into everyday life.

What we’ll be practicing together

Over the course of eight weeks, participants will be guided through practices designed to help:

• Respond to self criticism with compassion

• Build mindfulness skills that fit into real life

• Explore values and presence in accessible ways

• Use creativity as a form of reflection, regulation, and self connection

Why art?

In this space, art is about the process of creating.

Creative practices can help us:

• stay in the present moment when the mind wants to live in the future or past

• express emotions and parts of ourselves we can’t find the words for

• soften self criticism

• cultivate curiosity and flexibility

You don’t need to consider yourself “creative” to belong here. If you can hold a pen, tear paper, or choose colors you’re welcome in this space.

It’s not an art class. Nobody is grading your work. We’re just using art as a tool to explore the concepts of self compassion and mindfulness so that you can integrate them into your life.

Why community?

Because like I said earlier, we are social creatures by nature. There is so much value in sitting and connecting with others and many of us don’t do enough of that. Practicing alongside others can help normalize struggle, reduce comparison, and remind us of our common humanity.

What it will look like

Each session will include:

• A brief grounding or mindfulness practice

• A guided creative exercise rooted in compassion, mindfulness, or values exploration

• Psychoeducation woven in gently and accessibly

• Reflection and group discussion

An open invitation

If you’re looking for a space to:

• slow down

• relate compassionately to yourself

• reconnect with others and with your creativity

• learn mindfulness and self compassion skills in a practical way

…I’d love to hear from you.

To help me shape this in a way that truly serves the people it’s meant for, you’re welcome to respond in whatever way feels easiest:

• ✉️ Send me an e-mail or a message through Substack if you have thoughts, or questions about the circle

• Click here to fill out the group interest form and be updated on future dates and enrollment!

Thank you so much for being here!

Deanna