ADHD Focused Sharing Circles

Living with ADHD or having ADHD can often feel lonely, as if the neurotypical world doesn’t see or hear you. Our group for people who identify as women is here to let you know that you are seen and heard and that your experience is valid. These circles are spaces where nobody interrupts or talks you out of how you feel. We won’t minimise and we won’t rush your feelings.

Whether it’s a formal diagnosis, self-diagnosed, peer-reviewed, or just a feeling that you’ve got ADHD, you’re welcome in our women’s sharing circle. You can be as involved as you feel comfortable with. We all know that sometimes just listening and hearing that you are not alone is powerful enough.

All sessions will be hosted and facilitated by Amy, a fully qualified, ADHD-focused, person-centred counsellor who will hold time and space for groups of 6.

These groups are around 60 minutes of casual conversation, sometimes led by a theme or focus, where people who identify as women can connect and converse in a comfortable, safe environment. There’s no pressure to present or perform.

I want to empower people to feel comfortable leaving their masks at the door, to have the opportunity to be their true, authentic selves, and to leave knowing that it's okay to be who they are.

FAQs

What can I expect from a session?

The room is a cosy space where, in a group of 6, you'll sit on the floor, on a yoga mat, and use a pillow for an hour. Soft lighting and comforting scents will help you feel grounded and encourage you to be present. Wriggles and giggles are welcome. If you need to readjust or change positions, please do! You’re here to be your authentic self. I recommend wearing light layers that you can remove if you get too warm, as the room can get toasty.

Do I need to come every week?

You don’t need to come to sessions every week. However, it can be beneficial to attend regularly so that the groups begin to understand each other and get to know one another. With the same people in attendance each session, we get a deeper understanding of one another and build a community and sense of connection with each other. 

New people are always welcome. You can join new groups at any time. These sessions aren't a set course, and you can drop in and out as you like. Think of them as more of an anthology than a series, so please don’t worry about catching up or missing out. If it’s your first session and you’re feeling anxious or have questions, please let me know as you arrive, and I’ll help however I can. 

What do I need to bring? 

The session includes herbal tea, and mats and pillows will be provided. There will be no journaling or need for a notebook and pen; these sessions aim to be present and shared. If an activity requires paper and pens, I'll provide the supplies. 

You don’t need to bring anything but yourself - it’s all taken care of.

What can I expect from the session?

These sessions are a space for ADHD and AuDHD people who identify as women to feel heard, supported and understood by their peers. There will be opportunities for everyone who feels comfortable to share their experiences and the things that they struggle with. There's no pressure to share and just listen for a week or two. 

The first ten minutes will be Amy, the facilitator, introducing myself, covering the ground rules and explaining how the session will run. I'll ask everyone in the group to introduce themselves with their name and pronouns. I’ll guide us through some grounding techniques to leave our day at the door and hold space and time for you. 

The discussion part of the session will last about 40 minutes. I will introduce the theme of the session, which will all centre around areas of ADHD, such as emotional regulation, burnout (and how to avoid it), boundaries, or perfectionism. I'll ask if anyone has anything they'd like to share. If there is more than one person, I will keep time so that everyone has a chance to contribute, but also so that the group can share things that resonate with them that the speaker has mentioned. 

Towards the end, I invite us to take a moment of reflection. You can ask everyone a reflective question or do it internally through a guided meditation. I’m always around at the end of the sessions if you want to give me feedback, ask questions, or discuss further classes and work. Please don't go home wishing you had asked something or followed up—I’m here for you if you need a chat or extra support.

Do I need to be diagnosed with ADHD, AuDHD or Autism to attend?

Whether it’s a formal diagnosis, self-diagnosed, peer-reviewed, or just a feeling, you’re welcome here. 

Can anyone attend?

We welcome anyone who identifies as female to our groups. This is a trans-inclusive space. However, the space is for those experiencing ADHD/AuDHD to attend.

Where do I book tickets? 

You can book tickets on my website at www.amylasen.com/work-with-me, under 'ADHD Sharing Circles with Amy'. Here, you’ll see all the available dates and times.

Access needs & Allergies

The room is located up one flight of stairs, so it is not accessible in wheelchairs. Please declare any allergies in the additional information section on your booking form. 

Booking and cancellations

All tickets must be booked through Acuity; you cannot pay via cash or card on the day. You can book, pay, cancel, and rebook your sessions via Acuity. If you're having difficulties with this, please reach out. 

I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel an appointment more than 48 hours in advance, we will not charge you for the missed session. You can use these funds to reallocate your appointment or receive a refund. If you cancel after that or are unable to attend, you will still be charged for the session.

If you'd like to attend but are experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to hello@amylasen.com

What time do doors open?

You're welcome to arrive 5 minutes before the session starts, grab a herbal tea, and get comfortable. The session will begin promptly at the advertised time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed entry to the session. We will have moved from the introduction to the discussion portion of the session, and you will have missed the ground rules and group contract section.

Where is the venue, and how do I get there?

Address - Monton Unitarian Church Hall, Monton Green, Monton, Eccles, Manchester, M30 9NX

There is limited on-street parking available. Duke's Drive car park is about a 5-minute walk away. 

If you are travelling by train, your nearest train station is Patricroft and it is a 10-15 minute walk. If you are travelling by bus, I’d recommend the 20, 33 or 35 as it stops outside the church. 

The room is in the church hall annexe of the church, not the main church. If you ring the bell at the church hall, I will come and answer the door. There is sometimes an art club at the same time as the sessions on the ground floor. We are on the first floor.. As you come in through the main doors, there are stairs on your left-hand side leading to the first floor. At the top of the stairs, there is a room on your left - that's where these sessions are held. If you have any problems finding the room, please ring 07490544369.

This group is not affiliated with Monton Unitarian Church; it's just a space we rent. If you would like more information about the church, you can find it here - https://montonunitarianchurch.co.uk/contact-us

I have a question that wasn’t answered.

No worries - please email hello@amylasen.com and I’ll be happy to help.