for the one who FEELS A BURNING DESIRE for MEANINGFUL community & connection
for the one who desires to deepen into sisterhood
for the one who wishes to CREATE SPACES OF INTEGRITy & IMPACT
AND TO LIVE A LIFE full of heart, full of magic and full of purpose…
THIS IS FOR YOU.
CREATING THE WORLD WE WISH EXISTED
We were meant to gather in community. To hold one another, to weep, to celebrate and to feel.
Our individualistic lives are making our hearts ache, our bodies cry out for another way.
So many of us carry the ancient knowing that we weren’t meant to do this alone.
Our world needs women to step into the vital work of creating spaces where sharing our stories becomes an act of healing.
Where connection nourishes our tired hearts, and where our humanity can be fully expressed.
Women’s Circles offer a space to do all of this. And it is time to reclaim this practice.
IT IS TIME TO REMEMBER
To remember that we are all more similar than we are different.
To remember that when women gather, a special kind of healing magic is in the air.
Women have gathered since the beginning of time in this way. Under skies, under stars, in living rooms, around kitchen tables. This is not new, it is ancient, but in many societies, has been lost.
We are creating a movement of women bringing it back. A revolution which starts with us.
We’re inviting women from across the globe to step up and play their part in this growing movement by committing to holding circles in their community and making real-world impact, woman by woman, circle by circle.
you are invited to join us in our world-class facilitator training…
This is a page full of information, full of heart and one which holds the intention to help you feel into whether this is the right step for you to take. So take your time, take it in and feel into your intuition, which always knows…
The Circle Facilitator Training:
A Life-Changing Journey
Since 2018, we have trained hundreds of women in our CPD-Accredited programme to hold circles of impact and integrity.
This truly is a transformative programme, which will leave an indelible impact on you in three ways: personally, professionally, and as an important part of a larger movement for change
-
If you are ready to truly let yourself be held as you learn to hold others in circle, this journey will be life-changing.
You’ll discover a deeper capacity for authenticity, vulnerability, and connection. Across every relationship in your life, you will show up as more of who you truly are. Your voice will become clear, strong, and unmistakably authentic.
This is a path that will take your hand and your heart, hold it with deep reverence and care and help you to stand in your authentic, feminine expression.
You come in one woman, and emerge another.
-
You’ll gain the skills and confidence to hold transformational group spaces. With a solid foundation and practical tools, you’ll feel ready to facilitate circle and hold spaces that create real change. These are lifelong skills you can take anywhere.
This training is accredited by the CPD certification service, a mark of quality, rigour and professionalism.
This is a huge step for our mission to take circle mainstream.
There has been an in depth assessment of the training by this pretigious body to check the training and learning methods, and it is such an honour for such a soul-led yet practical course to achieve this world-class recognition.
Now, for those who are interested in bringing their circle work into more 'traditional' environments, having this recognition will be a huge support. To find out more about the CPD accreditation, please see our faqs at the bottom of the page.
-
You will hold a key to humanity’s next evolution.
This work fosters non-judgement, compassion, and the ability to bridge differences through storytelling and deep listening.
You will leave equipped to contribute to a more connected and understanding world.
These are the skills our future most needs, and you’ll not only have them, you’ll be embodying them in every interaction you have.
Circle by circle, you become part of making the world a little softer, a little more human. and much more compassionate place.
This is an facilitator training designed to transform your life, elevate your career, and impact the world.
“TRAINING WITH SISTER STORIES HAS TRANSFORMED MY LIFE AND WORK: CIRCLE HAS BECOME PRETTY MUCH THE CENTERPOINT OF MY LIFE AND OFFERINGS, AND I CAN ONLY THANK YOU FOR GUIDING ME INTO THAT REMEMBRANCE WITHIN MYSELF.””
MY SToRY
Gemma Brady, Founder of Sister Stories & Lead Trainer
When I began holding Circles seven years ago, I had no idea of their potential to transform culture. As an award-winning documentary maker, I understood the healing power of storytelling. But nothing could have prepared me for what happens when groups gather in dedicated, sacred spaces to share their stories.
I’ve held hundreds of Circles and trained hundreds of women to lead them in their communities. Time and again, I’ve seen the magic of these spaces: how they soften our hard edges, deepen our connections, and help us meet life’s chaos with compassion and courage.
My dream is for a world where Circles are as common as yoga classes—where every town and city has Circles happening everywhere: in coffee shops, community centres, and even corporate boardrooms.
When I started this work, I thought it was simply about gathering around candlelight to share stories and connect as women. I now see it as a movement with the potential to profoundly change the world.
TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAINING
Sister Stories has been building a global community of women supporting women since 2018, equipped to make an impact in their local communities and beyond
Our training is the only CPD-accredited women’s circle training in the UK, a reflection of the depth and breadth of the course materials and impact.
And I want you to be part of it.
THERE ARE TWO KEY PHASES TO THE WORK:
-
Experience the Medicine of Circle: To hold incredible spaces, you must first connect deeply to their power. Throughout this journey, you will sit in Circle yourself, feeling its healing power in your own life. You can read the full curriculum further down the page.
Become an Apprentice to Circle: Master the art of facilitation through live teaching, hands-on practice, and a rigorous curriculum. This isn’t about following a script—it’s about finding your unique way of bringing this work to the world. You will learn a foundational framework to space holding that will not only give you the skills and confidence to hold circles, but which many trainees have found equips them to show up in a more connected and compassionate way in all of life- from the family kitchen table to the boardroom. -
Thrive in Our Alumni Community: Build long-term relationships with peers who share your mission. This network will celebrate, support, and sustain you as you continue your journey.
Receive Ongoing Mentorship: At Sister Stories, we’re committed to your long-term success. After completing the course, you’ll receive free quarterly mentorship with Gemma. This is not a linear path, and our support doesn’t end when the training does. You’ll have access to ongoing guidance and encouragement to ensure your work flourishes.Together, we can create a world where sitting in Circle is a common and celebrated practice—a world where compassion, connection, and community are at the heart of how we live, work, and grow.
Will you join us?
WE RECLAIM WHAT IS LOST
“I bow to the rich lineages that have informed this work, that have kept the flame alive across centuries of patriarchy and oppression. We did not invent this sacred work of circle: it is ancient and indigenous to humanity. It is the work we all so desperately need and we are here to play our part in supporting it becoming part of the fabric of humanity one more.”
gemma brady, founder, sister stories
IS THIS FOR YOU?
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF...
You feel strongly called to facilitate sisterhood and want to make an impact in the world.
You desire to facilitate groups in a way that feels deeply nourishing, soulful and full of purpose.
You wish to make a contribution to the world and be part of a global movement of women spreading the magic of Circle
You long to feel empowered and graceful in your leadership and as a facilitator.
You want to take a voyage of personal transformation and discovery as you move towards doing this precious work.
You want a structured, tried and tested training to hold your hand & help you to learn within a vibrant, supportive community so you emerge feeling confident about leading your own spaces.
HOW WILL LIFE FEEL WHEN..
You are holding Circle regularly and it provides you with community, inspiration, personal growth and a deep sense purpose.
You have the knowledge, tools, inner trust and support to create the kind of Circle space you most long for in your own life.
You have a thriving community of women who seek out your Circles for solace, inspiration, joy & growth.
You are part of a global movement of positive impact as you help spread the transformative magic of Circle across the world.
If these words resonate with you- you’re in the right place.
YOUR TRAINING PATH: IN DETAIL
During our time together, we will work through 7 key pillars of learning SO THAT YOU EMERGE SKILLED, CONFIDENT AND AN ACCOMPLISHED SPACE HOLDER.
-
- Learn the history and roots of Circle, honouring the traditions that sustain this practice.
- Explore your personal connection to ritual and ceremony.
- Experience diverse Circles led by guest facilitators, deepening your understanding of different facilitation styles.
-
- Understand the transformative mission of Circle and its role in the world.
- Discover your unique gifts and passions to shape your Circle offering.
- Participate in a group session to create a shared vision for the future.
-
- Work on your approach to inclusion as a lifelong practice.
- Integrate inclusion into your spaces, supported by our world-class guest teachers.
- Reflect on how inclusion is woven into the fabric of this training and your facilitation work.
-
- Learn the key elements of Circle and how to apply them.
- Create strong agreements to ensure a safe and brave space.
- Define your boundaries and professional scope.
- Commit to ethical facilitation practices.
-
- Master the foundational Sister Stories format to build your Circle.
- Develop a creative framework tailored to your vision.
- Refine your approach through Q&A and feedback.
- Practice facilitation to build confidence and clarity.
-
- Connect with your ideal audience and craft compelling invitations.
- Build a brand that reflects your mission.
- Learn business strategies and energetics with insights from Gayle Berry, founder of Blossom & Berry.
-
- Use nervous system regulation tools to support your facilitation.
- Gain trauma-informed practices with guidance from Claire Rother.
- Celebrate your journey with a closing ceremony and step into your role with confidence.
Together, we can create a world where sitting in Circle is a common and celebrated practice—a world where compassion, connection, and community are at the heart of how we live, work, and grow.
We have a beautiful community of faclitators who have had their lives and work transformed by this training. You can hear from them in their own words here.
Is it your turn to take the bold step and join us?
““THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURSES I’VE DONE (AND I’VE DONE ALOT OF COURSES!). THE WOMEN GEMMA GATHERS FOR THIS COURSE ARE OVERFLOWING WITH LOVE. THE MATERIAL ITSELF HAS SUCH DEPTH, RESONANCE AND RICHNESS. IT IS EXQUISITE.” ”
IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR YOU?
READ OUR MISSION AND BELIEFS PAGE
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
BOOK A CALL WITH GEMMA
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN AND WHO FROM
MEET YOUR MENTORS
GEMMA BRADY:
FOUNDER, sister stories
Gemma started her career as an award winning filmmaker for BBC, Channel 4 and held senior roles on some of the UK’s biggest and most loved documentaries. Since founding Sister Stories in 2017 it has gron into a global movement with over 10,000 women worldwide accessing our teachings and circles. She is a trained Coach, Narrative Therapist, conflict Mediator and trauma-informed space holder.
She is on a mission to make going to circle as common as yoga class.
emma johnson:
HEAD OF COMMUNITY CARE
“The spiralling out of my world through Circle has created such a rich tapestry of experience, connection, knowledge and community. Circle work has become my soul-food, my medicine, my way home and my journey forward.
I trained in 2022 and have been running circles, retreats and events ever since. I have also founded a successful nationwide online women’s circle directory; and delivered circles for several charities working in mental health and trauma.. Being with you on this journey is such a gift, I love seeing the beautiful unfolding as new circles emerge.”
AMELIA DONKOR:
SENIOR FACILITATOR
Amelia is an actor, maker, yogi and facilitator. She trained with Sister Stories in 2019 and since 2020 has been part of the Facilitation team.
A career in the theatre was a spring board for storytelling, but it’s in circle with other women she feels tender connection and authenticity. Amelia’s approach is with simplicity and warmth, and a deep belief that every woman should be heard. She will lead you through potent workshops to develop your relationship to using your voice, working with the medicine of anger and offer the experience she has gained as a seasoned facilitator with corporates.
““The Circle Facilitator Training is truly incredible - from the beautiful community of incredible women I had the honor of circling with, to Gemma, who brings such a radiant, grounded presence to the work. She leads with the kind of integrity and warmth that’s rare to find, and her genuine care really shines through every moment.”
”
GUEST TEACHERS
Each month, you will receive the wisdom of one of our guest teachers.
Gayle Berry
Founder of Blossom & Berry:
The Basics of Soulful Branding & Marketing
Gayle Berry is the founder and leader of Blossom & Berry Baby Massage & Yoga. She has grown Blossom & Berry from a small local business to be a global leader in the field of mother and baby wellness with over 1000 baby massage and yoga teachers across the world generating a six-figure turnover. She is an expert in marketing and promotion from a soulful, heart-led place. She has launched a sister site in Spanish and has trained across the world in locations including Mexico, Dubai, Australia and Italy. Gayle leads a team of seven with love
Eva Glamaris;
BSN, M.Div, M.A, PCC
Nurse. Theologian. Mental Health Therapist. Military Chaplain. Pastor. Life Coach. Writer. Businesswoman. Educator. Facilitator.
Racially Profiled. Wrongfully Accused. Physically Assaulted.
All of these experiences have informed the way Eva shows up in the world as an instrument of liberation in a space that is bound by power and fear. As the creator, educator, and facilitator of Sacred Inclusion, Eva holds the space for deeper exploration, taking sincere, committed white women leaders through a journey that addresses the conscious & unconscious ways in which harm is perpetrated towards people of color (POC) so they can learn to create truly inclusive and safer spaces.
claire rother:
TRAUMA INFORMED CIRCLE HOLDING & NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION
Claire Rother MSc is a somatic practitioner, nervous system expert, trauma coach and integrative health specialist with over ten years experience working with women to help them heal, grow and improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
She brings her vast experience of working with the nervous system to help you learn to regulate yourself and support your Circle participants as you hold space.
This guest module is packed full of practical tips, exercises and tools that won’t just support your space holding, but will support you in all areas of your life.
TAMU THOMAS
Tamu is an emotional well-being coach trained in somatic coaching, with a background in social work.
She is passionate about supporting over-functioning, high achieving women to cultivate emotional safety and self-trust that enables them to experience fulfilment without losing their edge.
She will guide you through a powerful workshop to root your facilitation practice in embodiment, alignment and a grounded place.
GRIEF CIRCLES:
NICI HARRISON
Nici Harrison is founder of The Grief Space offering grief circles, retreats, and trainings. Nici’s work is to remember the lost art of grief tending and to create a space where grief can be deeply acknowledged, witnessed and welcomed. She believes that, in time, grief brings us closer to the raw and vulnerable wonder of being alive.
Nici’s heart’s path is to share all that she has learned about nurturing a reverence for grief as a way to heal and love more fully. Nici is changing the narrative around grief, having been featured in The Telegraph, Elle and Psychologies Magazine.
ABI OSHO
Abi is an BAFTA award-winning retreat facilitator, visibility coach, author, and speaker. She has led over 25 retreats across the UK, Europe and Africa.
She was featured as lead retreat facilitator in the award-winning "White Nanny Black Child” shown on Channel 5. This documentary won the prestigious Royal Television Society Award (RTS) and has recently won the 2024 BAFTA in the Special Factual category.
““My heart feels attended to, listened to and nurtured. I have ignited a life full of purpose. I feel a part of something greater. Through Gemma’s support, my need for sisterhood, connection and community has been realised.””
““I didn’t appreciate how complex it can be to hold a Circle, what a responsibility it is, but how confidently you can do that if you have the tools.””
““Sister Stories is an amazing place to train. I hugely appreciate its simplicity, that one doesn’t have to be a shaman or a wizard to empower and heal the women who sit in a circle.”
”
KEY DATES & INFO
There are 3 strands to this training
If you feel the call to train wit us, you will be held in an immersive, loving space which will not just teach your mind, but hold your heart. Here is how it works. Across our four months, we will offer you:
-
There are 2 cohorts which meets every second Thursday, with a summer break. Group 1 meets at 1pm and Group 2 meets at 7pm for a 90 minute call.
-
These are optional, and are every Monday at 1pm. These group calls form a beautiful extra touchpoint to ask questions, share reflections and receive 1:1 support from Gemma and the team.
-
Throughout your time together, you will be invited to be held in circles by many Sister Stories trained facilitators. These will be offered at a variety of different times and days to accommodate schedules and time zones.
-
In addition to the above, you will receive access to a comprehensive set of materials on Teachable, our learning platform, which you will have lifetime access to and support you to go even deeper with the learning offered on the live calls.
-
This training is be held over Zoom, so you can join anywhere in the world.
Everyone learns in different ways, so in addition to the main calls, we offer you self-study materials on Teachable, that you can work through in your own time and come back to again and again,.
Our core group calls will be held at the times below, which is your chance to gather as a group, ask questions, test out facilitation methods and much more.
Guest mentor sessions and guest facilitator circles will be available to you in addition to these calls & will be scheduled once the group is formed, to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to access them.
One of the unique elements of this training is the strong community it creates; women that train with sister stories tend to form bonds that last for years, so we ask that you enter this training with the intention to commit to the group and attending the live calls.
KEY DATES - april 2025
(all sessions are 90 mins)
12 CORE CALLS:
Opening Session: 24 April
8 May 22 May · 5 June · 19 June · 3 July · 17 July · 31 July
1-27 AUGUST - Summer Break
28 August · 4 September · 11 September
Closing Ceremony: 25 September
In addition, we have weekly optional processing calls at 1pm on Mondays, designed to support your journey through the training; and several masterclasses with our extraordinary team of mentors throughout the course. All of these are recorded and also optional, though we urge you to attend if you can, for the richest, and deepest experience of our training.
There are two groups for this training
GROUP 1 - LIVE SESSIONS 1PM, FORTNIGHTLY ON THURSDAYS, FROM 24 APRIL
GROUP 2 - LIVE SESSIONS 7PM , FORTNIGHTLY ON THURSDAYS, FROM 24 APRIL
PLEASE SELECT WHICH GROUP YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN BELOW
Pricing
£2500 including VAT
PAY IN FULL:
£2500 (including VAT)
£2083.33 (excluding VAT)
BEST VALUE
3-MONTH PAYMENT PLAN:
£850 (including VAT)
£708 (excluding VAT)
6-MONTH PAYMENT PLAN:
£425 (including VAT)
£354 (excluding VAT)
MOST FLEXIBLE
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT CODE FOR FEBRUARY SIGN-UPS
~ FEB200 ~
(£200 off the course, when either paying in full or on a three-month payment plan)
AND early bird sign-up bonus
~ The first five sign-ups will also benefit from a 1:1 session with Gemma during the training ~
FAQ
-
You are very welcome to enrol in this course and watch the calls as replays. As connection and community are so valuable to us, the course is designed as a group experience, so will be most enriching for you if you join live wherever possible.
-
Our opening ceremony on 17 October will be two hours long. All of our Thursday callS after this are 90 minutes; and our optional Monday Processing and Support calls are 60 minutes.
-
Truthfully, we don’t know!
It will run again in 2025, but it it may not be until the second half of the year.
-
There are three, six and nine month payment plans available to assist with spreading the cost of this training. If you would like to discuss a bespoke longer payment plan, please contact us.
There is also a bursary place available at a heavily reduced fee for those in genuine financial need. Please contact us directly for more information on this & to apply.
If you are applying for a busary place we ask you to please refrain from booking a call; due to the sheer volume of applications it isn’t possible to have a call with everyone and we seek to keep the process as fair as possible.
-
The location of circles varies. Since the pandemic, many of the facilitators who have taken this training have chosen to take their circles online, to allow them to continue. This has worked beautifully.
Where in-person circles are permitted, some choose to host them in their home, for others, a local yoga studio, some have even transformed local book shops and cafes in the evenings. The only requirement for a space to host circles in is that it’s a safe, welcoming and intimate environment. During the training, you will be given ideas and guidance on how to create a beautiful space.
-
Attending a variety of women's circles before, during and after your training can be a very supportive practice to help you connect to this work. It is not, however, mandatory - for some, access to women’s circles is still geographically challenging and the purpose of this training programme is to help spread the work to new locations with a pioneering set of women at the helm. You will have the opportunity to attend lots of Circles during your training to ensure you have immersed yourself in them.
-
The only requirement to become a facilitator is an open heart, a curious spirit and a compassionate soul. Women who have trained to be facilitators in the past have hailed from a wide set of professional backgrounds. We have had those from the media, charity sector, entrepreneurs, yoga teachers, actors, coaches, mothers, writers and so much more. The skills needed for facilitation require a desire to explore the complex inner landscape of our humanity. There is no one-sized fits all approach to doing it, so the more varied & diverse a set of skills within our facilitators, the richer the community.
-
The CPD accreditation means that this training programme has been assessed and evaluated by independent regulators for quality, relevance and that it meets the standards for Continuing Professional Development. The learning value has been scrutinised to ensure integrity and quality. Upon completion of the training and the assessment process, you will receive a certificate from both Sister Stories and the CPD Certification Service to show your successful completion of the training.
-
One of the glorious challenges of setting up a Circle in a new area is finding new pockets of the local community who will cherish a women’s Circle arriving in their area. Often, women who come to Circles share that they didn’t know how much they needed this work in their lives until they stumbled across it. You are offering an opportunity people may yearn for, yet not yet be able to name.
-
Each individual facilitator is encouraged to find a method of running their circles which is supportive to them and their community, including setting pricing. There is no requirement to charge for tickets, but experience tells us that offering tickets for a fee helps create an exchange that supports facilitators to keep offering the work & encourage those attending to honour their agreement to show up to the space. We do not want women who are unable to pay for tickets to be excluded from Circles, so most facilitators choose to offer at least one heavily subsidised or free ticket per Circle to a woman who otherwise would not be able to attend.
-
As often or as little as you like. Each facilitator finds their rhythm; perhaps once a fortnight feels good to you, once a week or once a year. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Once you have completed your training, you are encouraged to run a Circle within a month to give you the best chance of creating a thriving Circle community whilst momentum is high.
-
Sister Stories is a space which encourages even the quietest voices to be heard and we infuse our training with this spirit. Those who facilitate are responsible for gathering and opening the circle & gently keeping it safe for attendees, but there is a dynamic of complete equality. There is no ‘leader’ of the circle, only a guardian who encourages its dynamic unfolding. Many women who are naturally quieter & less likely to ‘put themselves in the spotlight’ have found that facilitation has been transformative for them both in itself & in other areas of their life.
-
To keep the space intimate, and allow space for everyone's voice and different approaches to learning, we cap each group at 25 women. Within each cohort, there is lots of small group work, including the opportunity to join a 'Pod' of 3-4 women who you meet with regularly and develop deep relationships with.
You also receive a high level of personalised feedback and input from Gemma throughout the course.
As long as you show up, you won't get lost here. We've got you.
““I was ridiculously nervous of being too old, and not “alternative” enough. And also of just being out of my very familiar professional one-on-one comfort zone. I was terrified of speaking out loud in a group. So it was very odd that I was there, feeling as though I was meant to be!””