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Healing Together

What Happens in a Compassionate Inquiry Circle

By Dimple Mehta 

Much of our pain was formed in relationship. So it makes sense that some of our healing happens in relationship too.That is the heart of a Compassionate Inquiry Circle: a small group, gently guided, where people explore their inner world alongside others who are doing the same.

What is a Compassionate Inquiry Circle?

A Circle brings the principles of Compassionate Inquiry into a group setting. It meets regularly over several weeks, led by a facilitator approved by Compassionate Inquiry to use their materials.

Each session combines reflection, guided inquiry, body awareness and sharing. Between sessions,participants often have prompts or resources to support their own exploration.

I am honoured to be the first Indian citizen to lead a Compassionate Inquiry Circle, and to bring this work to people here at home and around the world.

Why a group, and not only 1:1 work?

Private sessions are deeply valuable. But a circle offers some things a 1:1 space can't.

You realise you are not alone. When someone else speaks the words you've never dared to say, something softens. Shame struggles to survive in the company of others who understand.

You learn by witnessing. Watching another person meet their story with compassion can open a door in your own. Many participants find insights arrive while listening, not only while speaking.

You practise being seen. For those of us who learned to hide our feelings, simply being present with others — and staying — can be quietly transformative.

You build a community. Over the weeks, strangers often become a steady, caring presence in each  other's lives.

What a circle session feels like

Sessions are unhurried. We usually begin by arriving: settling the body, noticing the breath, checking in with how we are. From there, the session explores a theme through reflection and guided inquiry. Some participants may share and be supported by the facilitator in a short inquiry, while others listen and notice what
stirs in them.

We close by coming back to the body and to the present moment, so you leave feeling grounded rather than raw.

Safety comes first

A circle only works if people feel safe. That's why every circle is built on a few clear agreements:

• What is shared in the circle stays in the circle
• You never have to share more than you want to
• Listening is a full and valued way to participate
• There is no advice-giving, fixing or judging — only presence
• Groups are kept small so everyone can be held with care

A circle is a supportive coaching space, not group therapy. If you are in crisis or need clinical support, I'll encourage you to seek that alongside or before joining.

A circle for parents and caregivers

In February 2027, I'm opening the CI Circle for Parenting with Dimple Mehta. It's a 10-week online circle, meeting live on Zoom for two hours each week, for parents and caregivers.

It's a space to look at the patterns that surface in family life, meet your own inner child with compassion, and parent from a steadier place. Participants also receive a parenting journal,reflection prompts and recorded talks by Dr. Gabor Maté. Places are limited to 15.

Join the waitlist

If you'd like to hear first when enrolment opens, write to me at info@ourquest.in or WhatsApp +91 98842 00475 to join the waitlist. You can learn more at www.ourquest.in.

— Dimple Mehta, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Our Quest Coaching Services