The Transformative Power of the We Space
The Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle
Release Date: 03/11/2025
The Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle
In this heartfelt episode, I explore three of the most common (and often invisible) barriers that keep women facilitators and heart-led leaders stuck. These aren’t mindset issues—they’re survival strategies we’ve inherited from a culture that hasn’t always supported women’s leadership. Drawing on insights from a recent retreat inside The Nest mentorship program, as well as my own personal experiences, I’ll walk you through: ✨Why fear of visibility, over-giving, and isolation show up ✨How these patterns are trying to keep you safe ✨Ways to gently begin moving...
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In this special episode, Carrie Haynes sits down with her friend and colleague, Dr. Craig Heacock, on his podcast Back from the Abyss for a deep and personal conversation about her journey as a group therapist. Carrie shares how she first fell in love with group work, the pivotal moments that shaped her approach, and the evolution from traditional therapy groups into the heart-centered, transpersonal circles she now facilitates. Together, they explore the joys, challenges, and sacred responsibilities of group facilitation, as well as the inner work required to hold transformational space for...
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Welcome back to The Web! In this episode, Carrie sits down with her friend and colleague, psychiatrist Dr. Craig Heacock, host of Back from the Abyss, to explore the subtle yet powerful energies of transference and countertransference in therapy—especially in group work and psychedelic-assisted healing. They’ll discuss: ✨ How transference and countertransference shape group dynamics and therapeutic relationships ✨ The challenge of balancing self-awareness as facilitators while holding space for others ✨ How unresolved emotions and past relationships can resurface in therapy—and...
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The web is a timeless symbol of interconnectedness and coherence. Unique to its creative weaver, each strand and spiral builds upon the last to strengthen the whole, expand it’s reach, and widen it’s range for opportunity. On The Web podcast, we weave a network of planetary healers by bringing together some of the most inspiring minds dedicated to the collective healing journey. In each episode, we explore different aspects of the art of group and Circle facilitation, share stories, and offer guidance on spinning a web of connection within your groups. Song: Composer: Sappheiros...
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This week Carrie is joined by Duey Freeman. Duey is a sought-after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional worldwide. He has taught worldwide and developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory taught to thousands of university students.He has nearly 80,000 direct client hours and co-founded the Gestalt Equine Institute and the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. He supervises therapists and graduate students and does business and land consultations for new equine therapy sites. He embodies both tenderness and strength in all his relations and...
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This week Carrie is joined by Koelle Simpson. Koelle is a life coach, horse whisperer, spiritual mentor with more than 20 years of experience supporting clients and leading retreats around the globe. She is the founder of an internationally renowned Equus Coaching Movement and supports individuals and organizational clients worldwide, both and in person, including South Africa, Europe, the UAE, Canada, and the United States. Beginning in early childhood, horses were an important part of Koelle’s journey to overcome trauma and rebuild a sense of trust in herself. ...
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This week Carrie is joined by Annie Weiss, LICSW, CGP, FAGPA. Annie has a private practice in Newton, MA. She holds degrees from Yale University and Smith College, and has taught group dynamics to Harvard Medical Students, at the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy and Boston College. She is a certified group psychotherapist, and a certified IFS therapist. Annie consults with community mental health centers, leads local, national and international training on topics related to group therapy, and leads process-oriented training groups for clinicians online and in person. She is co-author of the...
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This week Carrie is joined by Sara Avant Stover. Sara Avant Stover (she/her) is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner and teacher and mentor of women’s spirituality, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. She’s also the author of The Way of the Happy Woman , The Book of SHE , and Handbook for the Heartbroken. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Summa cum Laude from Columbia University’s all-women’s Barnard College, Sara had a cancer scare, moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and, there, embarked on a decade-long healing and spiritual odyssey throughout Asia....
info_outlineThe Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle
info_outlineThe Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle
info_outlineIntroduction to the Episode
In this episode, Carrie Haynes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Gibran Rivera about the "We Space" – a concept that highlights the transformational potential of group dynamics and collective consciousness. Gibran, an experienced facilitator, coach, and guide, shares his insights on how group interactions can bring about personal growth, healing, and positive change in the world.
Exploring the We Space
Carrie and Gibran dive into the concept of the "We Space," which refers to the unique energy and connection that arises when individuals come together in groups. Gibran emphasizes the importance of the "We Space" in facilitating healing and evolution. He explains, "The group is necessary for the practice." Being part of a supportive community helps individuals overcome past traumas and contribute positively to the world.
Gibran's Insight: "I think the group is necessary for the practice. I think it's perfectly fine, not necessary even for you to have space where you are held individually, but they're gonna be attention and care is on you."
Stages of Healing and Personal Growth
The conversation shifts to discuss the stages of healing and personal growth within group settings. Carrie and Gibran agree that individual healing is vital before one can contribute positively to others and the planet. Gibran likens the journey to a spectrum, ranging from deep trauma to awakened consciousness. He explains, "At zero, you are totally traumatized. At 100, you are so awake that people wake up in your very presence." The goal, he suggests, is to reach 51%, where self-sovereignty and healing allow us to serve the collective better.
"At zero. You are totally traumatized... What we wanna get to is 51%, meaning enough of the care, enough of the healing."
Balancing Role and Authenticity in Group Facilitation
The conversation concludes with a discussion about the role of a facilitator in group dynamics. Gibran shares his experiences and insights about holding space and navigating challenges that may arise, such as when someone's past traumas hijack the group process. He emphasizes the importance of role clarity and authenticity, noting,
"The success of an intervention is directly proportional to the interior condition of the intervener."
Key Takeaways for Listeners:
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The Power of Group Energy: The "We Space" holds transformational potential, fostering healing and personal growth within supportive group dynamics.
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Healing and Contribution: Individual healing is a stepping stone to contributing positively to the collective and addressing existential challenges.
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Balancing Roles: Facilitators play a crucial role in group processes, balancing authenticity and holding space for individuals' growth and healing.
Gibran Rivera's insightful perspectives shed light on how the "We Space" can bring about powerful transformations, enabling individuals to heal, evolve, and create positive change together.
Links and Resources
- Learn more about Gibran Rivera on his Web Page
- The Better Men Project
- Elemental Psychedelics
- Psychedelic Ceremony & The Art of Groups - Training Information
Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio