The Art of Self Compassion
A reflective online art therapy group exploring self-compassion through creativity, insight, and supportive connection.
There are moments in life when we are kind, patient, and understanding with others, yet much harder on ourselves.
This group offers a gentle space to explore a different way of relating to yourself during moments of difficulty. Through creative expression, reflection, and shared conversation, participants will explore what it means to respond to themselves with compassion rather than criticism.
Using simple art materials and guided prompts, each session invites you to slow down, listen inwardly, and explore how self-compassion can support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-understanding. No prior art experience is needed.
Group Overview
Self-compassion involves responding to our own struggles with the same warmth and care we would naturally offer to someone we care about.
Research by psychologist Kristin Neff, a leading expert in the field of self-compassion, suggests that self-compassion includes three core elements:
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Mindfulness – recognizing when we are struggling and allowing ourselves to acknowledge difficult emotions
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Common Humanity – remembering that imperfection and struggle are part of being human
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Self-Kindness – responding to ourselves with warmth and understanding rather than harsh self-judgment
Through art-making and reflective conversation, this group offers a supportive space to explore these themes and begin cultivating a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Over Four Weeks We Will Explore
Week 1 – Awareness: What is Self-Compassion?
Introducing the concept of self-compassion and exploring how we currently relate to ourselves internally.
Week 2 – Understanding Self-Judgment
Exploring the inner critic and beginning to cultivate a more compassionate internal voice.
Week 3 – Practicing Self-Compassion
Using embodied awareness and creative expression to explore what compassionate care might look like for ourselves.
Week 4 – Living with Self-Compassion
Integrating self-compassion into daily life and exploring how compassion can support wellbeing, boundaries, and personal growth.
Group Details
📅 Dates: Saturdays, March 21 – April 11, 2026
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (PDT)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
💲 Cost: Free
This is a closed group, meaning the same participants attend each session. This helps create a sense of safety, connection, and trust within the group. Participants are asked to attend all four sessions whenever possible.
Art Materials
Participants are invited to bring simple art materials such as:
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paper or sketchbook
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markers, coloured pencils, or crayons
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watercolours or pastels (optional)
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any other materials you enjoy working with
The focus is on exploration and expression, not artistic skill.
A Note to Participants
This group is a welcoming and inclusive space for all. We value kindness, respect, and support for one another, and any behavior that disrupts this will not be permitted. We kindly ask that you only register if you’re confident you can attend. If plans change, please cancel to relesase your spot or let us know so we can offer your spot to someone else.
No-Show Policy:
If you register twice and fail to attend without prior notice, we will no longer hold a spot for you. As space is limited, this ensures that others have the opportunity to join. Thank you for helping us maintain a supportive, respectful environment.
Privacy + AI Recording Policy
To honor the privacy and sacred nature of our gatherings, Constellations Counselling does not permit the use of AI-based meeting tools or automated note-taking apps (such as Read.ai, Otter.ai, or Fathom) in any group or session. These apps can sometimes join meetings automatically when linked to a participant’s calendar or Zoom account even without the person’s awareness. To protect the confidentiality and integrity of our spaces, all attendees are asked to disable or disconnect any such tools before joining. Our circles and groups are intentionally human-only: grounded, creative, and private spaces where real presence matters.
Save Your Seat in This Self-Compassion Circle
Choose your day and time below to reserve your seat.
Meet the Facilitators
Miranda Bakonyi
Intern Counsellor and Art Therapist
(She/Her)
Jillian Sones
Intern Counsellor and Art Therapist
(She/Her)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this group a closed group?
This group is designed as a 4-week series, where the same participants attend each week. A closed format helps create a sense of safety, familiarity, and trust within the group. Over time, participants often feel more comfortable sharing, reflecting, and exploring creative processes together. Because of this, new participants are not added after the first session. We encourage participants to attend all four sessions whenever possible so everyone can benefit from the full experience of the group.
Where does the group take place?
This group is hosted online via Zoom. The facilitators are located in Vancouver, BC, Canada (Pacific Time). Please check the time difference for your location before registering.
Do I need to bring art materials?
Participants are encouraged to bring a few simple art materials such as paper, a sketchbook, coloured pencils, markers, crayons, or watercolours. The focus of the group is creative exploration rather than artistic skill, so simple materials are more than enough.
Do I need art experience to participate?
Not at all. No art experience is required. The art invitations are designed to be accessible and exploratory. Participants are invited to engage with the prompts in whatever way feels most natural to them.
What if I’m running late?
We kindly ask that participants arrive on time whenever possible so the group can begin together. If you arrive a few minutes late, you may join quietly and settle in at your own pace.
What if I can’t attend one of the sessions?
This is a closed 4-week group, meaning the same participants attend each week to help build trust and connection within the group. We encourage participants to attend all sessions if possible. If you need to miss a session, please let the facilitators know by email.
Do I need to have my camera on?
To help create a sense of connection and safety in the group, we encourage participants to have their cameras on during introductions and check-ins. During art-making, you’re welcome to adjust your camera to show your artwork, keep it on yourself, or turn it off if needed. We understand that everyone has different comfort levels.
Is this group therapy?
No. This group is facilitated by counselling art therapy interns under supervision, but it is not a substitute for individual therapy. The group offers a supportive space for creative exploration, reflection, and learning about self-compassion. Some participants may experience personal insight or emotional reflection, but the group is not intended to provide individual therapeutic treatment.
Will my privacy be protected?
Yes. We ask all participants to respect the privacy of the group and keep anything shared by others confidential. We also ask participants not to record sessions or use AI note-taking tools during the group.