Students gathered for the first official Palestinian Solidarity Healing Circle, creating a shared space for heartfelt reflection, open dialogue, and meaningful connection.

The Healing Circle was facilitated on Sept. 30 by the Student Counselling Centre’s group therapy coordinator, Brianna Valenzuela, in collaboration with the University’s newly appointed Palestinian student support advisor, Dr. Riham Al-Saadi, and Palestinian social worker Razaan Barquni.

"As the group therapy coordinator with the SCC, I have experienced firsthand the power of being in a shared healing space with others. I can only speak for myself when I say the Healing Circle had a uniquely intense energy that connected us all that night. There was a powerful, unspoken message in this space that said, ‘I am with you, I hear you, I see your pain, and you are not alone with it,’” Valenzuela said.

Participants held space for one another as they processed their thoughts and feelings, identifying internal conflicts that arose throughout the evening.

“Sometimes it is beautiful to feel that you can let your vulnerability guide you, and that can model how healing is a process we all engage in. That’s what I sensed, and that’s what has been helping with my own internal healing as the provider of support,” Dr. Al-Saadi said.

Social worker Barquni said it was an honour to help facilitate the Healing Circle and hear everyone’s unique and shared experiences.

“Our hope is that a Healing Circle will allow participants the chance to peacefully connect with themselves and others amidst the chaos and pressure of school and hustle culture. The SCC did a fantastic job setting an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, which in turn gave space for enriching dialogue,” Barquni said.

For more information on the next Healing Circle, contact Dr. Riham Al-Saadi at palestinianssa@uwindsor.ca.