Begin by finding a comfortable position—seated or lying down. Allow your eyes to gently close if that feels safe for you. Let your breath begin to settle you into the space. Inhale slowly through your nose… and exhale gently through your mouth. Let’s take one more deep breath in… and out…

This is your time. This is your space.

This circle was created for you—by people like you—people who know what it means to have had their power taken.

People who know what it’s like to be told they’re broken when really, they’ve been brave.

People who carry the scars and silence of psychiatric incarceration—and who are ready to reclaim their stories.

With each breath, gently allow your nervous system to begin to soften.

Let your shoulders drop. Let your jaw unclench. Let your belly rise and fall.

There is no one here to monitor or judge you.

There is no white coat. No locked door. No restraints or being medicated away.

Just people who see you. Who hear you. 

Who believe you.

Now imagine yourself standing before a heavy door.

It’s the kind of door you’ve seen before—cold, metallic, sealed.

But this time, you hold the key.

You take it out slowly.

You breathe.

You unlock it.

You hold within yourself the strength

To cut through the wristbands, to break free from restraints, to embody the freedom you have always deserved.

As the door swings open, light floods through.

On the other side, you see a version of yourself—stronger, freer, more at peace.

This version of you has always been there, waiting, watching, loving you from behind the fear.

You step through the door.

With each step forward, you feel your power return.

You feel your voice strengthen.

You feel your body become your own again.

You feel a quiet defiance, a sacred fire.

You are not what they called you.

You are not your diagnosis.

You are not your trauma.

You are the one holding the key.

You are the survivor who stayed alive.

You are the advocate you were waiting for.

Now imagine surrounding yourself in a golden light—warm, protective, steady.

This light is your boundary.

This light is your truth.

This light says: “I decide who I am. I decide how I heal.”

And now picture the room around you—the real one—the people here with you in this circle.

Each of us holding a light of our own.

Together, we form a constellation. A community.

Not locked away. Not alone.

But rising. Together. In power.

Take a deep breath in…

And as you exhale, say to yourself: 

“I am reclaiming myself.”

One more breath in…

And as you exhale: 

“I am unlocking the door.”

And now, whenever you’re ready, begin to bring your attention gently back to this moment.

Wiggle your fingers. Wiggle your toes.

Feel the ground or chair beneath you—supporting you.

And when it feels right, open your eyes.

Welcome back.

Welcome in.

You’re safe here.

You’re powerful here.

You’re not alone.