The Clay Circle

REGISTER ON OUR WEBSITE: https://constellationscounselling.ca/project/clay-circle/

There are seasons when life becomes so full of responsibility, grief, burnout, or simply surviving that we lose touch with parts of ourselves. Not because they’ve disappeared. But because they’ve become quiet beneath the noise.

A few years ago, I found myself in one of those seasons. After navigating profound grief, burnout, a toxic workplace environment, and significant nervous system dysregulation, creativity felt far away. My energy was focused on simply making it through each day.

As I slowly moved through these challenges, something began to shift. Not because everything was suddenly fixed, but because I started to experience a little more space. A little more capacity. A little more room to reconnect with parts of myself that had been waiting patiently in the background.

One of those parts was clay. Returning to clay became an unexpected teacher. Again and again, it invited me to slow down, trust the process, stay curious, and let go of the need to control every outcome. Somewhere along the way, I also rediscovered something I hadn’t realized I was missing: play, joy, and a quiet sense of coming home to myself.

The Clay Circle grew from those experiences. It was created as a space where we can slow down together, reconnect with our hands, and remember that creativity doesn’t ask us to have everything figured out before we begin.

Sometimes what heals us isn’t doing more. It’s making space to create, play, and reconnect with ourselves.

The Clay Circle is a beginner-friendly therapeutic pottery and clay experience designed for people who are longing to slow down, create with their hands, and reconnect with themselves. Unlike a traditional pottery class or pottery night, our focus is not on creating perfect pieces but on the calming, reflective experience of working with clay in a small, supportive circle.

• You’ve been carrying a great deal and long for a slower, more intentional pace.
• You miss feeling creative but aren’t sure how to reconnect with that part of yourself.
• You’re craving time that feels nourishing rather than productive.
• You’d love to create with your hands without worrying whether it’s “good.”
• You find yourself longing for more play, curiosity, and joy in your life.
• You appreciate smaller groups where there’s room to breathe.
• You’re looking for a gentle, supportive space where sensitivity is welcomed.
• You’d like to reconnect with yourself in a way that feels grounding, creative, and meaningful.

The Clay Circle is facilitated by Heather, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Registered Art Therapist (BCATR), and founder of Constellations Counselling.

For many years, creativity has been an important part of Heather’s own life and professional work. Returning to clay after a season of grief and burnout reminded her that healing isn’t always about talking through what hurts. Sometimes it begins by making something with our hands.

Heather brings a gentle, relational, and trauma-informed approach to every group she facilitates. Her hope is to create a space where participants feel safe enough to slow down, experiment, reconnect with their creativity, and discover what naturally begins to emerge.

You can learn more about Heather at the bottom of this page.

Remembering Your Magic

As autumn begins, we’re invited to return to ourselves. Life has a way of pulling us in many directions. Responsibilities grow, expectations accumulate, and the quieter parts of ourselves can become difficult to hear.

This gathering is an invitation to remember. Not to become someone new. But to reconnect with the creativity, intuition, joy, and inner wisdom that have always been there.

Together, we’ll explore this seasonal invitation through clay, conversation, and reflection in a calm, supportive circle of six people.

Throughout the afternoon, you’ll be invited to create two beginner-friendly clay pieces inspired by our seasonal invitation.

Choose the ones that speaks to you.

🥣 Intention Bowl: Create a small vessel to hold something you’d like to cultivate this season.

🪨 Pocket Talisman: A small reminder you can carry with you throughout the weeks ahead.

🐇 Companion: Create a quiet companion to accompany you through the changing season.

🕯️ Candle Holder: A simple piece to mark moments of pause, reflection, and ritual.

Examples will be available to inspire you, and you’re always welcome to adapt them or create something uniquely your own.

What to Expect

• Arrival and tea
• Grounding together
• A seasonal reflection
• Introduction to the clay project
• Time to create
• Underglazing your piece
• Closing reflection

Your clay pieces will remain with Heather to be professionally clear glazed and kiln-fired. They will be ready for pickup approximately 4–6 weeks after the group.

You are invited to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. Sharing is optional. Conversation is welcome, and quiet moments are too. There is no pressure to create anything polished or perfect. Your curiosity to come and create in our circle is enough.

Location: In person at Constellations Counselling — Group Room

Accessibility: Our Group Room is located on the second floor. Please note that the building does not have an elevator and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss whether this space is a good fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Time: 1:00–3:30 PM

Session Length: 2.5 hours

Group Size: Maximum 6 participants. This intentionally small group size creates a quieter, more connected experience where everyone has space to settle into the creative process.

Cost: $85 per participant

What’s Included:

• Clay and all materials
• Underglazes and glazing
• Kiln firings (Bisque and Glaze)
• Tea and light refreshments
• Two finished ceramic pieces to take home

The Clay Circle is facilitated by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Registered Art Therapist (BCATR). Depending on your extended health benefits, this group may be eligible for reimbursement under counselling services.

We encourage you to check with your insurance provider to confirm your individual coverage, as plans vary.

We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as clear and supportive as possible.

Cancellations made at least seven days before the group begins are eligible for a refund.

• E-transfer payments will receive a full refund.
• Credit card payments will be refunded minus any processing fees.

Because The Clay Circle is intentionally limited to six participants and requires advance preparation of materials, refunds are not available within seven days of the group.

If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your registration to a friend or family member. Please let Heather know in advance so participant information can be updated.

If The Clay Circle is cancelled by the facilitator for any reason, all participants will receive a full refund, including any credit card processing fees.

The Clay Circle is a therapeutic group experience where privacy and confidentiality are an important part of creating a safe and supportive space.

To help foster trust and respect within the group, we ask that:

• Recording of any kind is not permitted.
• What is shared within the group remains within the group.
• You’re welcome to take photographs of your own artwork. If you’d like to photograph someone else’s work, please ask for their permission first.

Thank you for helping us create a space where everyone feels comfortable creating, reflecting, and participating in their own way.