FLORESCENCE: A Sister circle
for Women in medicine
Thursday 12th June 2025
6-7pm
Welcome, connection and a light supper
7-9pm
Circle
Riverbank Cafe, The Village Green,
Burnsall
NorthYorkshire, BD23 6BS
A DIFFERENT WAY: GATHERING IN CIRCLE
Throughout history, women have gathered in circles.
Not to fix or compare, but to share.
To be seen. To be heard. To restore what the world drains away.
These gatherings are not new. They are ancient, and they are effective. From moon lodges to grandmother circles, women have long known that wisdom is strengthened in community and that healing doesn’t always come from doing more, but from being held.
Modern research supports this, too. Facilitated peer groups and reflective storytelling have been shown to reduce emotional fatigue, enhance empathy, and reconnect physicians to purpose
(Medical Teacher, 2020; Academic Medicine, 2018).
WHAT IS FLORESCENCE?
Florescence means blooming — and this circle is your invitation to do just that.
Gently. In your own time. In good company.
It’s not another webinar or workshop.
It’s a sacred pause.
A space to reflect, breathe, and return to yourself, not just as a clinician with a label and persona, but as the complete, complex beautiful human being you are.
At EACH GATHERING, YOU’LL FIND:
Gentle mindfulness and breath-based practices
Space to speak openly, to share your story without judgment, expectation or advice
Restorative rituals, shared poetry and creative reflection
Connection with women who understand the path you're walking
All held in a beautiful setting, with nature on our doorstep, by the tranquil River Wharfe.
Fire, candlelight, good food and a sense of ease and space to just be.
Whether you're stretched thin, quietly curious, or longing for a moment of stillness — join us.
You are welcome here, just as you are.
This is Florescence:
A space for women in medicine to breathe, bloom, and belong.
““Alison is amazing - she brings an abundance of empathy, ease and joy to her work and is incredibly talented at creating spaces where people can flourish. Words that come to mind in describing Alison’s approach to her work are thoughtful, sensitive, creative, generous, and filled with integrity. She is deeply committed to her workshop participants and works hard to ensure that they have a richly rewarding experience.
What makes Alison particularly wonderful is the breadth of her skillset and the way she blends her previous professional experiences in order to offer such unique and high quality gatherings.”
”
Dr Alison Smith, a former GP and experienced Time to Think Coach and Facilitator, creates a gentle and compassionate space where doctors can slow down, reflect deeply, and think with clarity about what truly matters to them.
Rooted in nature and connection, Alison offers one-to-one coaching and small group gatherings for doctors who long to feel grounded when life feels unsteady, who may be overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck, and who are ready to take meaningful steps toward change.
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“Afterwards I felt lighter, something happened during that day and some of the heaviness I had been carrying lifted. It was a true reminder of the power of nature; time; space; breathing and of human connection. Huge thanks to Alison for creating such a positive and life affirming day”
Your Investment £60
“Physicians, especially women, benefit from structured spaces of reflection, peer support, and emotional processing. These aren’t luxuries - they’re protective against burnout and moral distress.
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