What is a Story + Soul Group?
Put simply, a Story + Soul Group is a sacred, protected place to be seen, heard, known, and cared for. Influenced by the work of Drs. Curt Thompson, Dan Allender, and Todd Hall, Story + Soul Groups provide a channel for community that embodies the patient, attentive, relational love of Christ, bringing witness, offering attentiveness, and receiving care. It is a group of people committed to journeying together for ~30 weeks (depending on the group size—at least 6 members, no more than 8) who are offering, receiving and growing in vulnerability, embodiment, rupture and repair, imagination, and creativity.1
The bedrock on which Story + Soul Groups are formed consists of:
- A foundational understanding of Christian Anthropology and the Imago Dei
- The centrality of love in the Trinity and progressive sanctification
- Interpersonal Neurobiology and the relational dynamics of communal spiritual transformation
- Principles drawn from process group psychotherapy, IFS, and other modalities that help participants live from their Spirit-led self (Romans 8:5-6)
“We are created for the purpose of loving relational connections with God and other people, and we are designed such that we grow and develop through relational connections.”2
— Todd W.Hall, Relational Spirituality
We are beings-in-relation, as Todd W. Hall says. Story + Soul Groups are founded up the reality that the Triune God is in our midst and that we, the Imago Dei, reflect back to one another our dignity, worth, value. In these safe and protected environments, through the telling and receiving of our stories, with connection and presence accessible, we are transformed into new degrees of glory (2 Cor 3:18).
Who is a Story + Soul Group for?
Story + Soul Groups are for anyone interested in spiritual formation in the context of a story-exploring community. Groups are often comprised of a particular demographic (such as pastors’ wives, pastors, co-ed, young women, etc). The ideal group member has curiosity about their individual stories, a non-condemning spirit, an openness toward interpersonal learning and self-acceptance, and a desire to wrestle through the complex realities of life in the context of relationship with others and with a relational Triune God.
“Her shame required a community to realize the fullness of its healing.”
— Curt Thompson, The Soul of Shame
What can I expect in terms of a schedule?
Story + Soul Groups meet weekly for 1.5 hrs. Each participant is asked to commit to participating every week for the entire ~30 weeks. Story + Soul Groups follow a rhythm that loosely consists of the following:
- Week 1 – Introduction / what to expect and how to prepare stories, Q+A
- Weeks 2-8 Storytelling / Telling and Receiving stories
- Weeks 9-15 Relating + Exploring stories
- Weeks 15-22 Storytelling / Telling and Receiving stories
- Weeks 23-29 Departure / Blessing of Departure
- Week 30 Last Things + Closure
Participants can expect to be given homework assignments throughout the course of our time together. These would range from Scripture passages to reflect on, journaling reflection, essays or articles, podcast episodes, grounding practices, etc. This homework is intended to deepen our experience of group, enhance our time together, and direct us toward collective spiritual formation.
FAQ
How is this group different from traditional group counseling?
Story + Soul Groups are facilitated by a trained, clinically-informed facilitator who fosters a space of mutual care, storytelling, and community. Story + Soul Groups are designed as guided storywork experiences that help participants explore their personal stories in a reflective and relational group setting. These gatherings are not a substitute for psychotherapy, counseling, or mental health treatment. At times, the group may incorporate principles commonly discussed in relational and psychological frameworks—such as group psychodynamics or Internal Family Systems–informed language about our internal experiences—but these concepts are used for educational and reflective purposes rather than clinical treatment.
Who can join this story group?
Story + Soul Groups are for anyone interested in spiritual formation in the context of a story-exploring community. Groups are often comprised of a particular demographic (such as pastors’ wives, pastors, co-ed, young women, etc). The ideal group member has curiosity about their individual stories, a non-condemning spirit, an openness toward interpersonal learning and self-acceptance, and a desire to wrestle through the complex realities of life in the context of relationship with others and with a relational Triune God.
Please Note: If you have experienced significant trauma in recent years or months, acceptance to the group may be delayed as your needs may require intentional one-to-one care. We still invite you to apply, and upon evaluation, you may be contacted directly in an effort to learn more about your experience before being accepted into the group.
What can I expect during a typical group session?
While every session is likely to have slight variations, each session will provide space for participants to share their stories and listen to others in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment. You will be invited to explore themes of vulnerability, pain, healing, and redemption. The facilitator will guide the conversation, ensuring that the group is safe and supportive for everyone.
Each session will likely include prayer, contemplation, journaling, and tools to help you engage the process in more intentional ways.
How many participants in each group?
Each group will be limited to 6-8 participants to foster intimacy, safety, and deep connection among members. This small group setting allows for more meaningful engagement and personal attention. In an effort to protect the group, we are asking that
How much does a Story + Soul Group experience cost?
The cost is $2400 for a Story + Soul Group. This includes 30 weekly sessions, each 90 minutes in length. Payment can be made all at once or automatically billed weekly at $80/week (add 3% processing fee for credit cards). Because these groups are most successful when all participants are present each week, payment is required regardless of attendance. This helps participants to value the time and hold to their commitment to joining the group and fosters communal trust.
Do you have scholarship funds available?
Unfortunately, at this time, I do not. If finances are a burden, I recommend reaching out to your church to see if they might sponsor your care. Due to the demand and limited space available, reduced rates are not available for Story + Soul Groups.
What are the application requirements?
To participate in a Story + Soul Group, each member is asked to agree to the following:
- Commitment to Confidentiality: Applicants should agree to uphold the confidentiality of the group, ensuring that all shared stories and personal information remain private. What happens in group stays in group. This means we do not share the intimate details of others’ stories with anyone outside of the group. This protects the group process and fosters relational intimacy.
- Commitment to Participation: Applicants must be willing to commit to the full 30-week duration, attending sessions regularly and actively engaging with the group and process.
- Commitment to Presence: Group participants commit to growing in increased awareness, attunement, and presence within themselves, with others, and with the Holy Spirit. This includes a growing awareness of embodiment, imagination, repair and rupture, and creativity.
- Commitment to Vulnerability: A readiness to engage personal stories, wounds, and emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
- Commitment to Curiosity: An important aspect of spiritual growth is developing a curious spirit. Often, the stories we share and hear scratch at something inside us. A willingness to approach that scratch with gentle curiosity is an important component of this group’s success.
- Commitment to a Faith-Based Framework: A willingness to explore personal stories through a biblical lens and participate in discussions centered on spiritual growth and healing.
What Story + Soul Groups are available to join?
In partnership with Gospel Care Collective, Story + Soul Groups are available:
- Mondays Beginning June 2026 — Story + Soul Group for Pastors’ Wives (Time TBD)
- Beginning October 2026 — Story + Soul Group for Women
How do I apply?
Applications for our June 2026 group for pastors wives are open now! You can access the application page by clicking here.
Please note that there are only 6 spots for this group. Pending application approval, these spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there any resources that might help me understand the process and benefit of a group like this?
- https://curtthompsonmd.com/the-way-of-the-confessional-community/ ↩︎
- Todd W.Hall and Miriam Elizabeth Lewis Hall, Relational Spirituality (Downers Grove, IL: IVPress, 2021) ↩︎