How it Works

A few helpful definitions and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate Totem.

See our Spaces
See our Spaces

Key Terms

What are Spaces?

Spaces are structured online support groups where individuals facing similar challenges or experiences gather online to share their stories. Spaces offer empathy and support through a safe and confidential online video call.

Spaces have up to 8 participants and last about an hour

What is a Keeper?

Keepers serve as moderators in Spaces, facilitating discussions and ensuring a safe environment. They also participate by sharing their stories and experiences with you.

While not therapists, Keepers undergo intensive training designed by therapists. They provide leadership by asking prompts and encouraging participation, but they do not diagnose or give advice.

What is a Totem?

A Totem is a symbolic object, a virtual talking stick, given to participants when it's their turn to speak.

They receive, and "hold" it while sharing and "pass" it to the next person when finished, ensuring respectful and orderly communication within the group.

Community Guidelines
Community Guidelines

How it starts

The Keeper starts with an opening ceremony to bring everybody's attention into the present moment. The opening ceremony can be something like a stretch, breathing exercise, or guided meditation.

Your turn

The Keeper, holding the Totem, initiates by asking the first prompt. After sharing their own experience, they pass the Totem to the next person.

When holding the Totem, it's your turn to share; there's no interruption from others. When you're finished or choose not to share, you pass the Totem onto the next person.

How it ends

The Keeper ends with a closing ceremony, like a quote, poem, or excerpt from a book, before releasing everybody back to their own lives.

Pricing

Totem offers our Spaces to you free of charge.

We are committed to promoting community welfare regardless of financial constraints.

In the future, we will introduce more comprehensive Spaces tailored to specific needs. While these Spaces will have a nominal fee attached, Totem will continue to offer the majority Spaces for free as part of our commitment to mental wellness and inclusivity.

Totem Spaces
Totem Spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be anonymous?

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What about privacy?

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Is this a replacement for therapy?

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Are Keepers therapists?

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