OR Six Saturdays (in person)
starting 22nd Aug | 3.30-4.30pm
$50/session OR $270 for all 6Six Fridays (online)
starting 21st Aug | 7-8pm IRL
Building Meaningful Friendships in a Digital World
Making friends as an adult isn't always easy.
Whether you've recently moved, started a new job, drifted apart from old friends, or simply want deeper, more meaningful relationships, you're not alone.
Many adults find themselves surrounded by people, yet still feeling lonely or disconnected.
IRL is a six-week experiential group program designed to help you build genuine human connections through shared experiences, guided conversations and practical psychological insights.
Unlike traditional workshops, IRL doesn't simply teach communication skills—it gives you the opportunity to practise them in a safe, supportive small-group environment. Through guided activities, reflective discussions and evidence-based psychological principles, you'll discover how meaningful relationships develop—and gain the confidence to create and sustain them beyond the program.
What You'll Take Away
✓ Feel more confident starting conversations and meeting new people.
✓ Become more comfortable with vulnerability and authentic connection.
✓ Recognise and overcome common barriers to friendship.
✓ Build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
✓ Better understand loneliness and build a greater sense of belonging.
✓ Develop practical strategies to maintain friendships over time.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is suitable if you:
✔ Find it difficult to make or maintain friendships
✔ Feel anxious or awkward in social situations
✔ Often worry about what others think of you
✔ Want to spend less time online and more time connecting in real life.
✔ Want to feel more confident starting conversations
✔ Feel lonely, isolated or disconnected
✔ Want meaningful relationships rather than just more social interactions
✔ Are looking for practical skills in a supportive small-group environment
No prior experience is needed. Simply bring an openness to participate and connect with others in a respectful, supportive environment. You'll never be pressured to share more than you're comfortable with. Participation is encouraged, but always at your own pace.
Why Small-Group Learning Works
Learning alongside others offers something that books, podcasts and individual learning cannot. Hearing different perspectives, sharing experiences and practising new skills together often leads to deeper understanding, greater confidence and lasting change.
Our groups are intentionally limited to 4–8 participants to create a safe, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate, ask questions and receive individual attention from the facilitator.
Many participants also find that small-group programmes complement individual counselling by providing opportunities to apply new skills, learn from others and continue growing between therapy sessions.
Program Details
💻 Format: In-person or Online
Online
📅 Starts: Fridays, 21 August 2026
🕒 Time: 7:00–8:00 pm
📍 Platform: Google Meet (link provided before the program begins)
In-person
📅 Starts: Saturdays, 22 August 2026
🕒 Time: 3:30–4:30 pm
📍 Venue: The Counselling Place
🔁 Duration: 8 weekly sessions
👥 Group Size: 4–8 participants
💰 Fee: S$50/session OR S$270 for all 6
📝 Registration closes: 3 days prior (see below)
We're currently accepting registrations for both in-person and online groups. Final group arrangements will be confirmed after registration closes based on enrolment to ensure the best possible group experience.
Groups are intentionally kept small (4–8 participants) to maximise participation and individual attention. If fewer than four participants enrol, we'll contact you to discuss alternative arrangements or the next available intake.
Meet Your Facilitator
Program developed and facilitated by Zachariah Lail, Supervised Marriage & Family Therapist at The Counselling Place, with a special interest in social connection, relationship building, and helping people develop greater confidence in their relationships with others.
Zachariah Lail
Zachariah discusses the science of friendship.
Zachariah explores the 3 reasons making friends can be challenging.
Program Outline
Session 1: Why Is Making Friends So Hard?
Online - 21st Aug (Registration closes: 17th Aug)
In Person - 22nd Aug
Discover why forming new friendships often feels more difficult than it should, understand the fears that hold us back, and begin building genuine connections in a supportive group environment.
You'll learn to:
Understand common barriers to making friends.
Recognise the fears that keep you from reaching out.
Feel more comfortable connecting with new people.
Session 2 : How do Great Conversations Happen?
Online - 28th Aug (Registration closes: 24th Aug)
In Person - 29th Aug
Learn how body language, eye contact and genuine presence influence relationships, and discover how small changes in the way you communicate can strengthen connection.
You'll learn to:
Recognise non-verbal communication cues.
Become more present in conversations.
Build stronger first impressions.
Session 3 : Why Does Everything Feel So Awkward?
Online - 4th Sep (Registration closes: 31st Aug)
In Person - 5th Sep
Discover why awkward moments are a normal part of building relationships, and learn how vulnerability can help create deeper and more meaningful connections.
You'll learn to:
Become more comfortable with social discomfort.
Develop confidence in being yourself.
Build trust through authentic communication.
Session 4: What Makes a Friendship Last?
Online - 11th Sep (Registration closes: 7 Sep)
In Person - 12th Sep
Explore what creates meaningful friendships, understand how trust develops over time, and learn practical ways to build deeper and more fulfilling relationships.
You'll learn to:
Recognise the qualities of healthy friendships.
Build trust through gradual openness.
Strengthen meaningful connections.
Session 5: Why Do I Feel Lonely Even Around Other People?
Online - 18th Sep (Registration closes: 14th Sep)
In Person - 19th Sep
Understand the difference between loneliness and being alone, explore your own patterns of disconnection, and learn practical ways to build genuine belonging.
You'll learn to:
Recognise your own patterns of loneliness.
Understand your emotional connection needs.
Develop healthier ways to connect with others..
Session 6: Keeping Meaningful Friendships Alive
Online - 25th Sep (Registration closes: 21st Sep)
In Person - 26th Sep
Learn why friendships naturally change over time and develop practical habits that help you maintain meaningful relationships long after the programme ends.
You'll learn to:
Maintain friendships with confidence.
Navigate change without losing connection.
Create your own plan for lasting social wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Many participants will be joining a group program for the first time. Sessions are professionally facilitated in a safe, supportive and confidential environment. There is no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with, and participation develops naturally as trust builds within the group.
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Yes. Group programs can complement individual counselling by providing opportunities to learn practical skills, gain new perspectives and apply what you're working on in therapy. If you're unsure whether the program is right for you, speak with your therapist or contact us to discuss your situation.
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We encourage participants to attend every session to gain the greatest benefit from the program. However, we understand that work, travel or unexpected commitments can occasionally arise. Each session is designed to be a stand alone session.
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Absolutely. IRL isn't about becoming more outgoing. It's about helping you build meaningful relationships in a way that feels authentic and comfortable for you.
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No. There is no expectation that participants meet outside the program. However, some participants naturally choose to continue friendships after the group finishes.
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Many people join because they feel exactly the same way. The program provides a supportive environment where you can gradually build confidence and practise new ways of connecting with others.
Places are limited to keep groups small and interactive. Reserve your place today.
Can't make these times? Contact us—we'd love to hear what days or times would work better for you.