OR Six Saturdays (in person) starting 22nd Aug | 3.30-4.30pm
$300Six 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.
💻 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: RoomKiosk Tanjong Pagar No. 1
10 Anson Road, International Plaza
#24-03, Singapore 079903
🔁 Duration: 8 weekly sessions
👥 Group Size: 4–8 participants
💰 Fee: S$300
📝 Registration closes: 10 August 2026
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
Program Outline
Session 1 (21st Aug online/22nd Aug in person): Why Is Making Friends So Hard?
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 (28th Aug online/29th Aug in person): How do Great Conversations Happen?
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 (4th Sep online/5th Sep in person): Why Does Everything Feel So Awkward?
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 (11th Sep online/12th Sep in person): What Makes a Friendship Last?
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 (18th Sep online/19th Sep): Why Do I Feel Lonely Even Around Other People?
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 (25th Sep online/26th Sep): Keeping Meaningful Friendships Alive
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.
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.