Reimagining Human Connection:
A Sober Dinner Experience
Personal Project
As a culture, we are more disconnected from one another than ever before, leading to a loneliness epidemic. In a time of digital-first connection, we’re losing the skillset that it takes to interact with others in an empathetic and intimate way.
Welcome to the sober dinner experience that creates a new space between therapy and people’s everyday lives where New Yorkers can learn and practice relational skills, just like they would when learning a new language.
Loneliness is a root cause and contributor to many addiction and mental health problems.
And some communities, like the LGBTQI+ population, experiences substance abuse 2-3x more than cis-heterosexual individuals.
We’ve created a space in between therapy and people’s everyday lives.
Through a curated dinner experience, strangers are able to 
learn and practice skills for interpersonal connection and nervous system regulation.
Use food as the great connector to bring strangers together.
Design an experience from the ground up that’s trauma-informed and rooted in facilitating connection.
Tap into the five senses and somatic experiencing to help individuals feel safe to be vulnerable.
Teach individuals the skills for fully experiencing themselves and one another on a deeper level.
Imagine sitting down to a long table with 30 strangers.
30 votive candles light up the room, representing an intention from each person at the table.
You’re led by a connection guide and chef through a three hour multi-sensorial journey of food, feelings and deep conversation.
Through connected table moments, relationships with new strangers begin to blossom.
Rooted in anti-oppressive theories and practices, and informed by the latest research.
This is just a shortlist to provide insight into our foundation, and not inclusive of all the approaches we utilize.
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The experience prioritizes safety and compassion, recognizing that everyone carries different life experiences. We create a welcoming space that honors guests’ comfort, offering gentle, optional activities throughout the dinner.
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We invite you to connect with your body and senses, fostering relaxation and presence. Through gentle guidance, you’ll tune into the sensations of your experience to promote deeper connection and ease.
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We incorporate simple mindfulness and breathwork exercises to help you feel grounded and fully present. These practices enhance your sensory experience and support relaxation.
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We consider the role of the nervous system in creating a sense of safety and connection. By fostering a calm and welcoming environment, we support your ability to relax and engage socially.
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We create opportunities for meaningful connection through guided exercises that encourage deep, empathetic listening. This helps foster authentic dialogue and a sense of being truly heard and seen.
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We emphasize empathy and compassionate dialogue, helping you express yourself authentically. By focusing on shared understanding, we aim to deepen connection and reduce conflict.
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We acknowledge the impact of systemic racism and strive to create an inclusive, equitable space. The experience reflects a commitment to understanding diverse experiences and challenging power dynamics.
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We strive to create a space that challenges power imbalances and centers voices that are often marginalized. This inclusive approach aims to make everyone feel respected and valued.
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We embrace a celebration of diverse gender identities and experiences, challenging traditional norms. We strive to create an inclusive space where everyone feels free to be themselves.
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We honor the complex, intersecting identities that each person brings to the experience. Our approach recognizes that your unique background shapes how you connect and engage.
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Our approach honors the many parts of who you are, helping you connect with different aspects of yourself. We guide you in exploring your inner world to support self-awareness and personal growth.
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The experience is designed to create a secure, supportive environment that encourages connection. We recognize the importance of feeling safe and seen in building authentic relationships.