Circle Facilitator Training
Being part of a talking circle can be a life-changing and life-affirming experience.
Facilitating a talking circle is a responsibility and a role that is such a privilege as you bring people together into community.
This workshop is not only how to lead a women's circle. These trainings are someone wanting to facilitate a talking circle whoever you are planning to invite: women's circle, men's circle, girls' circle, mother and daughters, parents and babies, menopause circle. The possibilities are endless.
There are several options:
1. One day workshop near Oxford (see below)
2. Circle Fundamentals introductory workshop (3-hr, online - see below)
3. Comprehensive Self-study course (online)
4. Circle Facilitator 12 week training (online - coming January 2025)
If you are unsure which training is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Tessa to arrange a conversation.
One-day workshop near Oxford
This is being hosted by the British Wheel of Yoga - you do NOT need to be a yoga teacher to take part.
The aim of the day is to introduce you to the key components of facilitating a talking circle and experience opening check-ins, settling practices, sharing guidelines, topics to talk about, integrating and closing. Embodiment and listening practices will also be part of the day.
Sunday 12th May 10-4pm, Cumnor Village Hall Leys Road, Cumnor, Oxfordshire, OX2 9QF
If you are a BWY member for full details go to: https://portal.bwy.org.uk/user/events/683
If you are not a BWY member (£60, BWY members £50), you first need to get a one-day free membership here: https://www.bwy.org.uk/ , go to Join Us, scroll down to Free Account at the bottom, Choose Plan, register and then you will be able to search for and book on to the Introduction to Talking Circles CPD. Any problems, let me know.
Learn how to facilitate circles
Introductory 3-hour workshop
When I started my Red Tent circle, I had been part of circles at retreats and workshops, but never been a participant of a regular, monthly talking circle. I just knew I wanted to attend one and there were none near enough.
I would have loved a workshop to get me started but I learnt through trial and error. I created the structure, decided on the guidelines and figured out how to market it by myself. Eight years later, I have a wide experience of running different circles for varied groups: monthly, quarterly, one-offs; for different ages groups; in different settings (in my living room, in a yurt, a yoga studio, at a festival).
In this content-packed workshop, you will:
consider the long history of talking circles and intentions behind them
examine an example schedule for a two-hour circle
share ideas on how to physically and energetically set up the space
review considerations around venue suitability
try and discuss different icebreakers
reflect on the guiding principles for circle holding and boundary keeping
try a settling practice and think about how you can use your existing skillset
understand what a listening partnership is and experience one
discuss the importance of integration and closing
problem-solving common issues
discuss a trauma-informed approach to holding circles
consider your particular population or interest focus and adjustments to your circle process
The whole workshop is created to model running a talking circle. As well as the experiential element, there are handouts.
Upcoming dates: 15th March (currently booking) and 3rd July 2024
Circle Holders Journey (in 2025)
Online 6-month training - the circle holders' circle!
It can be wonderful to share your experiences with other circle holders and have a place to lean into for yourself. We will meet once a month for 2 hours, with different icebreakers, settling practices, themes and ways to close so you can add to your repertoire. You will also receive a 121 mentoring session with me to use as you wish, whether focusing on content, structuring a circle, marketing or anything else that is needed.
In this small group (maximum 10 people), you will:
have an opportunity to relax as a participant for once instead of always facilitating!
create lasting relationships with other circle holders to provide mutual support
enjoy regular listening partnerships to be witnessed in your process
bring experiences to seek support on or celebrate
gain more ideas for themes, practices and even songs to share
discuss different ways of using your circle holding skills for other events
reflect on inclusivity and trauma-sensitive practice
deepen your facilitation skills and increase your confidence as a leader in your community
You’re very welcome to book a clarity call to see whether we are a good fit and ask your questions. I can't wait to hear about your circle or planned circle!