Circle of Life Facilitator Training

Circle of Life facilitators contribute a great deal to others. While they are not expected to be professional experts, their management of the group process and time creates a space in which learning, growth and healing can take place. Experienced facilitators consistently report high levels of satisfaction with group leadership, both because they feel that they are involved in a very meaningful program, and because the process ultimately affects the ways they personally practice life balance and self-care. Facilitators come from all walks of life and include lay volunteers, Parish Nurses, Directors of Christian Education, Associates in Ministry, and clergy.

A congregational facilitator can be trained for a modest fee and is then able to offer the program to members of the congregation for the cost of materials. The participant workbook teaches a dynamic process for making and maintaining change and growth in 12 life areas. Circle of Life groups are easily tailored to particular groups of church members, with groups meeting on average from one to two hours for six to eight sessions.

In the process of training and supervision, facilitators acquire numerous competencies that they are required to demonstrate in order to be certified. Examples of competencies include:

• Understanding how and why the Circle of Life works
• Leading participants through the simple, yet effective goal setting process
• Using imagery, metaphors, and self-talk to support breakthroughs and achieve goals
• Teaching Circle of Life self-care practices
• Respecting and nurturing the group's resident wisdom
• Creating an environment in which learning can occur
• Practicing the Circle of Life process personally

For more information on starting a Circle of Life group in your congregation, please call 216-737-0800, extension 204.