Birds on branch

Social connection can transform health and well-being

Training in healing circles offers a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and community empowerment. Whether you're a practitioner, educator, community leader, or an individual who's passionate about holistic healing, this training provides valuable skills and resources that support yourself, along with others, on the path to healing and wholeness.

Healing circles make a difference

After participating in 10 or more healing circles:

%

of participants had an increased sense of wellbeing

%

of participants felt less isolated and more connected

%

of participants had an increased sense of hope

%

of participants experienced less stress and anxiety

What is a healing circle?

In healing circles, people come together to share, listen, and reflect, guided by a reliable framework and a consistent set of values. Circles hold space for connection, belonging, and community, and they welcome all.

The practice of healing circles facilitates authentic connection that directly impacts outcomes and improves the way we care for one another. And the simplicity and universality of circles make them uniquely positioned to support positive change.

What you'll learn

This training will introduce you to a blend of mindfulness, reflection, and compassionate communication using a reliable format that cultivates a safe space for sharing.

You'll embark on a journey to:

  • Explore the fundamental principles and structure of a healing circle.
  • Enhance your capacity for compassionate, attentive listening and sharing.
  • Explore the skills that cultivate a safe environment for sharing.
  • Engage firsthand in multiple healing circles.
  • Hone your hosting skills by putting what you've learned into practice.

Guided by experienced mentors, you'll learn, practice, and build community with a small cohort of fellow trainees.

Healing circles validate the worth and sacredness of each individual through the simple act of listening generously with attentive silence and then receiving the same blessing in return. This is an expression of unconditional love, and I don't know if there's a more effective way of healing.

Chris C,

Trained host, retired palliative care physician

Curious owl

Free Discovery Circle

To get the most out of this training, it's helpful to have experienced a healing circle first. You'll find many options to choose from on the Healing Circles Global website, but the 60-minute discovery circles below enable you to experience every part of a healing circle and also ask questions of experienced hosts.

Bronze Drongo birds facing each other

Essentials Training

Week by week, you’ll acquire tools and gain the confidence to hold space, provide social connection, facilitate healing, and build community.

The time you'll invest over a four-week period

  • Self-study and reflection (approximately 30 to 60 minutes per week)
  • Four live weekly sessions (120 minutes per week)
  • One meeting with a fellow trainee to plan the circle you will cohost (approximately 60 minutes)
  • Mentor support for you and your cohost as you plan your circle (15-30 minutes)

The support you'll receive

  • You'll participate in four healing circles, a byproduct of which is social and emotional support for yourself.
  • Through these circles, you'll build community with fellow trainees from all over the world.
  • Mentors will be available to help you and your fellow trainee prepare for the circle you will cohost together.
  • Mentors will also provide constructive feedback after each healing circle to help you learn from your experience.

Training materials include

  • Videos
  • A downloadable guide, reflection journal, quick reference, and script
  • Links to supportive content on the Healing Circles Global website 

Investment: $199 USD

 

Three sparrows on a branch

Upcoming Trainings

We look forward to welcoming you at one of the trainings below:

If no trainings appear listed above, we're working on scheduling new ones. Please leave your name and address here, and we'll let you know when new trainings are available.

Different types of birds on a branch

Who you are

Healing circles are peer-led, and the essential qualities of a host include:

  • Self-awareness
  • The ability to work effectively in small group settings
  • The ability to self-regulate
  • Comfort with silence
  • Openness
  • A fundamental sense of personal humility
  • A willingness to be vulnerable and speak from the heart
  • A desire to serve

Healing Circles Global is not a classroom with teachers and students, experts and novices. It’s a learning community. The only requirements are to bring your soul, commitment, and creativity to the work.

The prerequisites? We all meet them, whether they’re easily accessible or hidden for the time being. They are the life experiences that make us uniquely human and uniquely capable of supporting one another.

Oren Slozberg

Executive director, Commonweal

Interested in volunteering?

Volunteers are at the heart of our work. They create safe and nurturing spaces in which authentic connection can facilitate healing. The life-giving support they offer others also supports their own well-being.

Our volunteers make a positive difference in the world. If you're interested in a meaningful way to connect, contribute, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others, please contact us.