Foundational Training for Men's Circle Facilitators
Become the man who can hold the space.
Every meaningful men's circle begins with one man willing to create a safe place for honesty. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be the expert. You need to know how to listen deeply, remain present in uncertainty, protect psychological safety and trust the wisdom that emerges when men are invited to show up authentically. That is the role of the Circle Keeper.
This four-day immersive facilitator training is designed for men who want to confidently create and lead men's circles rooted in authenticity, emotional maturity and genuine brotherhood. Drawing from years of facilitating men's groups, men’s retreats and transformational experiences, this training blends practical facilitation methods with modern psychology, nervous system awareness, emotional literacy and embodied leadership. Rather than relying on rigid formulas or performance-based leadership, you'll develop the inner qualities that allow groups to feel safe, connected and alive.
Throughout the training, you'll move through a carefully designed progression of learning and practice. You'll begin by exploring the foundations of men's work and the responsibilities of the facilitator before gradually developing the skills needed to hold increasingly complex group experiences.
You'll learn how to establish trust, create meaningful group agreements, guide authentic check-ins, ask powerful questions, work skillfully with silence, navigate conflict, respond to emotional intensity, maintain ethical boundaries and recognize when participants require support beyond the scope of a men's circle.
Just as importantly, you'll learn what not to do.
You'll discover why great facilitators don't try to fix people, rescue emotions or dominate conversations. Instead, you'll cultivate the presence, humility and discernment that allow transformation to unfold naturally.
This is a highly experiential training:
You'll participate in demonstrations, role-play challenging scenarios, receive structured feedback, observe experienced facilitation, and progressively move from participant to co-facilitator before ultimately leading your own men's circle as part of the final practicum.
The learning continues beyond the classroom through shared meals, informal conversations and optional accommodation with fellow participants, creating an environment where brotherhood becomes part of the curriculum itself.
By the conclusion of the training, you won't simply understand how men's circles work. You'll have experienced what it means to hold one with confidence, clarity and integrity.
Whether your vision is to start a community men's group, integrate circle work into your professional practice or become a more grounded leader in your everyday life, The Circle Keeper offers a comprehensive foundation that you will continue returning to throughout your journey as a facilitator.
Who This Training Is For
The Circle Keeper is designed for men who feel called to bring men together through deeper conversation, meaningful connection and authentic leadership. You don't need previous facilitation experience, only a genuine willingness to learn, practise and grow.
This training may be right for you if you:
Want to start and facilitate your own men's circle.
Already lead groups and want to deepen your facilitation skills.
Are a coach, therapist, counsellor or men's work practitioner looking to integrate circle work into your practice.
Lead teams, organisations or communities and want to develop a more relational, human-centred leadership style.
Feel called to create spaces where men can connect with honesty, courage and respect.
Have participated in men's circles and are ready to step into a leadership role.
Value presence, integrity and service over performance or authority.
Are committed to your own personal growth while supporting the growth of others.
This training is not about becoming the smartest man in the room. It's about becoming the one who can create the conditions for others to connect with their own wisdom.
Course Structure
Day 1 - Dec 14 - Arrival & Opening Circle
Opening the Circle
Today we gather briefly in the afternoon for registration, practicalities and opening circle.
Day 2 - Dec 15 - Foundations of the Circle Keeper
Building the Container
You begin by understanding the deeper purpose of men's work and the unique role of the facilitator. Together, we'll establish the principles that make circles safe, meaningful and transformative while exploring the mindset, ethics and presence required to lead with integrity.
Topics include:
Welcome Circle & Agreements
The Philosophy of Men's Work
The Role of the Circle Keeper
Leadership Through Service
Psychological Safety
Confidentiality & Group Agreements
Presence Over Performance
Foundations of Circle Design
Opening and Closing Rituals
Nervous System Regulation for Facilitators
Evening Integration Circle
Day 3 - Dec 16 - The Art of Facilitation
Developing the Skills
With the foundations established, you'll begin developing the practical skills every facilitator needs. Through demonstrations, guided practice and experiential exercises, you'll learn how to create meaningful conversations while staying grounded in the moment.
Topics include:
Deep Listening
Emotional Literacy
Powerful Questions
Somatic Awareness & Embodiment
Working with Silence
Reading Group Energy
Encouraging Authentic Participation
Managing Different Personalities
Facilitator Presence Under Pressure
Practice Circles
Feedback & Reflection
Day 4 - Dec 17 - Navigating Complexity
Holding the Unexpected
No two circles are the same. This day prepares you for the moments that cannot be scripted. You'll learn how to respond calmly and ethically when challenges arise, strengthening your confidence in handling real-world situations.
Topics include:
Group Dynamics
Conflict Navigation
Trauma Awareness Within Scope
Boundaries & Ethics
Power & Responsibility
Repairing Facilitation Mistakes
Supporting Emotional Intensity
When and How to Refer
Advanced Facilitation Practice
Peer Feedback
Day 5 – Dec 18 – Becoming a Circle Keeper
Embodying the Role
The fifth day is the culmination of the training. Participants step fully into the role of Circle Keeper, facilitating their own circles, responding to real group dynamics and receiving detailed feedback from trainers and fellow participants. The focus is no longer on learning new concepts, but on embodying the presence, confidence and integrity required to lead meaningful men's circles. By the end of the day, each participant leaves with the practical skills and confidence to begin holding space within their own community.
Topics include:
Full Facilitation Practicum
Advanced Group Dynamics
Observation & Structured Feedback
Refining Your Facilitation Style
Leading with Presence & Integrity
Building Confidence Through Practice
Launching Your First Men's Circle
Sustaining a Healthy Men's Community
Preparing for Community Integration
Day 6 – Dec 19 – Integration & Closing
From Training into Community
The final day bridges the training with the real world. Participants begin the morning by joining the regular Sacred Grounds Men's Circle alongside members of the wider community, experiencing firsthand what it means to step into an established circle beyond the training environment. Following the community circle, the group gathers for a guided integration process, reflecting on their journey, celebrating their growth and committing to the path ahead as Circle Keepers. The training concludes with a closing ceremony that honours the brotherhood formed and marks the beginning of each participant's ongoing leadership journey.
Topics include:
Sacred Grounds Community Men's Circle
Reflecting on the Community Experience
Guided Integration Process
Personal Leadership Reflection
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Building Accountability & Ongoing Support
Brotherhood Commitment Circle
Certificates of Completion
Closing Ceremony & Farewells
What You'll Leave With
At the end of the training, you'll receive:
A comprehensive Circle Keeper Facilitator Handbook
Men's Circle templates and planning guides
Opening and closing scripts
A library of over 100 facilitation prompts
Group agreements and participant intake templates
Practical tools for navigating difficult situations
Ethical facilitation and boundaries guide
Reflection journal and self-assessment framework
A complete blueprint for launching your own men's circle
The confidence and practical experience to begin facilitating within your own community
Most importantly, you'll leave with something no handbook can provide alone: the lived experience of holding space, receiving honest feedback, and discovering your own authentic way of leading men with presence, humility and integrity.
Investment
Early Bird (until October 15)
24,900 THB (645€)Regular Price
30,500 THB (795€)Deposit - Non-Refundable
11,500 THB (300€)Accomodation
(single room with breakfast in nearby resort, not included in training price - special group discount)
7,500 THB (200€)
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation and meals are not included in the training fee. To encourage connection and informal conversations outside training hours, participants are warmly encouraged to stay together at our recommended nearby accommodation, on a special rate. You're also welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you prefer.
Sacred Grounds CNX will be open throughout the training, offering lunch, drinks, coffee and snacks. There are also a few local restaurants within reach for those with a motorcycle or bicycle at lunch time.
Please note that outside food is not permitted at Sacred Grounds. We appreciate your understanding, as the café helps support the venue and makes it possible for us to host trainings and community events in this space.
Schedule a Discovery Call
A short call is the first step toward joining the training. It's an opportunity for us to get to know each other, explore what brings you to this work, answer any questions you may have, and make sure the training is the right fit for where you are on your journey.
There's nothing you need to prepare, and there's no pressure or obligation. Think of it as a relaxed conversation rather than an interview. The intention is simply to ensure that every participant feels supported and that together we create a group built on trust, openness and a genuine commitment to learning.
If, by the end of our conversation, it feels like the right next step for both of us, you'll be invited to complete your registration and reserve your place.