The Power of Showing Up

Description

This five-session series training program is designed to equip participants with the skills and understanding necessary to provide meaningful support to individuals experiencing difficult challenges, such as grieving the death of a loved one, adapting to the demise of a significant relationship, coping with a life-threatening medical diagnosis and other life adversities. By focusing on the importance of presence and empathy, the training helps attendees learn how to be a source of comfort and assistance. In addition, participants will learn about the importance of self-care strategies and set boundaries to ensure their own well-being while being there for others.

At the completion of this training, participants will:

• Understand the significance of ‘showing up’ for others during tough times;
• Understand the main components of ‘Three-legged Stool’ approach to supporting those during difficult times;
• Learn practical strategies for offering support and guidance towards healing;
• Learn ways to nurture and cultivate resiliency to enhance others capacity to endure their struggles and heal;

Session 1: The Importance of Presence and Understanding Grief and Loss
In this session, participants will explore why simply being there for someone can make a significant difference. It will offer an in-depth look at the different types of adversities one may endure and the potential reactions and responses one may experience. The discussion will cover the emotional reactions, psychological impact and physical manifestations of grief. An introduction to the ‘Three-legged Stool’ approach to supporting those during difficult times will be provided and reference throughout the five sessions.

Session 2: Companion Model of Supporting Others During Hard Times
Alan Wolfelt’s Companion Model will be explored. This session will focus on practical strategies for providing support and offering resources or connecting others with additional support services. Information on recognizing when someone is in great distress through verbal and non-verbal cues will be reviewed along with approaches to guide others in receiving additional support.

Session 3: Enhancing Our Capacity to Show Up for Others
Empathy is a crucial component of effective support. This session will focus on exercises and techniques to enhance empathetic understanding, active listening, and effective questioning techniques that enable participants to connect with and relate to the feelings and experiences of others. It will identify and offer opportunities to practice the skills of active listening that foster trust and openness.

Session 4: Facilitation Skills and Support Group Structures
This session will empower participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively facilitate a support group. There will be a focus on understanding the role of a facilitator and creating a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing a loss and adapting and adjusting to life’s transitions. Managing group dynamics, dominant participants and ensuring balanced participation will be addressed.

Session 5: Self-Reflection, Self-Care and Self-Compassion
Since supporting others can sometimes be overwhelming, the final session concludes with self-reflection, allowing participants to explore their capacity to ‘show up’ for others during challenging times. It will explore their own self-compassion and self-care practices. The importance of setting boundaries to ensure their own well-being while being there for others will be explored.

Dates and Details
5 Saturdays, 8:30am – 4:30pm
January 24th, February 21st, March 28th, April 18th, and May 16th

Sustainer Cost: $1,175
Advocate Cost: $940
Partner Cost: $705
(all levels include registration for all 5 Saturdays, all noon meals, required books, handouts and materials)
Please add $25 for CEUs (1.6 units) if you plan to pursue CEUs

New for the 2025-2026 program year: We are offering a voluntary three-level registration fee structure for our sponsored retreats in order to support both accessibility and sustainability of our retreat ministry. For more information on our three-level registration fee structure, visit our FAQ page.

Registration and Application Process:
1. Complete and submit the form below.
2. Once your registration is received, you will be emailed a biographical application form which is required to be completed and submitted for review by the training program team.
3. You will be notified regarding your acceptance into the program and mailed the assignment for the initial gathering. Once accepted, an online invoice will be sent for payment. 

Applications are due by Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

If cost remains a barrier even at the lowest level, you are invited to complete our Scholarship Request Form. While we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fully accommodated, and we do ask that you contribute a portion of the fee, we will do our best to assist as many participants as possible within our available resources.