Restorative CircleKeeping Training
Building Safer, Stronger Connections in Professional Practice
Restorative Circle Keeping is a powerful, trauma-informed way to create safe spaces for honest dialogue, rebuild trust after harm, and strengthen relationships without blame or punishment.
This three-day in-person training, supported by three online coaching sessions, is designed for professionals working in Family Resource Centres, Youth Services, Social Work, Homeless Services, Women’s Refuges and other community support roles.
Participants will experience the circle process themselves and learn how to:
• Create reflective spaces
• Reduce conflict and repeat incidents
• Foster genuine empathy and accountability
• Support healing and long-term wellbeing
• use collective wisdom to reach solutions
• Balance individual needs with collective understanding
The training draws on Affect Theory, Polyvagal Theory and Indigenous teachings to help you create psychologically safe environments where real connection and change can happen.
Three In-Person Circle Practice Days +
Three Online Review & Coaching Sessions
THE PROGRAMME
Day One – Foundations of Restorative Circles
• How Circle Practice is structured
• The Role of the Circle Keeper
• Key principles from Affect Theory, Polyvagal Theory and indigenous teachings
• Establishing shared values, agreements and psychological safety
Day Two – Going Deeper into Practice
• Understanding and working with the Dynamics of Shame in Circle
• Human Experience in Circle as a Ceremony
• Creating Balance and Stability in Circle
Day Three – The Scope of Circle Keeping
• The Dimensions of Harm through Circle Keeping
• The scope of Circle Keeping – from community building to addressing serious harms
• Reaching consensus, repairing harm and brokering solutions in Circle
Three Online Feedback and Coaching Sessions
Three 60-minute sessions (dates to be confirmed) between the in-person days for practice review, troubleshooting and ongoing support.
Dates:
Wednesdays, 30 September & 25 November 2026
and 10 February 2027
Times:
In-person at Athlone Family Resource Centre 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online Coaching Sessions:
Three 60-minute support sessions between the in-person days for practice review and troubleshooting (evening Zoom sessions 7 - 8 p.m., dates to be agreed at first session)
Location:
Athlone Family Resource Centre - Parking available on site
Fee:
€690 for all three days + three online coaching sessions
Early Bird: €620 (if booked before 31 May 2026)
Group rate available on request, just send us an email
Limited to 16 participants.
Early beeking recommended.
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Meet Monica Monahan
Your experienced Circle Keeper and facilitator. Monica brings deep knowledge of restorative practice, trauma-informed work, and circle keeping. She helps create environments where honest dialogue, accountability, and healing can take place.
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Why Join This Training
Develop practical skills to create safer spaces, reduce conflict, rebuild trust after harm, and support healing in your work with children, young people and families. You will experience the circle process yourself and learn to facilitate it.
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Where and When
30 Sept. & 25 Nov. 2025 and 10 Feb. 2026
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Athlone Family Resource Centre
Ball Alley Lane, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Eircode N37 H6R2
Parking available on site.
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Secure Your Place
3 In-Person Training Days +
3 Online Coaching Sessions
Fee: €690
Early Bird €620 until 31 May 2026
Group Rates available on request
