Monica has trained professionals across education, justice and community settings for over two decades. Here is what some of them say:
"Monica is extremely professional in her approach. She has demonstrated remarkable intuition for the needs of her groups, and brings a deep understanding of the dynamics underlying conflict and harm. Her ability to create safety in a room — even a difficult one — is genuinely rare."
Bernie Downes
Principal Adult Education Unit,
Castlerea Prison
"I have first-hand experience of Monica Monahan's skills across conflict resolution, staff facilitation and the development of practical working frameworks for organisations. Over many years and in various settings, she has proven herself to be highly competent, skilful and effective. I would have no hesitation recommending her work to any professional or organisation."
Dr. Séamus Caomhánach
Cathaoirleach, Gaelscoil Liatroma
Jamie Earl
Gambling Support Therapist & Psychotherapist, Athlone Family Resource Centre
Margaret Toberant
whos this?
"In my work with people experiencing addiction and family crisis, the hardest challenge is often creating a space where people feel genuinely safe enough to speak honestly. Monica's Circle Keeping approach gave me practical tools to do exactly that — to hold difficult conversations without blame, and to support people in finding their own way forward. This is not abstract theory. It is a structured, human process that I draw on in my work every week."
"I had been through processes before where I felt like a problem to be managed rather than a person to be heard. The circle was completely different. For the first time, I felt that what I had experienced was genuinely acknowledged — not just noted and moved on from. It gave me a sense that things could actually change. I didn't expect to feel that way."
"We brought Monica in to work with our team during a period when we were under considerable pressure — difficult cases, staff stress, and communication that had become strained. The Circle Keeping process gave us a way to be honest with each other that felt safe rather than threatening. The impact on how our team works together has been real and lasting. We would recommend this training without hesitation to any organisation working with people in crisis."
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.