14-19 December 2026 | Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Circle Keeper

Men's Circle Facilitator Training

Every meaningful men's circle begins with one man willing to hold a safe space for honesty. He doesn't need to have all the answers, but he needs the presence, awareness and skill to help others feel seen, heard and respected. That is the role of the Circle Keeper.

This five-day immersive training is for men who feel called to confidently create and lead authentic men's circles. Through practical experience, feedback and guided practice, you'll learn how to build trust, foster psychological safety, ask meaningful questions, navigate challenging moments and hold space with integrity.

More than learning facilitation techniques, you'll develop the qualities that make others feel safe to show up as they are. Throughout the training you'll observe, practise and gradually step into the facilitator's role, supported by experienced guidance and genuine brotherhood.

Whether you want to start a community men's circle, bring this work into your profession or simply become a more grounded leader, The Circle Keeper provides the foundation to hold meaningful spaces with confidence, clarity and authenticity.

❋ Who This Training Is For

The Circle Keeper is for men who feel called to bring others together through honest conversation, meaningful connection and authentic leadership. You don't need previous facilitation experience—only a genuine willingness to learn, practise and grow.

This training is for you if you want to:

  • Start and facilitate your own men's circle.

  • Deepen your facilitation and leadership skills.

  • Integrate circle work into your coaching, therapy or men's work.

  • Lead with greater presence, integrity and psychological safety.

  • Create spaces where men can connect with honesty and trust.

❋ What You'll Leave With

At the end of the training, you'll receive:

  • Circle Keeper Facilitator Handbook

  • Men's Circle template and planning guide

  • Opening and closing script

  • A library of 25 facilitation prompts to get you started.

  • Group agreements template

  • Practical tools for navigating difficult situations

  • Ethical facilitation and boundaries guide

  • A complete blueprint for launching your own men's circle

  • The confidence and practical experience to begin facilitating within your own community

❋ Schedule a Call

A short discovery call is the first step toward joining the training.

It's a chance for us to get to know each other, explore what brings you to this work, answer your questions, and see whether the training is the right fit.

There's nothing to prepare and no pressure to join. Just a relaxed conversation. If, by the end, it feels like the right next step for both of us, you'll be invited to reserve your place.

Schedule a Call
Schedule a Call

❋ Investment

  • Early Bird (paid in full until October 15)
    24,900 THB (645€)

  • Regular Price (deposit optional)
    30,500 THB (795€)

  • Accommodation

    (single room with breakfast in nearby resort, Little Village Chiang Mai, optional but highly recommended)

    7,500 THB (200€)

  • Lunch and Dinner are not included

Secure Your Place

Venue

The training takes place at Sacred Grounds CNX, a yoga and community space in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Although accommodation is optional, participants are encouraged to stay nearby at Little Village Chiang Mai resort and share the experience beyond the training room. The final day includes participation in Sacred Grounds' regular community Men's Circle, bringing the training into a real-world setting.

Your Facilitator

The training is led by Gonçalo Luz, founder of Inner Outer Journeys and Sacred Grounds CNX, with years of experience facilitating men's circles, retreats and transformational group work.

Learn more about Gonçalo and his approach to men's work

Meet the Facilitator 
Day 1 - Dec 14

Arrival & Opening 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:

  • 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

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

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:

  • 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

Become the man who can hold the space.

Apply for The Circle Keeper