Womens Wellness Workshop Guidelines #3 - Facilitators Responsibilities

Facilitators Responsibilities

Demonstrate a curious, open and authentic approach from the get-go…

To conduct a warm up/wind down exercise such as “reflective practice” – where participants are given the opportunity to review their previous days work before they proceed with the next task, serves to bring the group into cohesion and helps cement the learning/healing process too.
To keep and hold the space; to be the timekeeper.
To clearly outline how the day will take shape (but also remain flexible as events/outcomes may be weather-dependent for example).
Before creativity begins it is wise to ensure that the artistic direction is clearly defined or stated. A coherent theme may be necessary so that dark, scary images do not emerge unbidden and dominate. Sometimes this might happen anyway so it is useful to know what to do if the images become too much, too soon. Keep a couple of empty shoeboxes on hand in case a mask does become too highly charged for the maker to handle. If this happens, pop the mask inside the shoebox and wait for it to “cool down”.
Participants are less likely to go to deep places if there is a relatively short time for each stage of the creative process.
To respond to the needs of the individuals and the group.
To be able to intervene only when necessary with grounding exercises.
Stop a participant-in-mask if you witness difficulties arising – for example hysterical crying or uncontrollable shaking. Usually ‘standing steady’ alongside the person is all that is required to calm them.
Keep things moving forward…
To know your limits as a leader working with mask and story (based upon your experience and training). Be able to refer participants to further help if necessary, or have a trained person as a co-facilitator or readily available.