Returning Warriors - Program Facilitators

Program Facilitators

he most effective setting for the program is in the home community, where the family and on-going support is available. Those interested in organizing a retreat are invited to contact us to discuss options and ideas.

Therapists, practitioners, and veterans who are interest in themselves becoming facilitators should download the Facilitator Training Program Description and Application (.zip file).

Our experiential facilitator training program is designed to introduce the elements and structure of the retreat, and to provide training for qualified individuals to present the program. A facilitation training component is incorporated into each retreat.

Selected trainees attend the retreat as staff, and attend daily scheduled training sessions throughout the program. In addition, they arrive one-half day early, and depart one-half or a full day after the retreat for additional training.

Facilitation Requirements
It is important that you review the following prior to applying for facilitator training. These are key characteristics for successfully presenting the program.

•	A minimum of 2 trained facilitators, preferably male and female.
•	One of the facilitators must be a licensed therapist, preferably with experience in treatment of trauma.
•	Licensure for the co-facilitator is not required but experience with trauma or PTSD is a priority. Veterans are especially helpful as co-facilitators.
•	Both facilitators should have an understanding of ancient healing principles and practices. The training program presents all of the elements used in the retreats, but is not designed to teach more basic principles of healing.
•	The facilitators must work well with each other in managing the program content and group dynamics.
•	Knowledge or familiarity with the therapeutic community in your area for follow-up and ongoing support.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact us for clarification. We are glad to visit with you and provide any information you need.
Facilitator Training Application (zip file)

Primary Facilitators / Trainers

Karen Hutchins, MALPC
Karen is the clinical director of Ravens Grove Foundation for Healing and owner of Cicada Recovery Services, Austin, TX. She has been a psychotherapist for more than 30 years, working intensively for the past 25 years in her specialty in PTSD and survivors of extensive trauma.

She has worked for many years with veterans and abused children. Many of her clients are perpetrators, and others are victims of ritual abuse from early childhood.

Karen also has worked in the criminal justice system, providing therapy for convicted torturers, abusers, and offenders. Working with the shadow aspect of human behavior has given her the insight, compassion, and understanding of the extremes to which the human soul can go.

Ms. Hutchins, MA LPC, is an experienced counselor, Reiki Master & Certified Hypnotherapist. She has presented retreats and workshops since 1975 for individuals and professional organizations.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed.
Gerry is the executive director of Ravens Grove Foundation for Healing, Austin, TX. He is a teacher, trainer and consultant, focusing on contemporary approaches to healing and personal evolution.

Mr. Starnes has experience in both individual and group settings, including work with psychotic patients in a residential treatment hospital setting. He has facilitated and co-facilitated numerous workshops and retreats over the past 20 years.

For more information or to register:

Phone: 512-586-2736