Basic Debriefing Training

Our training is a mixture of theory and practical application of a Biblically-based debriefing model. It focuses on learning to debrief cross-cultural workers, looking at the stress they face in cultural adaptation and transition to and from the field. We will look at how to help someone identify the impact of their experiences and how to process that impact in a healthy way.

We will teach you to use the Le Rucher Exchange at the Cross™ debriefing model. This model follows the example of Jesus’ encounter with the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Jesus began to walk alongside the disciples, though they didn’t recognize Him, and asked them a simple question, “What are you talking about?” Of course, Jesus knew the whole story, but instead of telling them his perspective or correcting them, he just let them talk and tell the story. Using Jesus’ interaction with the disciples as a Biblical basis, we can identify 5 essential elements that, followed in an unrushed manner, can create the time and space for a person to reflect on their experience and the impact it is having.

You will gain an awareness of:

A brief history of debriefing and the benefits of a good debrief
The difference between debriefing and counselling
The different types of debriefing and when to use them
Your own limitations and the importance of support and referral
Ethics and confidentiality

You will gain an understanding of:

Debriefing theory
Time frames for debriefing and how to structure a debriefing.
The Exchange at the Cross debriefing model
Basic stress, cumulative stress and the symptoms of burnout
How personal stress reactions impact a team
Culture shock and re-entry culture shock
The power and process of telling one’s story
The importance of allowing the whole story to unfold before intervening with pastoral help
The transition process and implications in a cross cultural context
The different aspects of loss
Key scripture that relate to people’s experience and the processing of grief
Different personal responses to injustice and how to resolve them
The place of the cross in debriefing and the cross workshop
Dynamics of an individual and group debriefing

You will grow in these skills:

The refinement of your active listening and feedback skills
Recognizing what interventions to use and when and where to use them within the framework of the Exchange at the Cross debriefing model
How to use the main tools in the debriefing process, e.g., the Life Path, the Transition Graph and the Stages of Grief, etc.
How to debrief an individual
How to debrief a group

Who is it for?

This training is designed especially for people providing member care to cross cultural workers so their applications will have priority. It is not an entry-level counseling course.

Prerequisites:

Basic counselling skills
Listening skills training or pastoral care.

Due to the experiential nature of the training, we strongly recommend you attend a Le Rucher model of debriefing prior to the seminar.

At Le Rucher:

16 – 21 March 2025 – FULL

12 – 17 October 2025

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Prices

Around the World

The Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions

I need training sooner than you are offering it. Is there anyone else offering training in this area?

While we hear of one-off seminars being held from time to time at various places, we don’t know of anyone who routinely offers this training. If you know of someone (or offer it yourself), please let us know and we will gladly put a link to your program on our website.

What is the nearest airport?

Fly into Geneva, Switzerland. We are only 20 minutes from the airport. Paris is a very, very long way away! Switzerland is a Schengen country so if you have a visa for France or another “Schengen country” you do not need one for Switzerland. Please do NOT take the French exit from the airport. We expect everyone to “follow the crowd” and meet us on the Swiss side of the airport. For driving instructions click here.

Should I arrange to take a taxi from the airport?

Not a good idea. Last we heard, it cost 1 guest nearly 100 Euros for a taxi for the 20-minute drive to Le Rucher (crossing the border automatically raises the price). We are more than glad to pick you up. Just be sure we know when you are arriving.

What is my room like?

All rooms are double occupancy. Most have 2 single beds. Because of limited space, you will be sharing a room with someone. If you are coming with a friend you would like to room with, please make sure we know that. Each room has a sink, but the shower and toilets are down the hall.

Is it possible for me to stay extra nights at Le Rucher when I come for the seminar?

Sorry, we are unable to host you for extra nights and everyone should plan to arrive Sunday afternoon and leave Friday afternoon or evening). We realize this may not be practical for some flights so we would suggest you make arrangements to stay in a hotel near the airport. There are plenty of hotels on either the French or Swiss side of the border that will provide you with a lift to the airport (even for those very early flights). On the French side, search the internet for hotels in the vicinity of Ferney Voltaire.

I'm arriving early, how do I get to Le Rucher?

We will arrange to meet you at the airport on Sunday afternoon. If you are renting a vehicle, check out the directions to our location here.

Do you offer discount prices for missionaries?

These are the discounted prices. We endeavor to keep our prices as low as possible for everything in order to serve the mission community. We are also volunteer workers, raising our own support. The fees are only to cover the cost of running the facilities and to provide the syllabus for you. All the teaching is offered to you free of charge.

Do I need to bring towels?

No, we provide towels for you.

What about my diet preferences?

We seek to serve healthy, delicious, Mediterranean-style meals. Normally, we have enough choice on the table that anyone can find enough to eat. There’s always lots of vegetables in case you prefer not to eat whatever main course is being served. (It’s easy to avoid carbohydrates or cheeses because there are so many options and fresh fruit is available all day long.) Unless you have a serious allergy (like nuts) that the kitchen needs to avoid, you don’t need to let us know about your diet preferences ahead of time. We are confident you will be satisfied with our menus.

Are there shops within walking distance?

That all depends on your definition of walking distance! We are on the edge of a residential district with homes on one side and farmland on the other 3 sides. The nearest shops (a few very small ones) are about half an hour walk. A large supermarket is about a 10-minute drive away (6.5 km).

Can my spouse come and be at Le Rucher while I am attending the seminar?

Probably not. We have a limited number of rooms and beds and most of our training programs are completely full. If you are willing to wait and make last-minute plans, it may become possible.

What else might I like to bring?

If you want to walk in the fields around us, you may want to bring a good pair of walking shoes.