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
Costs
All our costs are based on a 5-night stay. If your stay is longer or shorter, it will be adjusted.
We endeavor to provide a rapid response in an emergency situation, but this is dependent on our staff availability.
Seminar with lodging at Le Rucher
1,100 € per person – All inclusive (5 nights)
Seminar without lodging
770 € per person
Non-refundable registration fee
100 € per person (included in total price)
Payments
We are unable to receive cash or credit card payments. Payments may be made by direct bank transfer or by French checks (sorry, no foreign checks).
Payments Details
We will send you an invoice a few days before your scheduled debrief. The invoice will give you our bank details. We would prefer payment by the time you arrive.
If your mission agency prefers to be billed, please fill out the appropriate information on your application form so we can bill them before you arrive.
If you cancel at short notice (less than 30 days before your scheduled debrief), we may ask you to pay 50% if we are unable to fill your place.
How to apply?
At Le Rucher:
12 – 17 October 2025 (wait listed)
Just click on the applicable button below and answer a few questions. We will get back to you right away and see what we can arrange.
Notice
Before you give us your information, we want to assure you that we fully respect your privacy and will always keep your details confidential. They are never shared with a 3rd party. We use this information only to determine our ability to serve you. We will email or call you at the address/number you provide to continue exploring the best options for you.
We do not use this information to make any automated decisions that might affect you. If you are accepted for debriefing, your information is securely archived. Only the information you voluntarily share with us in the form below is collected.
If we are unable to accommodate your request for any reason, your information is automatically deleted after 30 days. You have the right under EU law to request that your data be erased so feel free to contact us after your debriefing if you would like us to delete your identifying information from our records.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.