September 25-28, 2025; Thursday-Sunday

TIME: 8:30am-5:30pm each day (Central Daylight Time)

LOCATION:Activity Center at International Linguistics Center,

7500 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX, 75236

REGISTRATION FEE: $200 USD (Includes all training materials and snacks, but not meals or lodging. Some lodging is available onsite; for info contact housing_dallas@sil.org or phone: 972-708-7426).

Registration deadline: September 18, 2025

ABOUT THE PROGRAM MODEL: This proven model of the Trauma Healing Institute uses applied Scripture and mental health principles to address spiritual and emotional wounds caused by trauma whether from war, violence, natural disasters, or abuse. The book Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help has been translated and taught in 130 countries with more than 200 language groups around the world.

ABOUT THE SESSION: At this Initial Equipping session, participants learn basic biblical and mental health principles related to trauma care; explore if they themselves are carrying any heart wounds from trauma or loss and bring those to Christ for healing; learn how to lead groups in a participatory way; learn the program model; and develop plans for using what they have learned in their community.

Trauma healing facilitators are committed to helping others, but must also ensure they “do no harm” to those they seek to help. To be certified as a Healing Group Facilitator and possibly work toward training others, this Initial Equipping begins a 3-step certification process:

1. An evaluation during this Initial equipping session that consists of:

• Self-awareness of impact on others; able to interact well in a group

• Overall emotional well-being

• A short test showing knowledge of the content

• Practice facilitating a group in a participatory way, receiving feedback on strengths and suggestions for areas of improvement.

2. A few months of practicum after the Initial Equipping in which Apprentice Facilitators co-lead 2 healing groups that include all the core lessons.

3. An Advanced Equipping Session in which participants demonstrate competence and deepen their knowledge and skills.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This session is open to laypeople and clergy, mental health professionals, social justice advocates, NGO workers, and others who would like to explore becoming a trauma healing facilitator. We recommend attending with at least one other person so you can work together to implement Trauma Healing in your context.

Necessary qualifications:

At least 18 years old.
Able to manage personal well-being.
Have sufficient status to teach others in a community.
Committed to helping trauma survivors.
Able to dedicate time to lead trauma healing groups.
Able to attend the entire session.
Fluent in English