Facilitator Training
We Train Men to Lead Circles
Add a string to your wellness bow, lead circles in your community, or simply learn how to hold space in your life. This training is for anyone interested in men's leadership.
The Evidence
Why this training works
Hours of Experience
Hours of circle facilitation experience and evidence behind the methodology. From traditional Menswork, tools from psychotherapy and various effective coaching models — all tested and influenced our best practices.
Trained Facilitators
We are now an international facilitation team, who after training, all attend our monthly peer-learning and supervision sessions. This keeps our quality high and leaders on their toes.
Recommended
Every single one of the men who have taken our facilitator training would recommend it to others. We're very proud of this.
The Natural Progression
From Participant to Facilitator
Step 01
Join a Drop-in Circle
Experience the practice as a participant. Show up, share, listen. Try out our style of menswork.
Step 02
Commit to a Private Circle
Go deeper in a deeper programme. Same men, same facilitator. This is where real truth builds, and the work begins.
Step 03
Apply for Training
Learn our methodology. Practice holding space under supervision. Find your weaknesses. Understand yourself deeper.
Step 04
Lead Your Own Circles
Take on your own circle. Join our facilitator team. Gain peer-learning. After 12 supervised weeks, we pay you to lead our circles.
Most facilitators start as curious participants. The training is open to men who've done the work and want to create that space for others.
The Programme
What You'll Learn
Facilitator Training
6 Weeks Online or 2-Day Intensive — followed by 12 weeks of supervised practice
Core Skills
- —Group facilitation
- —Creating psychological safety
- —Holding space without fixing
- —Managing group dynamics
- —Conflict and tension
Methodology
- —The AAA framework in depth
- —Circle agreements and ownership
- —Life story facilitation
- —Theme selection and ownership
- —Feedback models and practice
Practice
- —Live facilitation with real feedback
- —Supervised circle leadership (12 weeks)
- —Peer supervision (monthly)
- —Scenario work and edge cases
What's Included
Format Options
Online: 6 weeks, 3hrs/week contact time
In-Person: 2-day intensive, Central London
Both followed by bespoke practice, team onboarding, monthly supervision sessions with the team, and your first supervised practice circle.
per trainee
Is This For You?
Who trains with us
You work in wellbeing
You know men are hard to reach. You're seeking an established and evidence-based training that gives you real experience that will open up new opportunities and paid work.
The Circle Member
You've been in circles for some time. You've watched the facilitator and thought: I could do that. You have capacity. You want to challenge yourself and serve other men.
The Leader
You already work with men, in your team, organisation or community. You're curious about how to build real connection, resilience and depth between them. You want to become the person who holds the group with grounded confidence.
Your Trainer
Meet Pasco Ashton
Pasco is the founder of Men's Circle and has taken on the role leading the training since 2024. He's facilitated over 1000 circles and delivered 7 full training cohorts solo. His teaching particularly centres on individual exploration, leadership principles, community leadership and feedback skills.
Pasco's mentors have included: Lee Stagles (Menswork leader and rites of passage), Clive Selwyn (Doctor, Holistic counsellor, Rebel Wisdom, MKP, ABOB) and Nick Duffell (Director Centre for Gender Psychology, Psychotherapist, couples counsellor and who worked directly with Robert Bly).
From Trained Facilitators
In their words
“The training gave me the tools and the confidence to hold space for other men in a way I didn't know was possible.”
“Six weeks in and I walked away with a methodology I trust. The supervised practice afterwards is where it all clicked.”
“One of the strongest courses and safest training spaces I have experienced in 25 years.”
Upcoming Dates
Next Training Cohorts
Online Cohort
6 weeks via Zoom, learn from anywhere
When
Cohort forming now
Format
6 weeks, Zoom
Commitment
~3hrs/week
Investment
£900 / £1,200
In-Person Intensive
2 days, immersive, Central London
When
Cohort forming now
Format
2 days, London
Commitment
2 full days
Investment
£900 / £1,200
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We ask that you've been in a circle for at least a few months. It doesn't have to be ours. We offer a 'Leadership Circle' specifically for men new to the practice who know they want to train with us. We make a few rare exceptions if you have lots of relevant experience.
The training itself is 6 weeks online (~3hrs/week) or 2 days intensive in-person. After that, you'll get your first practice in our drop-in circles, then — when you're assessed as ready — lead your own weekly, 90 minute circle for 12 weeks under supervision. After that most of our graduates continue, stay part of the team and get paid.
Completely. Generally therapy is led by a mental health professional, one-to-one and is psychoanalytic. A circle is peer-led, structured, and focused on self-development. We build emotional and relational skill sets, using facilitation and feedback.
You join the facilitator network. You get monthly supervision, peer support, and a listing on the directory. After your first 12 weeks of leading, we start paying you.
Start in one of our circles and learn through participating first. The training is designed to build confidence systematically — we won't let you at a circle until we think you're competent and able. Or book in a call with us to talk it through.
Apply Now
Ready to lead?
Applications for the next cohort are open. If you're not sure yet, email us — we'll tell you honestly whether training is the right next step.
Apply Now
Men's Circle Presents · Ep. 01
Watch a live men's Circle
Featuring Jordan Stevens & Jeff Brazier, Men's Circle Presents is a groundbreaking video series where these public figures openly discuss their inner development as men in a rare public glimpse of a men's circle.
Find out more