Achieve official certification as a Council Trainer Participate in a ceremonial acknowledgment of certification Certification & Celebration Upon recommendation from the Mentor Circle, Beyond Us & Them will: Award official certification as a Council Trainer Honour the milestone with a ceremonial celebration Certified trainers may be eligible to co-lead future trainings as Junior Trainers and represent their trainer status in bios and marketing

council certification & professional standards

The Beyond Us & Them mentor circle upholds the highest standards for council trainer certification, carefully reviewing each candidate’s journey to ensure they have fully met the rigorous criteria, demonstrated the core competencies, and embody the depth of skill and presence required to be certified.

council between 2 people_Beyond us & them

becoming a certified council trainer

Beyond Us & Them supports those called to become certified council trainers by offering a comprehensive pathway that includes training, mentorship from experienced trainers, personalised feedback, internship placements, and professional development. This programme is open to individuals who have completed Foundations of Council training and are committed to offering council training and facilitation professionally. The curriculum provides essential tools, hands-on experience, and access to a supportive network—ensuring trainers are prepared to lead council-based work with confidence, care, and integrity.

core competencies of a certified council trainer

To work effectively and lead by example, a Certified Council Trainer should be able to:

Recognise the need for, and appropriately teach, a variety of council forms and elements—both formal and informal
Understand, articulate, and model the Four Intentions of Council
Communicate the history and context of council practicre, including awareness of setting and cultural appropriation
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive space for diverse council circles, holding that space with rigour and consistency
Hold personal beliefs without judgment, encouraging open expression and maintaining an open mind and heart
Adapt to the needs of the group or programme, shifting from a prepared plan when necessary

Perceive what is happening within the group and individual participants, including reading verbal, nonverbal, and energetic cues (“reading the field”)
Approach each group as both a student and co-learner, as well as a trainer, teacher, and facilitator
Build trust through genuine interest, empathy, and compassion—while maintaining appropriate boundaries
Receive feedback, criticism, or challenge with openness and resilience, without taking things personally
Embrace paradox and multiple perspectives
Bring gratitude into interactions and situations
Demonstrate cultural self-awareness and understand how issues of diversity, inclusion, bias, and oppression affect individuals and group dynamics

Certification Requirements

1. Complete Required Council Trainings

Council Training 1: Foundations of Council (CT1)
Council Training 2: Deepening council training (CT2) – participate at least once, preferably more
Council Training 3: Living the Way of Council (CT3) – participate at least once, preferably more

Candidates are encouraged to repeat trainings to gain exposure to different teaching styles and deepen their understanding.

2. Enter the Certification Path

Submit a Letter of Intention to Beyond Us & Them
Receive approval and confirmation from Beyond Us & Them
Choose either:
- A cohort-based programme (administered by Beyond Us & Them)
- An independent study path (guided by a designated sponsor trainer)
Participate in an interview with Beyond Us & Them staff (especially important for the independent path)

Component 1: Letter of Intention

Prospective trainers submit a Letter of Intention outlining:

Their council experience and trainings completed (including CT1)
Any facilitation experience
Future intentions along the Way of Council

Those applying to a cohort complete the formal application. In individual cases, an Independent Course of Training may be developed with Beyond Us & Them, detailing all required components and associated costs.

3. Engage in Community and Development

Cohort Engagement & Mentoring

Trainers-in-training follow a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

Council Training workshops
Professional development and mentoring sessions
Community councils and team meetings
At least one apprenticeship
Ongoing facilitation practice and mentoring by senior trainers

Regular communication, written reflections, and self-assessments may be required. Progress is tracked via an online system.

4. Facilitate Council Sessions

Log 50+ hours of council facilitation, or
Facilitate 40+ individual council sessions

Diversity of experience is encouraged. For example, those working primarily in schools may be encouraged to lead councils in business, elder, or incarcerated settings.

Reflection on informal council experiences and related practices (e.g. storytelling, nature-based rituals, movement, meditation) is also recommended.

5. Receive Observation, Feedback, and Mentorship

Be observed and mentored by senior trainers from Beyond Us & Them
Complete a minimum of 5 observed/mentored sessions (more if possible).

Foundations of Council Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship on a Foundations of Council Training workshop is arranged to observe:

How council is introduced to newcomers
The structure and flow of a Foundations of Council training
Trainer dynamics and participant responses

This is a witnessing experience, not a co-lead. Multiple apprenticeships are often recommended to gain exposure to different training styles.

6. Apprenticeship and Co-Facilitation

7. Program Development

Introduce or develop a council programme (internally or externally).

Program Introduction & Trainer Development

Later in the journey, candidates are encouraged to:

Launch a council programme in a real-world context (e.g. school, workplace, community)
Receive guidance from senior trainers and the Mentor Circle on:
- Cultural awareness
- Boundary setting
- Reading group dynamics
- Personal reflection and growth areas

Trainers-in-training are also asked to explore topics such as:

Marketing and pricing
Running independent or organisational council programmes
Honouring the lineage and teachings of council

Note: Completing the programme does not guarantee certification—certification is based on demonstrated mastery of the core competencies.

8. Demonstrate Trainer Competency

Demonstrate proficiency in the Core Competencies of a Council Trainer
Understand and embody "The Way of Council"

Co-Leading & Final Assessment

Once all prior components are complete, the trainer-in-training may:

Co-lead a CT1 workshop with a senior trainer
Submit a final reflection letter and thorough self-assessment
Be reviewed by the Mentor Circle, along with input from the senior trainer

The Mentor Circle will determine readiness for certification or recommend further development where needed.

9. Evaluation & Final Submission

10. Certification

Achieve official certification as a Council Trainer
Participate in a ceremonial acknowledgment of certification

Certification & Celebration

Upon recommendation from the Mentor Circle, Beyond Us & Them will:

Award official certification as a Council Trainer
Honour the milestone with a ceremonial celebration
Certified trainers may be eligible to co-lead future trainings as Junior Trainers and represent their trainer status in bios and marketing

Affiliation (optional)

Affiliation with Beyond Us & Them (Optional)

Certified trainers may choose to become Affiliated Trainers, gaining:

Ongoing support and networking
Trainer profile on the Beyond Us & Them website
Consultation opportunities with the Beyond Us & Them team
Access to curriculum and training materials
Promotion of council offerings
Eligibility for contracted work with Beyond Us & Them (affiliation does not guarantee employment)

Affiliation requires agreement to the organisation’s Code of Conduct and an ongoing commitment to the values and integrity of the work.

The best way to develop and deepen one's practice of council ... is to practice council. Sitting in council with peers, colleagues, veteran and new practitioners, and seasoned council trainers can be a generative and inspiring experience.

Interested in becoming a certified council trainer?

If you'd like to find out more about becoming a certified council trainer, please contact our team to discuss.