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.
Basic Debriefing 12 – 17 October 2025
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)
How & When to Pay
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
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.