10/14/2025
Two weekends ago, we gathered for the Group Leader's Journey, a conference led by Francis Kaklauskas and four process group leaders. Here are some testimonials from the experience and three graphs summarizing the evaluations.
• I really enjoyed this training. Watching the Demo group and participating in the small group along with the larger group engagement was enlivening. I learned many things I can bring with me in my profession and faith community. I know that leading groups is in my future!
• I really enjoyed the process. Francis provided very clear, concrete examples of how to manage a group. Watching videos before the conference was very beneficial.
• As a student I appreciate the inclusiveness that I feel about this experience. Despite being all around professionals, I always feel treated as an equal, with respect. I enjoy the different dynamics of group participation.
• Leaving with a lot of ideas and a lot of experiences to reflect upon.
• I did not know what to expect going in and I can confidently say that this experience has made a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. The power of being in a space where others see me and accept me fully was deeply healing. This provided me with a conceptualization of how our emotions impact how we connect with others and the ways group can help us sit with those emotions fully.
• The conference was such a treat! Yay for the next to come! Thank you for all your support the past several years.
• So excited about getting groups started. Feeling ready!
• Love the networking. That was amazing!
• I enjoyed the challenge and vulnerability of being part of the small group. It was helpful to be pushed, held by the group, and validated. The depth of knowledge of Francis was amazing and can tell he has a passion for group work.
• Great connections and genuine realness. I appreciated that the trainers were accessible and real. Thank you all for putting this together and your hearts for people.
• I honestly would have done an even longer training with more group time.
• The most fun thing I have done or likely would do in graduate school. Plus, I learned so much. Definitely lit a fire for more education and practice to become a competent facilitator of groups.
