Faq

What makes your workshops unique?

Our workshops and coaching curriculum are presented in a unique format referred to as Experiential Learning. In this environment, learning takes place by being present in the experience, rather than by note-taking, memorization or studying. It is an active and co-creative process which engages the student and allows individuals to discover what is wanted and needed for them to get to the next level of accomplishment in any area of their life. The workshops are for everyone and can benefit a diverse group of participants from various ages, ethnic backgrounds, and careers; ranging from CEO's to retirees, athletes, artists, students, parents, community leaders, pastors, rabbis, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters!

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your workshops?

We strive to model the principles we teach, therefore, we are continually examining our results and outcomes. Typically, we look to our graduates, and the impact of this work in their homes, jobs, and communities to check in with our results and continually improve supports and structures for our participants and for our own organization.

What are the specific hours of each of your workshops?

Do I have to attend every day of the entire workshop?

Yes. In order to maximize the value of the workshop for all participants, we require that you attend all five consecutive days as scheduled.

What do we do in the workshops?

The workshops consist of three types of activities. First, there are short lectures delivered by the trainer on such topics as honesty, trust, choice, intention and personal responsibility. Second, there are exercises designed to enable students to experience directly what the trainer has been discussing. Third, there are opportunities to share with other students what was learned during the exercise. The exercises vary in form. In some, students work alone. In others, students work with partners. In other exercises, students participate with either a small group or with the whole class. This interaction with other people in the course is a vital part of the coaching experience.

What types of exercises are included in the workshops?

You will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of learning processes that allow you to look freshly and constructively at important areas of your life. The value that you derive from these exercises will depend on your willingness to participate fully, and to apply what you learn to your daily life.

• Interactive Discussions

Over the course of the workshop, the trainer will speak to the group about a variety of different subjects related to contemporary adult life and he or she will suggest a point of view, or way of thinking, about these subjects. The purpose of these discussions is not for you to agree with what is said, or adopt the trainer's point of view, but rather to provide you with an opportunity to clarify your own attitudes and ways of thinking. In this way, you may become more aware of your values, your direction in life, and what you are committed to. You will also have an opportunity to see more clearly how you participate in group situations, which may translate to your interactions with your colleagues at work, or with your friends or family.

• Dyads

During the workshop, you will be asked to participate in several one-on-one interactions with other participants, which we call dyads. In a dyad, you may be asked to answer a series of questions, complete statements, describe something that happened to you, or assume a particular body posture. Dyads provide opportunities to look honestly at specific personal issues and to support your partner in doing so.

• Mingles

In a mingle, you will move about the training room, having brief interactions with many different people. As in dyads, your communication with other people during mingles is structured.

• Small Group Exercises

On the first night of the workshop, you be grouped with other participants to work with in a small group. Over the course of the workshop, you will have an opportunity to meet a number of times with your small group to discuss what you are learning and to share your experiences. You will also participate together as a group in certain training exercises. A graduate of Breaking Through will act as your small group leader.

• Games

As part of the workshop, you will have an opportunity to participate as a team member with other participants in a number of different games. These games will allow you to see more clearly the role you tend to play in group situations and may reveal to you your attitudes regarding competition, cooperation, leadership, personal integrity and other aspects of interpersonal relationships.

• Closed-Eye Processes

During closed-eye processes, you will be guided by your trainer in visualizing situations from the past and in creating a positive vision for your future. To facilitate relaxation and promote creativity, during these guided visualizations, background music may be played and the lights may be lowered during these exercises.

• Sharing

At many points throughout the workshop, you will have an opportunity to share about yourself, what you are learning with other participants, and to listen to the experiences of others. This sharing may take place one-on-one, in small groups or before the entire workshop.

• Interactions with the Trainer

At times, you will have an opportunity to interact directly with the trainer. The trainer's perspective is that you are capable of dealing effectively with the circumstances in your life, and that a stance of personal responsibility is more effective than a stance of powerlessness in the face of life's demands. In addition, the trainer assumes that you are striving for joy, fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment in all areas of your life. Interactions with the trainer will allow you to examine your attitudes, assumptions and behaviors, and you may feel challenged or uncomfortable in dealing with the unfamiliar.

• Homework

At the end of each day, you will be given a homework assignment to be completed before the next day's session begins. The homework is designed to assist you to reflect on your experience, bring greater clarity to what you are learning and prepare you for the next day's session.

How are trainers certified to facilitate Breaking Through workshops and trainings?

Training facilitators to full competence to lead either of the Breaking Through coaching workshops is a process that can take three to four years. The training process is a true apprenticeship. Candidates learn the role of the facilitator by spending literally hundreds of hours in a live workshop environment, modeling the ways of thinking, speaking, and interacting of senior facilitators. This is a rigorous process that demands not only intellectual understanding, but also internalizing the principles of the workshop fully at the emotional and experiential levels.

Can doing The Breaking Through workshops improve my career performance?

Transformation is reflected in every aspect of life. The ability to consistently produce results on the job, with less effort and energy expended, is the most common job-related result people experience after completing our core curriculum. Other results often reported include:

• Breaking out of comfort zones, and excelling beyond self-imposed limitations.
• More risk-taking and taking on of challenges.
• Ability to handle stress more effectively.
• Becoming a team player to increase overall company performance.
• Ability to manage others more effectively.
• Recognition of areas that may not be working, with clarity in finding solutions to the problem.
• Increased clarity in career direction.
• More satisfaction with work and accomplishment.

Is Breaking Through designed to solve problems in people's lives?

No. We are not “problem oriented.” Our coaching process is designed to deliver a new set of results or accelerate people’s ability to have more of what they already have. Breaking Through and VIA are for people whose lives are working and who recognize that there is always more available. Participating in the workshops is an excellent way to realize this potential.

Are you affiliated with any religious groups or other organizations?

No. Our workshops are not faith-based, but honor and respect the world's religions and spiritual traditions. In our workshops we provide an opportunity for open dialogue on some of life's questions. These are often the same life questions and values that are explored in religion, in philosophy and in everyday teaching, such as honesty and trust, choices, personal responsibility, integrity and so forth. This exploration can create an opportunity for each workshop participant to examine their beliefs, to deepen their personal faith and to that end some participants may actually experience an enhanced sense of spiritual connection.

Are the workshops appropriate for those with alcoholism and/or other chemical dependencies?

No. Breaking Through is a coaching curriculum for dynamic living and, as such, is not designed to assist people to deal with problems such as alcoholism or chemical dependency. If you need support in this area we encourage you to seek qualified professional help. To maximize the value of the workshops, you will be asked not to drink alcohol or take any non-prescribed, mood-altering drugs during the 5-day workshops. If you are dependent on alcohol, marijuana or another similar, non-prescription drugs, and you would experience difficulty in not using this drug for a period of 5 days, we recommend that you not participate in Breaking Through.

I'm thinking of taking Part I workshop but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Is this a common feeling?

Yes. Feelings of uncertainty and even skepticism are a natural part of most new experiences. It is likely that your considerations, those things you consistently give consideration to before making a decision, are present whether you're making a decision to take Breaking Through, change your career, or make any investment.

Does Breaking Through offer a financial incentive for customer referrals?

No.

Is lodging available?

There are numerous hotels within a ten minute driving distance. Most are on or near Michigan Road at I-465. It’s always easy to secure a place to stay with a fellow participant who’s participating in the same workshop if you will make your need known at the break.

Is the workshop facility handicap accessible?

Yes it is. And we are more than happy to assist anyone who has special needs.

Do you recommend taking the workshops with people I know?

I know different people have different opinions on this. While every course includes the opportunity to share publicly, much of the sharing is done in small groups or dyads (two people working together). Those interchanges are designed for your privacy and to get to meet new people. By the end of the week many people wish they had shared that time with their friends, colleagues and family members. Ultimately it is really a personal choice with no one answer for everyone.

How can I register for Breaking Through?

Follow the register now link on our website to download our registration form. Fill it out and fax it back to our office.