Trainer Handbook

STEP 1: SAFE GROUP BOND

STEP 1: Building a Safe Group Connection - "Share Your Name and Feeling"

Note to the trainer: This step establishes the emotional foundation of the entire training. Participants may be together for the first time and many may be strangers to one another. Your aim is not to convey information but to create a safe space By taking the first step yourself, model emotional openness; this is what breaks down the fear of being judged.

Method: Getting-to-know-you game (throwing a ball).

Materials: A soft ball (stress ball or soft toy).

Implementation steps:

Preparation: Participants sit in a circle. The trainer holds the ball and explains the rules of the game:

“Hello and welcome, everyone. As we entered this room, each of us felt something - excitement, curiosity, tiredness, perhaps a little shyness. All of these feelings are fine. We will now begin with a simple game. I have two questions for the person holding this ball: What is your name? And how do you feel right now, in one word? I will begin: My name is [name], and right now I feel curious.” (The trainer throws the ball to a participant.)

Procedure: The ball is passed around the circle. The trainer gives a brief, non-judgemental acknowledgement:

“Thank you; it was good to hear that.”

No one has to give a long explanation - one word is enough.

Observation note: When the round is complete, the trainer writes the emotion words heard in the circle on the board and says:

“When I look at the board, I can see excitement, tiredness and curiosity. Emotional intelligence begins precisely here: first, by being able to notice what we are feeling. Over the coming weeks, we will explore this together in much greater depth.”