For the past ten years, we have been at the forefront of pastoral care training and support, offering ethical and inclusive approaches to ‘being’ Church and ‘doing’ care.
Creative Conversations is a leader in experiential training, equipping individuals in pastoral listening, meaningful conversations, and workshops. We are well-known for our offerings within sacred spaces.
Founded in 2013 by Methodist minister and world-renowned author and teacher, Rev Trevor Hudson, and Dr Nicole Dickson – a pastoral therapist in private practice.
We have worked with – the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Northfield Methodist Church, Brackenhurst Methodist Church, Nelspruit Methodist Church, Anglicare in Gauteng, Mosaiek, University of Johannesburg, Jesuit Institute South Africa, and the Catholic Institute of Education.
Our approach is to weave pastoral theology with the principles and practices of narrative therapy and create a 'narrative of care'
Welcome to Creative Conversations
What we offer
We offer new and ongoing development & support in the areas of narrative & pastoral practices. Through creative and practical ways participants will gain first-hand experience of each idea through their own life stories, the stories of co-participants, scripture and theory. Learning happens through group work, small group work, triads, pairs and individual reflection.
Pastoral Narrative
Training courses and workshops
Narrative therapy pays attention to how people make sense of their
experiences and assists in changing their relationship with problems
affecting their lives. Well known for “externalizing conversations” that
separate a person from a problem, and for letter-writing practices,
this approach is guided by its philosophical foundations,
interviewing practices, and a range of playful possibilities.
Services available within the Pastoral Narrative space include:
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Pastoral Listening Courses
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Pastoral Narrative Training (Intro & Advanced)
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Reading Groups
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Workshops
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Weaving Narrative Practices with Creative Expression
I think something magical happened during our time together…. Not a magic I created but the magic of creating a space where people’s heartfelt spiritual and narrative beliefs could find a home and be expressed freely… I could never have imagined just how meaningful if would be for me, to freely share the ways in which I express and live out my spiritual beliefs through narrative practice. This experience has restored something to me that I had been longing to return. And I feel a greater sense of home there now because of you and your team.
Tom Carlson
Spirit of Narrative Conference
Supervision &
Mentorship
Individual and Group Sessions
Supervision and mentoring are vital in pastoral work, providing
support, accountability, and ongoing growth. Supervision offers a
reflective space for ethical practice, emotional well-being, and skill development while mentoring fosters confidence, wisdom, and personal growth through guidance from experienced pastoral workers. Both prevent isolation, encourage reflection, and strengthen ministry, ensuring that pastoral care remains ethical, sustainable, and effective.
One of the few institutions in the world that grasps the dialogue between pastoral therapy and the principles of narrative therapy. I love the respect [shown] here and the beautiful, healing kind of theology at Creative Conversations.
Dr Andre Botha
Founder of Coram Deo Centre
Sacred Spaces
Retreats, Quiet Days
We offer diverse spaces for individuals to connect with God through
creativity, silence, dialogue, rest, writing, and prayer. Each experience
is uniquely designed to foster reflection and deepen your spiritual
journey.
Both in-person and online offerings are available.
Sacred Spaces also offers:
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Sacred Conversations (a short course for groups)
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Spiritual Accompaniment
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Creative Practices
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Rituals & Ceremonies (co-created with you for special occasions)
What you have here is so unique in the world of narrative.
David Epston
Co-founder of Narrative Therapy
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What you've accomplished in making this group vibe what it is, is nothing short of spectacular
Jeff Zimmerman
