The Course Leader Training started on October 21st. The next training will run from Autumn 2026 to Summer 2027 and we will be running a couple of Introductory Training Workshops before that. Enquire below
Learn how to support quiet, shy and anxious people to build confidence the fast, fun and easier way
Learn how to support quiet, shy and anxious people to build confidence the confidence the fast, fun and easier way
In this 2-day training, you will be learning the core principles of the Sunflower Effect Confidence Building System (based in dramatherapy), and how it enables quiet, shy and introverted people to build confidence, even those who believe they are a lost cause.
The Introductory Training Workshop is highly recommended:
- If you plan to join the Sunflower Effect Foundation Course Leader Training. It’s a pre-training and the first step in your training journey. Dramatherapists and creative therapists, please see this information.
- If you are curious about the Foundation Training, unsure if it’s the right step for you and want to get a taste of the Sunflower Effect® for yourself. It does not commit you to the full 10-month course.
- As a stand-alone CPD training for therapeutic/helping professionals to support what you are currently offering your clients.
What you will learn
What is the Sunflower Effect?
The Sunflower Effect® is a pioneering and proven confidence-building system, based in dramatherapy, that transforms the lifestyle and prospects of quiet, shy and socially anxious people.
It differs from most confidence-building and therapy techniques, such as assertiveness training, hypnotherapy, CBT, and talking therapy, because it achieves outstanding, lasting results very quickly.
Most confidence-building and therapy techniques, classically don’t work for shy, self-conscious, socially anxious people or people who have experienced significant trauma. Whilst the above approaches will help to build confidence, they don’t go far enough in building the kind of confidence that makes a difference to the lives of quiet, shy and introverted people.
Our mission
Our mission is to transform the way that confidence is taught to quiet, shy and socially anxious participants whose confidence has been damaged by adverse life experiences.
Through our courses, we provide a safe space to dissolve the psychological barriers blocking them from realising their potential, empowering them to believe they can create the life they want by uncovering and expressing their unique and authentic selves. See The Sunflower Manifesto.
How to deliver an ‘Introductory Confidence Building Session’
The training will focus on teaching you how to deliver an ‘Introductory Confidence Building Session.’
This is a powerful way of introducing quiet, shy and anxious clients to the Sunflower Effect®. It gives them a taste of what to expect before joining one of the courses.
The session is designed specifically for people who feel nervous about attending but want to get a feel of the approach before they commit to the course.
The session enables participants to break down some of their barriers and inhibitions and take their first step in building their confidence.
Often, participants have money challenges or don’t want to invest time in participating in another course that’s not going to work for them.
Some have already made up their mind that they want to join a confidence course – but want that extra assurance that it will work for them.
Preparing you for promoting and filling your courses
Offering an Introductory Confidence Building Session is going to be important when it comes to running your own courses. Whether you will be offering them to paying participants or introducing them within your organisation.
I offer Introductory Sessions on a regular basis to potential participants. Between half to two-thirds of participants go on to join one of my courses after attending – sometimes more.
Many participants will come to the session feeling:
- Nervous and anxious about attending the session.
- Extremely shy and self-conscious. At the same time, they really do want to do something about their confidence levels.
- Paralysed with fear – and acutely ashamed that they have to reach out for help for their problems.
This places a lot of pressure on the leader to run a session that meets the needs of a variety of different attendees. The right balance between challenge and safety is needed, ensuring there is trust in the leader’s abilities to provide the support that each participant needs.
As a leader, you are effectively being auditioned by the participants who will decide at the end of the session whether or not they are attracted to working with you.
You also may be extremely nervous yourself about delivering the event, particularly if you’re not experienced or confident working with groups.
It is, therefore, important that the session is delivered in a way that will enable your participants to make that next step – and take the plunge to join one of your courses. And you will feel confident and relaxed in delivering the session.
The Sunflower Effect has changed the lives of many quiet, shy and introverted people
See their stories. Here are just some of the responses from participants:
It’s been six months since I did the course, and I’m still seeing the benefits. I surprise myself sometimes as to where my confidence comes from in relating to people.
Peregine C. Health Practitioner
Excellent value for money. One, it worked, and two so many other therapies are way more expensive and haven’t worked. Making Moves are cheap for what they are.
Jane Timberlake, Customer Service
By the end of the course, I could really tell I’d made a massive shift. I feel like I’m a lot more authentic and accepting of myself with less feelings of being inferior and needing to hide my true self. For me, this course truly was a lifeline.
Elizabeth G. graphic designer
I’ve done other kinds of work but this had a lightning effect on my psyche. It provided a short cut to the hidden recesses of my unconscious. No one else is offering anything like this.
Rob Buchiski, E-Consultant
Who should attend the Introductory Training Workshop?
- You are a drama professional (arts therapist, performer, teacher) who is looking for a new direction. Or you have a professional interest in the power of drama to change lives.
- You are looking for a rewarding career helping to transform the lives of people who are struggling with confidence.
- You already know you would like to train to join my team of Sunflower Effect Confidence Specialists delivering the courses in different parts of the UK.
- You are a therapist, coach or counsellor and would like to learn more about the Sunflower Effect® and how it can benefit your clients.
- You are curious about the Sunflower Effect® and interested in learning how to offer confidence-building courses and workshops within your organisation or community.
What Participants say about the Training
The training was really informative and deepened my understanding of this amazing work that Claire has been developing over the last 27 years. There’s so much mastery in it, and I already can feel the impact of the exercises that we did in my own personal development. I can’t wait to get started on the year’s training. I feel like this is going to be a game changer for me in terms of what I can deliver as part of my business and my own personal growth.
Emma Hewitt, drama facilitator and theatre director
I really enjoyed the training which was also a lot of fun. I did the first day online and second day in person. It really worked online and I got a lot out of the day. Working through the exercises, Claire made it very easy to understand how to lead the exercises as well as having all the supporting hand-outs. Then it was nice to do the Drama and just have some fun and learn the story of the sword and the stone and how it can be used. I felt very comfortable and am feeling very excited to go onto the Course Leader Training Journey.
Sophie McClusker, former performer1
Booking for the Introductory Confidence Training Workshop
Introductory Sunflower Effect Confidence Training Workshop.
Dates: 5th-6th October 2024
Times: 10-30-5.30pm approx
Venue: The workshop will take place at Claire’s house in North Greenford, with distance participants joining us online – similar to Zoom.
Cost: £250 (normal price) – discounted to £200 for a hybrid training
Next Webinar – Is the Sunflower Effect Course Leader Training right for you?
Join me in the next free webinar. This is where you can hear more about the Sunflower Effect and how it is unique in building confidence in quiet, shy and vulnerable people. .
It is designed for you if you are planning to join the Foundation Training, the Introductory Training Workshop, curious about the training, or unsure if the training is the right step for you.
Dates: August 8th 2024
Times: 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: Online GoogleMeet
Cost: Free
Dates: September 23rd 2024
Times: 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: Online GoogleMeet
Cost: Free
LAST WEBINAR BEFORE THE COURSE LEADER TRAINING STARTS
About Claire Schrader
I started out in life as a shy introvert and proverbial wallflower. That is until I found a way at age 22, to break out of my shell, through the power of drama.
It changed my life, and I have never looked back.
You can read about my journey in my book, From Wallflower to Sunflower, the quiet person’s guide to natural confidence.
I developed Sunflower Effect Courses over a 20 year period. I have been helping people through dramatherapy-based personal development courses and workshops in the UK, America and Europe since 1997. In 2012, I tripled my income and client base running the Sunflower Effect Courses.
My academic work includes editing Ritual Theatre, The Power of Dramatic Ritual in Personal Development Groups and Clinical Practicepublished by Jessica Kingsley.
You can find one of my chapter’s “Breaking Through the Walls of Shyness: Overcoming Shyness, Self-Consciousness and Social Anxiety Through Dramatherapy” in the Routledge International Handbook of Dramatherapy.
I have been featured in Marie-Claire (Malaysia), Kindred Spirit, Positive Health, and Counselling News, on Sky TV, BBC World Services and Radio 4.
Read more:
How does the Sunflower Effect achieve such significant shifts in people?
What is the theory behind the Sunflower Effect?
Interviews with me about my approach.
Want to know more?
Training Enquiry
Please fill in this form if you are interested in training or have a question about training. We suggest that you request an information pack – you should find the link on this page. This will give you much more an idea of the content of the training and if it will be a good fit for you.