Conversations Seminars is an independent training provider, offering online seminars and in-person retreats. Top-quality training, from top speakers, at minimal cost, to equip counsellors, churches and community workers with practical tools and vital insights.
Your host, Silvia Purdie (Presbyterian minister, Counsellor with NZCCA, Supervisor, trainer, author) Please email me directly if you have any trouble with the booking sites: [email protected] Statement of EthicsI have drafted this statement to cover aspects of ethical practice as a social enterprise business, including values around purpose, marketing, pricing, and complaints procedures.
Money-Back Guarantee! If after attending a seminar you believe that the content of the seminar did not fulfil how it was advertised, you may request a full refund. |
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Check out who has presented with Conversations Seminars.
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Healthy Disciples
Mentally healthy faith and faith-filled mental health Monday 5 October, 7pm Richard Black, from Thriving Churches HQ This is the 5th in The Equip Series of trainings for local churches. Koha Register here |
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Legal PD: Professional development for counsellors and others who work in the community, and the general public.
Privacy Law: Tuesday 13 October, 1pm. Koha registration Register here Legal PD Series info here Grow your understanding of NZ law related to privacy, informed consent about the sharing of information, and intellectual property. |
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Theology for Lunch series
Rev. Dr. Wayne Te Kaawa: Thursday 15 October, 12pm Wayne Te Kaawa is Kaiwhakaako Matua Senior Lecturer in indigenous theology at Hoani Tapu St John's College in Auckland. He stands in a mighty whakapapa and has added multiple layers of leadership in the areas of ministry (including Moderator of Te Aka Puahou Presbyterian Māori Synod, lecturer at Otago Uni, research & books. His pastoral heart has taken him deep into the areas of mental health, trauma, death & grief. Register for free! View the Theology for Lunch series |
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Inner Resilience: Christian women and mental health
Silvia Purdie speaking at a Council for Anglican Women's Virtual Theology Chat 15 October at 7pm
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Uplifting Transgender Dignity
Cultural competency training for working with transgender clients Thursday 22 October, 1.00-2.30pm Nora Gilmour $45 (discount for unwaged) Register here
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It’s not all in your head!
Navigating medical dismissal & anxiety Sunday 25 October 11am Aus / 1pm NZ Jamie Costelloe and Bella from Totally Fine Co and Olivia from Within Reach You’ll learn: • how stress and anxiety can affect appointments • how to prepare and advocate for yourself • how to better understand your capacity when living with chronic illness. Register here |
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Hoe tū te waka: Ancient remedies for modern problems
Ngāwaka Salā Setiu Thursday 29 October, 1.00pm–2.30pm Cost $45 Healing and repair is not confined to a room, a programme or technique. Ngāwaka is convinced that many of the remedies for our modern problems have been close to us all along. Join this interactive wānanga for an indigenous perspective on personal and collective healing. Register here |
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Legal PD: Professional development for counsellors and others who work in the community, and the general public.
Consumer Rights: Tuesday 10 November, 1pm As service providers, what can our clients expect from us? Covers consumer rights and protections, and the role of the Consumer Commission. Koha registration Register here Legal PD Series info here Grow your understanding of NZ law related to privacy, informed consent about the sharing of information, and intellectual property. |
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Theology for Lunch series
Ngawaka Setiu: Thursday 19 November, 12pm Ngāwaka Salā Setiu is a Māori and Samoan educator, facilitator and founder of CareCNC (Care Cultural enCounters), based in Waimahana Bay in the Far North. What if not knowing is not something we need to fix, but a place where humility, relationship and trust can grow? Drawing from Christian faith, te ao Māori and lived experience, Ngāwaka will explore how we might accompany people through suffering and mental distress without needing to explain everything, solve everything, or always be right—yet still offer the gifts of our presence, mauri and manaakitanga. Register for free! View the Theology for Lunch series |
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'With the Holy Spirit': Partnering with Wairua Tapu in counselling and pastoral care
Wednesday 25 November, 1.00-2.30pm Trainer: Rev. Silvia Purdie, MNZCCA $40 Register here
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Un-Stress: Nervous system reset
Treat yourself to an hour of breathing, tapping, movement and insights to release stress and connect you with your peace ... just what you need to help unwind from 2026!! Courtney Brown is a leading somatic and animal-assisted therapist Monday 7 December, 8.30am. Start the week hectic-free! 1-hour practical + 1/2 hour Q&A. $25. Register here |
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Solid Ground
A 3-hour pastoral care training course written and presented by Rev. Silvia Purdie. A Bible-based approach to faith-based mental health first aid. 14 and 21 January 2027, 9.00-10.30am $40 (or half price for volunteers). Register here More about Solid Ground here Covers:
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Dealing with Addiction
Date to be confirmed Equip Series of mental health training for home group leaders Helen Schmidt-Sopoaga is Clinical Lead at Community Alcohol & Drug Services in South Auckland. Her service was recently recognised with a Lifetime Award by DAPAANZ. Koha registration Register here |
In the mix for 2027 ...
A series on AI in therapy
Strengths Finders
A series on AI in therapy
Strengths Finders
Links to other open-access ministry training providers:
Heaps of awesome people are doing cool things offering training for people in Aotearoa in ministry and leadership. Here's some to check out:
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Discipleship Pathway is a series of top-quality videos by Aotearoa's top people on various topics in mission, especially youth ministry. Brought to you by the Nelson Anglican Diocese.
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The Waiapu Certificate is designed as a pathway to introduce those without formal theological or biblical education to the language of the church. From the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu
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Webinars/Courses/Small Group Resources from the Baptist Centre for Lifelong Learning. Excellent webinar recordings and live training events coming up.
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