Deep Talk is a way of sharing stories using objects and hand movements in an open, safe, brave and playful way, inviting the gathered group to wonder for themselves. A gentle, relaxed structure enables the group or individual to relate the story to their own life experiences.

The Deep Talk approach encourages dialogue in a wide variety of contexts, e.g. workplaces, schools, care homes, wellbeing groups, religious groups, forest church, interfaith groups, hospital chaplaincy, counselling and spiritual accompaniment. Dialogue (both inner and within communities) helps to develop trust and meaningful communication.

We use our head, heart and hands. It is soul work and a way of being.

Tuula Valkonen developed Deep Talk in the sand and it has been adapted using other mediums e.g. on cloth and outside on the earth. The method was originally developed for use in the Nokia factories to help teams connect and improve morale. The Deep Talk approach is currently being used to encourage dialogue in a wide variety of contexts, e.g. workplaces, schools, care homes, wellbeing groups, religious groups, forest church, interfaith groups, hospital chaplaincy, counselling and spiritual accompaniment. Dialogue (both inner and within communities) helps to develop trust and meaningful communication.

Deep Talk uses stories as a stimulus for conversations that address big questions of life and build community. It helps people bring their whole selves to a situation, learn to listen to their inner voice and to listen and talk with others in a way that is appreciative and reflective, which strengthens community. 

A Deep Talk session gives people a safe and structured space to talk about important issues and the bigger questions of life. It creates an atmosphere where we learn to talk and listen appreciatively, accepting the other’s thoughts and feelings without judgement. This increases trust and sense of community between people, which benefits them personally as well as helping them work better together as a team.

This approach can be used with either individuals or a community/team to enable reflective engagement with stories. We use our head, heart and hands. It is soul work. It is a way of being.
 Read More.

Here is a video in Finnish about the method.

Read More.

The international Deep Talk community trains people as Deep Talk guides. Please go to Training