Debriefing

Debriefing provides opportunity for an IW to tell their story.

They process past events from their perspective,

with emotional responses at the time and since.

It allows reflection on the meaning of their experiences and

permits release, renewal and forward movement.

Home Assignment / Re-entry Debriefing (for singles, couples, children, teens)

IW’s who have both an “internal” (from sending organization) and “external” (from a professional outside the organization) debrief, report an ability to assimilate their experiences more effectively, let go of negative emotions, and feel understood. An external debrief allows:

honesty in sharing experiences and processing feelings, including those toward your sending agency, in a trusting and confidential relationship
concerns to be addressed and meaning to be given to what doesn’t fit
teaching on transition, loss and grief
celebration of successes and development of a plan for what’s next

Debriefing is offered for adults, children and teens. Becky creates a safe place and connection for children and teens to tell their story. She uses creative techniques to draw out storytelling, is kind and gentle in guiding the process and is sensitive to the personality, style and developmental stage of each.

Debriefing Endorsements

Becky is a fantastic facilitator and debriefer for people under stress. As a leader of a large team in an unstable working environment, I appreciated the way she listened to our team and spoke encouragement and truth. Her gentle and sincere communication gives IW's permission to release and share experiences that have stretched and traumatized them. NGO Country Director, Haiti

We highly recommend Becky’s expertise as a resiliency coach and debriefer. She has served many of our global workers when in Canada for home assignment. Each has expressed appreciation for her understanding of their situation and insight in the encouragement and feedback she provides. The process Becky uses has resulted in fruit as they develop a resiliency plan for their next term of service. Mission Director, Gathering Place in Calgary

Debriefing with Becky after various overseas assignments has helped me process the events and challenges that I faced so I could move past, yet learn, from my experiences. Talking with someone who really knows how things are in international teams or in cross cultural circumstances is incredibly important. She could empathize with my situation, where others could only try to understand. I feel lighter and freer since debriefing and setting up a resilience plan. CCW in Afganistan, Lebanon and Liberia

Over the years, as we have welcomed home staff serving overseas, we have been grateful they debrief with Becky. A look of relief is evident as they spend time journeying through their term. Having someone who understands where they are coming from and can help unpack their experience in a way that would be difficult on their own, has been so valuable! Sidney* , Member Care of Miss. Organization, Canada

Meeting with you, Becky, has helped me get to know myself better and deal with my emotions. The chameleon and paradox teachings clarified a lot about TCK life, and the anger iceberg was useful for identifying underlying emotions. Thanks for listening to my story and caring about me. Thanks for the fun ways you taught with videos, play dough, photos, and so much more. I was glad to have someone to talk to that could relate to me, even though you are so much older! Charis*, 15 yrs. old, repatriated from China

After 34+ years of ministry with the Indigineous Peoples of Canada, serving 4+ Reserve Communities, we were now retired. What a difficult change. We received a list of debrieferes and one person's bio resonated with us. She felt real, transparent, someone with field experience and a person aquainted with hardship. Becky Matchullis listened and understood. She was fully present as we shared our lives with her. She laughed and cried with us and she allowed us to share our stories and our hearts. Becky spoke words of wisdom; she allowed us time to reflect on the tremendous privilege of having served cross-culturally. She encouraged us to grieve our losses and pain that came from serving and seeing tragedy within the lives of the people we served. She helped us celebrate the many God-miracles and transformation we witnessed in lives. Becky empowered us with the fact that today was a precious time to recalibrate. She helped us see that Triune God is fully present to help us be resilient. Becky coached us in a resilience plan. We are well on our journey to a fuller tomorrow. C and B, Retired IW's, working cross- culturally in Canada.

When I came home from Germany, I was broken, depleted, and depressed. I knew it would be a huge adjustment learning to live in my passport country again. The time I spent with Becky not only affirmed what I was going through, but also how the grief and pain I felt was normal and I was not failing. God gave her verses and imagery that spoke to my heart and soul. Armed with new resources, verses, and a resilience plan, I am adjusting. Becky is a gifted woman with a heart for kids, individuals and families who are or have been miss. * Celeste, 42 yr. old IW serving 8 years in Germany

I loved debriefing. You listened and understood me and my life story. When I’m in Canada (passport country), I’m ignored and people forget I’m here. I am glad you listened and helped me see that I am important. *Mary, aged 12, Laos

Debriefing with Becky was the best thing I had done in my 21 years for myself and my growth. It helped me put my life story together and then tell it in a safe space, where Becky listened, questioned with gentle curiosity and took me deeper in understanding myself, God and the world around me. I didn't go to Africa until I was 12 years old, and was so excited. It wasn't what I expected. What did I gain from coaching and my resilience plan? Being able to see myself as someone who had learnt so much, even in painful times. I realized how beautiful my story was, owned it and have since celebrated it. I was given tools to process the pain and losses. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders. I am happier, and see sunshine and hope in each new day. The resilience plan has given me purpose and plans in moving forward. I would suggest this for any and all TCK's. *Rachel, TCK who lived in Africa from 12-18 yrs. old.

I did not know what to expect going into my first thorough debrief after 20 years of serving overseas. Becky listened to me not only carefully but with care, giving me a safe place to share my story. I felt seen and heard. Through caring questions, Becky helped me view the past with a different perspective. She helped me look for the Son in different memories, celebrate God’s faithfulness and address forgiveness. I was invited to revisit the past and grieve areas where I had not done that. Becky said, “When we speak out loud it is a release in the spiritual realm,” which I experienced to be true in my life. Becky asked great questions to help me process and know myself, like identifying which way I grieved best. Not only did Becky help me process the past, she helped me develop a resilience plan – how to be intentional in certain areas and think about what kind of things can help me as I go forward in the plans God has for me now. At the end of my debrief, Becky gave me a beautiful picture she received from the Lord of how He sees me. What I appreciated the most from my debrief with Becky, was how she depended on God and ministered to me through the Holy Spirit. *Debbie, 20 years serving in Africa