Join the one and only truly independent Cacao training
Whether you wish to deepen your personal relationship with ceremonial cacao or feel called to facilitate cacao experiences for others, this comprehensive two-day training offers a grounded, professional and heart-centred approach to working with this remarkable plant.
Rooted in respect for tradition, informed by current understanding, and guided by ethical practice, this training is designed to help you develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to work with ceremonial cacao safely and authentically.
Unlike many trainings that focus solely on ritual or spirituality, this programme explores the history, science, ethics and professional responsibilities of cacao facilitation, supporting you to develop discernment alongside personal experience.
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Dates:
APRIL - ZOOM/ Online Certification
SEPTEMBER - In person Certification training
Venue for in person training:
The Sanctuary, Stanhope Street, Dublin 7
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Places are limited to allow for a supportive and interactive learning experience.
Your Learning Journey
This training has been thoughtfully designed to take you on a journey—from understanding ceremonial cacao, to deepening your own relationship with the plant, to confidently facilitating safe, ethical and meaningful cacao experiences for others.
Day One – Meeting the Plant
Begin your journey with a deep exploration of ceremonial cacao, discovering its history, traditions, cultivation and ethical sourcing. Through guided tastings and evidence-informed learning, you'll gain the knowledge to confidently recognise quality cacao and understand its effects on the body and mind.
28 days of DIETA
Between the two training days, you'll undertake a guided 28-Day Cacao Dieta, developing a more intentional relationship with ceremonial cacao through daily practice, reflection and journalling. This immersive experience allows your learning to move beyond theory into personal experience.
Day Two – Becoming the Facilitator
Building on your Dieta, Day Two focuses on the practical skills of facilitation. You'll learn how to hold safe, ethical and trauma-informed spaces, design meaningful ceremonies, and facilitate with confidence while honouring both tradition and professional responsibility.
Meet your Facilitators
Your hosts for the training sessions
Carol Brennan
Carol is a Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher and Certified Cacao Facilitator whose work is rooted in compassion, presence and authentic connection.
Drawing on her background in yoga, mindfulness and ceremonial cacao, she creates welcoming spaces where participants can slow down, reconnect with themselves and deepen their own practice. Her teaching combines gentle movement, breathwork, meditation and ceremonial cacao in a way that honours tradition while remaining accessible and inclusive.
Nikki Solyom
Nikki is a Traditional Kundalini Tantra Yoga Teacher and Ceremonial Cacao Facilitator who has been holding cacao ceremonies for over five years.
Her approach combines a deep respect for ceremonial practice with grounded, heart-centred facilitation, creating safe and supportive spaces where people can explore their relationship with ceremonial cacao. Throughout the training she shares the practical knowledge and lived experience she has gained through years of facilitating ceremonies with authenticity, compassion and integrity.
The Sanctuary
The space that holds us is always an important facilitator.
The Sanctuary is a divinely peaceful and tranquil space in the heart of the city.
What Makes This Training Different?
Ceremonial cacao has become increasingly popular in recent years, yet much of the information available is shaped by marketing, personal opinion or unsupported claims.
This training offers a balanced approach.
You will learn to distinguish between scientific evidence, traditional knowledge and personal experience, allowing you to facilitate with confidence while honouring both the plant and the communities connected to it.
Throughout the programme you'll be encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, think critically and develop your own understanding rather than simply following trends.
Our aim is not to tell you what to believe.
Our aim is to help you become a knowledgeable, ethical and confident facilitator.
The Farmers
All you need to know about how cacao is produced
Altar
Understanding how and why to set up your own altar
A Cup
The importance of drinking cacao as a medicine with good intention
Hosting Ceremonies
What is a ceremony and how can you host while honoring the traditions
Meditation
The power of meditation and ceremony with the Cacao
Dieta
True merging with the medicine to be able to step into the space of healing
Still Unsure?
Watch our educational video called the Cacao MythBusters
I remember when i though i know enough about cacao... then i had to realise I couldn't be far from the truth. Yet i was already facilitating ceremonies i felt its my duty and responsibility to understand the medicine i work with a lot better. I have gone into a research quest and i have found out a few very interesting facts and myths about ceremonial grade cacao.
Is This Training For You?
This training is suitable for anyone who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of ceremonial cacao, including:
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Wellness practitioners
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Therapists and counsellors
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Coaches
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Yoga teachers
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Meditation teachers
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Retreat facilitators
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Holistic therapists
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Anyone wishing to deepen their personal relationship with ceremonial cacao before sharing it with others
No previous experience facilitating cacao ceremonies is required.
Whether your intention is personal growth or professional development, you will leave with a deeper understanding of how to work with cacao in a way that is respectful, informed and grounded.
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Join Us
If you're looking for a training that honours the traditions of ceremonial cacao while embracing ethical practice, critical thinking and professional facilitation, we would be delighted to welcome you.
Whether you intend to share ceremonial cacao with others or simply deepen your own relationship with this remarkable plant, this training offers the knowledge, practical skills and supportive environment to help you take the next step with confidence.
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Independent Cacao Facilitator Training
2026 Training Booked out
Sunday 23rd August | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 20th September | 9:00am – 5:00pm
The Sanctuary, Dublin 7
Places are limited. Early booking is recommended.
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2027 Training Dates
April - Online/Zoom Certification
September - In Person Certification
Details and specific dates coming soon
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This Is More Than Certification.
It’s relationship.
It’s learning how to walk with cacao in a way that is informed, respectful, and alive.
