08 Nov Jean Schmitz in Barcelona

Jean Schmitz brings an experiential workshop on restorative practices to Barcelona

On 6 and 7 November 2025, Barcelona hosted a unique training experience for professionals in mediation, coexistence, and positive conflict management. The Official College of Doctors and Graduates in Philosophy and Letters and in Science of Catalonia (CDL) and Logos Media organised the workshop “Restorative Practices: Learning by Doing Circles (Restorative Circles)”, led by internationally renowned expert Jean Schmitz.

A global reference in restorative justice and restorative practices

Of Belgian nationality and living in South America (mainly in Peru) since the 1980s, Jean Schmitz holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP). With over two decades of experience in social and educational programmes working with at-risk adolescents and families, he is one of the main promoters of juvenile restorative justice in Peru and a global reference in the development of restorative circles and community dialogue processes.

His work has been internationally recognised: in 2010 he received the Veillard Cybuslki Award from the International Association of Family and Youth Judges and Magistrates, in recognition of his contribution to promoting restorative justice in Latin America.

Learning by doing circles: a transformative and experiential methodology

The workshop offered a practical and participatory approach to restorative practices, with the goal of training us to prepare and facilitate dialogue circles in different contexts — educational, workplace, community, penitentiary, and family.

We were able to:

• Practise the preparation and facilitation of sequential circles, non-sequential circles, and the fishbowl technique.
• Learn to respond to unexpected situations during facilitation.
• Design circles focused on the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying.
• Integrate the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of circles.

It was one of those formative experiences that truly leave a mark. Beyond the theoretical content, the workshop allowed us to experience the essence of restorative practices first-hand, creating an authentic space of trust, listening, and community. The way Jean shares his experience and passion for the restorative field is both inspiring and contagious, inviting us to deepen this profoundly human perspective on conflict.

One of the most symbolic elements of the workshop was the presence of René, the small green puppet that accompanies Jean Schmitz in his trainings and is passed from hand to hand to indicate the turn to speak within the circle. This simple yet meaningful object reminds us of the importance of respecting each person’s time, voice, and presence — essential pillars of all restorative practice.

The power of collective work and the value of Logos Media and CDL

Through this initiative, Logos Media and the Official College of Doctors and Graduates (CDL) reaffirmed their commitment to training in mediation and restorative practices as essential pathways toward coexistence and constructive conflict resolution.

The workshop brought together professionals from mediation, education, law, social services, law enforcement, and the penitentiary field. Together, we shared experiences, tools, and insights on how to apply restorative practices in our professional and community settings.

Looking to the future: towards family restorative circles?

Among the proposals that emerged during the workshop, Anna Vall Rius suggested the possibility of offering a specialised training on family restorative circles, a direction that would allow us to deepen the application of these practices in the fields of family mediation and restorative justice.

Without a doubt, Jean Schmitz’s visit to Barcelona was an opportunity for learning, inspiration, and professional connection for all of us who work to build a culture of peace, respect, and shared responsibility.

As a conflict mediator, I am left with the importance of listening with respect, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and facilitating trust and repair as paths towards healthy coexistence. Experiences like this remind us that restorative practices are much more than a methodology — they are a way of understanding human relationships.

📞 For more information:
Daniel Sererols Villalón
Conflict mediator, private conciliator and lawyer
📧 daniel@mediadorconflictos.com
📱 +34 661 463 306