Gentle Teaching in Denmark

At Soedisbakke in Denmark, a domicile and activity centre for adults with developmental disabilities, and a workplace for social educators, they use a philosophy of actively practicing love and compassion at the work place.

The idea is that showing love and compassion is part of the job description and constitutes a fundamental framework for the work of the staff. It is not so much a method but rather a certain approach which means that all contact and communication is done in a gentle manner, with a soft voice and respect, avoiding speaking with harsh words. The approach is called Gentle Teaching.

If there is a situation with outwarded reactions, instead of saying “You need to spend time on your own”, as a way of calming down the situation, the staff will rather say “I know you’re upset and this is ok, but perhaps you want to be alone for a bit?”

For the employees at Soedisbakken, being paid for showing love and compassion doesn’t feel strange. As one employee puts it: “I get paid to do what I am really good at – and I am really good at being with other people in a gentle and loving manner”

Gentle Teaching was founded by John McGee from Pourto Rico. Read more about the principles of Gentle Teaching .