Group Facilitation

Group Facilitation: A Peer-Based Approach was developed for anyone who currently facilitates peer-led groups or those who would like to facilitate peer-led groups (i.e. groups where the facilitator has shared lived experience with the group members). Examples are Mental Health Peer Specialists, Certified Family Partners, Recovery Support Specialists, and peers working in other fields where group support is utilized. This training uses healing-centered group facilitation techniques and aims to help people build and refine their skills as a facilitator through reflection, practice, and relationship-building.

This three-day training provides participants with information and an opportunity to practice the core components of effective group facilitation: preparation, facilitation, and debriefing/feedback. Throughout the training, many of the activities used to build concrete knowledge and skills are also tools that facilitators can use in their own groups.

The curriculum is designed to be highly interactive. Activities include individual and small group exercises, discussions, and objective knowledge, attitude, and skills building.

At the end of this training, it is envisioned that participants will be able to:
• Use new or refined group facilitation skills developed in the training by sharing, learning, and practicing;
• Understand how to create a healing-centered, safe space for groups;
• Develop relationships with co-facilitators through preparation, collaboration, and feedback;
• Identify the primary components of group facilitation: preparation, facilitation, and de-briefing;
• Define the role of the Peer Group Facilitator (and understand how it differs from trainer or teacher); and
• Cultivate new ideas through brainstorming and troubleshooting with other participants in order to be more successful with group facilitation in their own lives.

Via Hope training content is provided via Zoom through an online learning platform. Participants will be required to have an active internet connection and be on camera for the majority of the training. Individual computer access is required; participants will not be able to log on in a group environment.

The Mental Health Resource of Texas dba Via Hope does not allow the use of AI (artificial intelligence) software to record Zoom, Microsoft Teams or any other virtual meeting platforms hosted by employees of the organization. Additionally, AI is strictly prohibited during any Via Hope facilitated training.

Prerequisites: None
Eligibility: A person is eligible to attend the Group Facilitation: A Peer-Based Approach training if they:
1. Currently facilitate peer-led nonclinical groups or plan to begin facilitating peer-led nonclinical groups after the training; and
2. Openly identify as having shared lived experience with the group members (i.e. they are facilitating groups in the capacity of a “peer”).
Cost: $260
CEUs: 13

Registration: July 11–August 11, 2025

Register Here