Group Facilitation

Registration deadline: 9/20/2024

TRAINER:

Heather Gagnon, MSW, LICSW, LADC, has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. Heather has experience in developing and leading several trainings. Heather has traveled nationally to lead trainings focused on counselor ethics and Risk Reduction Programing for programs working with criminal offenders. Along with her training experience Mrs. Gagnon has conducted clinical and administrative supervision throughout her time in corrections, where she audited groups to focus on fidelity to the chosen model. Mrs. Gagnon is a trainer for several evidence based programs that focus on reducing the risk of recidivism for offenders. Mrs. Gagnon has experience working with both the male and female incarcerated population as well as experience working with offenders on probation. Mrs. Gagnon was involved in the revamping of programming for sexual offenders in the State of Vermont where she oversaw the delivery of evidence based risk reduction programming. Recently, Mrs. Gagnon began working at a school as a school counselor for middle school boys. Along with her school work she continues to provide clinical supervision for a program that provides risk reduction services to sexual offenders and a program that provides services to offenders on probation and parole. Mrs. Gagnon also continues to train both corrections programs and the Vermont addiction professionals.

DESCRIPTION:

This training will aim to enhance your proficiency in leading and managing group sessions. Throughout the day, participants will delve into crucial aspects of group dynamics, from understanding stages of group development to implementing best practices in setting up group environments. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain insight into various facilitation techniques and strategies for engaging participants effectively. Moreover, the training offers a unique opportunity to hone skills in managing challenging groups and clients, with a focus on establishing and maintaining boundaries for a safe and respectful atmosphere. By the end of the session, participants will leave with tools and insights to support them in their group facilitation abilities, ready to apply learned concepts in their professional practice.

AGENDA:

Morning: 9:00am – Noon  

• Welcome & Introduction  
• Days Agenda
• Exploring different types of groups
• Understanding stages of group development
• Best practices for setting up a group effectively

1045- 11:00 minute Break

• Group Facilitation Techniques
• Strategies for Managing and Working with Difficult Clients
• Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries Within a Group Setting

12-1 lunch

• Applying Stages of Change Model with Individuals in Group Settings
• Role plays for Addressing Challenges Within Groups Setting

2:45- 3:00 Break

• Brief Overview of Behavior Modification Approaches in Group Settings
• Additional role play/group activities
• Wrap Up and Key Takeaways

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the stages of group development
• Learn best practice to set up your group and space 
• Understand the different ways to facilitate a group and best practices
• Practice working with and managing challenging groups and clients