
Working with and facilitating groups (CPD36)
Join our experts to enhance your skills and understanding of the development and dynamics of groups in different contexts
This course is aimed at staff from a range of disciplines and teams currently facilitating a group or with the aspiration to start and facilitate a group. It will provide an opportunity to develop and increase the skills and understanding of those who are already experienced group facilitators. It also provides an opportunity for those wishing to run a group, to learn how they might do this with others, sharing learning and experiences over the duration of the course.
Aims and learning objectives
By the end of the course, participants will have:
- explored the practicalities of starting and continuing a group or reviewed their current group(s) and experiences, learning through experience with others
- discussed different types of purpose for groups and their practical and clinical issues
- considered the referral process, reviewed referrals to the group, the composition of the group, the importance of a group agreement and desired expectations
- reflected on self and group boundaries, whether face to face or online
- identified appropriate facilitation interventions that can maximise contributions within the group
- explored key concepts such as the individual unconscious and the group unconscious when working with groups
- gained an understanding of relevant therapeutic group theory, to use and reflect upon when working with groups
- analysed group process through film and visual scenarios
- examined difficulties that can arise when working with groups in person and online
- experienced being in different groups
- identified the need for evaluation and feedback from service users
- understood the importance of regular supervision to review the group
Who is this course for?
Participants join us from the NHS, social care, local authorities, education and the voluntary and charity sectors. Typical roles can include:
- art, music and drama psychotherapists
- clinical psychologists
- nurses and other medical professionals
- occupational therapists
- social work managers
- social care, children and families NHS teams
- headteachers and educational professionals
We will draw upon members’ rich experiences from across these varied settings and roles within the programme, to explore the development and dynamics of groups in different contexts.
Course details
2023/24 Cohort One
Sessions | Date | Start time | End time |
---|---|---|---|
Session 1/10 | Tuesday 19 September 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 2/10 | Tuesday 26 September 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 3/10 | Tuesday 3 October 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 4/10 | Tuesday 10 October 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 5/10 | Tuesday 17 October 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 6/10 | Tuesday 31 October 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 7/10 | Tuesday 7 November 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 8/10 | Tuesday 14 November 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 9/10 | Tuesday 21 November 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 10/10 | Tuesday 28 November 2023 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
2023/24 Cohort Two
Sessions | Date | Start time | End time |
Session 1/10 | Tuesday 16 January 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 2/10 | Tuesday 23 January 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 3/10 | Tuesday 30 January 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 4/10 | Tuesday 6 February 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 5/10 | Tuesday 20 February 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 6/10 | Tuesday 27 February 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 7/10 | Tuesday 5 March 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 8/10 | Tuesday 12 March 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 9/10 | Tuesday 19 March 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
Session 10/10 | Tuesday 26 March 2024 | 9.30am | 1.00pm |
This course will be delivered remotely using Zoom.
You will need a device with a microphone and camera together with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of a laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use this Zoom test link to check your set up before booking.
You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the course start date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us to discuss how we can best help you.
This course will focus on thinking about group processes, the dynamics of groups at different stages of development, the position individuals can take up or find themselves allocated, consciously or unconsciously within the group, including that of the facilitator.
It will cover issues that facilitators of face-to-face or online groups need to consider:
- the dynamic context in which the group takes place and the practicalities of planning, starting and continuing with a group
- the group purpose
- the composition of a group
- the group facilitator’s role alone or with another
- gender, race, sexuality and diversity
- boundaries and group agreement and expectations
- attendance
- timings and venue
The programme will reflect upon multidisciplinary working within teams and groups of staff or service users/patients. The importance of setting up suitable group supervision before the group commences will be discussed.
The programme is divided into three strands:
- theory, practicalities and group discussion
- a work discussion session during which each participant has the opportunity to discuss their group or proposed group
- participation in an experiential group, as a group member
During the course, participants are expected to be in a private space, where they can engage with other participants and live course learning, without interruption for the duration of the session and with access to a device with a webcam that is turned on.
There is an expectation that participants will set aside sufficient time to read the designated course reading and other set weekly readings. These will be provided by our library and accessible, through an electronic platform called Moodle. This will require a minimum of two-and-a-half hours, set aside for reading each week. Participants will also have access to additional reading if they wish to further explore the areas discussed.
Library membership
Included in your course fee, you will receive online membership to the Tavistock’s internationally-renowned library for the duration of your course.
Our friendly and knowledgeable library team will help to support you through your specialist CPD course, whatever your level of professional or academic experience. You will have access to an extensive range of eBooks, online journals, all the relevant key databases and our specialist audio-visual collection, plus reference access to all our print books.
Our information skills trainer has made lots of material available on Moodle to help you navigate our comprehensive electronic collections. PCs and photocopiers are available for your use (charges apply for printing and copying), as well as various online resources including audio/video playlists.
Testimonials
Course facilitators
-
Stephanie Segal
Organisational Consultant and Executive Coach Supervisor
-
Peter Griffiths
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Apply now
Start your application for this course.