This is a stand-alone course that can be taken by any practitioner as part of their continuous professional development (CPD).
It is also one of the modules within:
This is one of the very few courses that provides the knowledge and skills for running structured short term psychoeducational, skills training groups – whether for 2nd or 3rd wave CBT (inc. ACT, CFT and DBT groups).
The majority of the literature on groups typically focuses on process and dynamics alone or simply assumes that skills training groups operate like classrooms. Neither of these are appropriate for the short-term structured CBT groups.
This course addresses a range of issues, including:
- Do groups “work” in tackling client problems or are they simply a way of increasing contact numbers and reducing waiting lists? What does the research say about how effective they are compared to 1:1 work?
- A 17 point “Preparation Checklist”. The wisdom that “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail” was never more true than when you are planning to run a group. This invaluable checklist will enable course participants to prevent a number of group problems whilst also allow the development of strategies regarding factors outside a group leader’s control.
- How long should group sessions be, how many sessions and over what time span. An 8-week 1.5 hr set of sessions is only one option – with its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Running groups in-the-room vs via Teams or Zoom? The pros and cons and the very different issues each raise.
- The skill set for running groups is radically different from the skill set needed for 1:1 work. This course identifies the skills needed and how to develop them further.
- Running a group by yourself…or with a co-leader? A good working relationship with a group co-facilitator is essential. You will learn how to achieve these
- How do you record group sessions? Names of attendees only? Individual client changes over time? What about a record for the group as a whole?
- Difficult group members and whole groups that are difficult. Discover a host of little-known strategies for ensuring that your group runs smoothly and that participants are engaged and find your group valuable
