Getting the Group Back Together

Getting the Group Back Together: A Practical Guide to Launching Leading & Growing Successful Therapeutic Groups 

Facilitated by Justin Sharpe, MSW, RSW - @midtowndbt 

This training equips facilitators with essential tools for building, sustaining, and growing successful groups. It covers strategies for launching a group effectively, fostering cohesion and trust, managing complex dynamics, and addressing challenging topics (moments of -isms). Participants will gain practical skills to create safe, inclusive environments where all members feel respected and engaged, while ensuring the group remains supportive and practical.

1. Prepare to Launch Your Group: Laying a solid foundation is critical for any successful group. This module covers key elements to consider in the pre-launch phase, including defining goals, setting expectations, and establishing a safe and supportive atmosphere. Participants will learn practical tips for recruiting and orienting members to ensure a smooth start.
2. Build Group Cohesion: Group cohesion strengthens connection and trust, helping members feel more engaged and invested in the group. This section explores techniques to foster rapport, encourage participation, and promote shared values. Participants will learn activities and approaches that build unity and help groups navigate early challenges together.
3. Manage Complex Group Dynamics: As group dynamics evolve, facilitators often encounter challenges, including interpersonal conflicts and varying engagement levels. This segment provides strategies to navigate and balance differing personalities, manage difficult interactions, and foster a collaborative, inclusive environment. Techniques for de-escalating tension and keeping the group focused on shared goals are discussed.
4. Address -Isms and Challenging Moments: Facilitators must be prepared to handle challenging topics, including microaggressions, discrimination, and other forms of bias (-isms). This section equips participants with the skills to address such moments with sensitivity, creating an inclusive space where all members feel respected. We cover strategies for addressing bias constructively and effectively, fostering a group culture rooted in respect, and maintaining safety.

By the end of this training, facilitators will have practical skills to launch, lead, and grow their groups with confidence, resilience, and inclusivity. This hands-on approach ensures facilitators are prepared to create a positive impact, turning groups into supportive, cohesive communities.

Trainer Bio: Justin Sharpe is a registered social worker who has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and adults. He works with clients struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders (e.g. BPD), addictions, trauma, relationship issues, and parenting challenges.

Justin has a specialization in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  In all of his work, he is empathic, non-judgmental and caring. Since 2013, Justin has been a DBT therapist, working in both private practice and hospital-based DBT clinics.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin founded Midtown DBT to deliver affordable, accessible, and evidence-based DBT treatment programs. Outside of work, Justin enjoys playing games with his 2 kids, reading, playing sports, hiking, and travelling with his partner.

Thursday, November 28, 2024

6:00 - 8:00pm

ONLINE - Zoom link will be sent 24hrs before training