Group Work Facilitation

An introduction to the theory and practice of group work, including an overview of the kinds of groups typically run for consumers in contemporary mental health settings.

This workshop introduces participants to the theory and practice of group work, and explores the types of groups typically run for consumers in contemporary mental health settings.

What will participants learn in this one day workshop?

In the first half of the program, participants will get an overview of contemporary group frameworks, including:

  1. the phases of a working group, from formation to ‘termination’ stage
  2. therapeutic group dynamics, and the individual roles that can emerge within them
  3. the relative strengths and challenges of different approaches to group facilitation, and the processes that underpin them
  4. different leadership and facilitation styles, and their implications for the group
  5. recent contributions to the practice, including dialectical behaviour therapy and mentalisation-based therapies

In the second half of the program, participants will:

  1. observe and analyse therapeutic groups in action (through video presentations and role plays), and
  2. receive guidance and support to plan and structure therapeutic group work within their area of practice.

How do I enrol in this one-day workshop?

Currently, the CPN can only accept enrolments from Nurse Education teams within Victorian area mental health services. If you are an individual or a group of practitioners, contact your Education team to express your interest. Services are entitled to a minimum of two CPN workshops per year at no cost, with a minimum of 15 participants each.