CURRICULUM

Curriculum

​Module 1: Theoretical and methodological foundations of support group facilitation
- Definition of "facilitation": differences from psychotherapeutic and training formats.
- The role of the facilitator: the principle of neutrality, safety and structuring of the group process.
- Psychological patterns of group dynamics (B. Tuckman, I. Yalom).
- Principles of building and functioning of support groups.
Workshop: modelling group rules, exercise "Expectations and boundaries".

Module 2: Facilitation tools and techniques
- Methods of active listening, empathic communication and reflection of feelings.
- Working with destructive roles and imbalances in group participation.
- Use of metaphor, art therapy tools and metaphorical association cards in facilitation.
- Techniques for creating group cohesion and an atmosphere of trust.
Workshop: facilitation techniques "Circle", "Active mirror", "Symbolic object".

Module 3: Facilitation in crisis and trauma contexts
- Specifics of working with vulnerable groups (internally displaced persons, veterans, families of military personnel, women and children in a state of trauma).
- Secondary traumatisation and risks of professional burnout of facilitators.
- Boundaries of competence: criteria for referring a participant to a psychologist/psychotherapist.
- Psychological techniques for crisis stabilisation and resource recovery.
Workshop: Here and Now technique, grounding and sensorimotor stabilisation exercises.

Module 4. Design and organisation of support groups
- Algorithm for organising a group: recruiting participants, forming rules, closing.
- Structure and timing of a group session: balance of support and structure.
- Features of online groups (Zoom, Telegram) and offline groups.
- Models of group meeting scenarios for different target groups.
Workshop: developing a scenario for the first meeting of the support group.

Module 5: Managing difficult situations in the group
- Dealing with crisis manifestations: crying, aggression, silence, avoidance.
- Strategies to overcome resistance and increase trust in the group.
- Methods of managing conflicts and tension between participants.

Module 6: Professional identity and development of a facilitator
- Ethical standards and principles of working with support groups.
- Supervision and intervention groups as tools for professional development.
- Individual style of the facilitator: authenticity, role boundaries and professional position.
- Integration of facilitation into the practice of a psychologist, social worker, volunteer.
Workshop: group reflection, formation of an individual trajectory of professional development.