Introduction to Group Facilitation Skills

In this workshop we will be exploring the essentials of effective facilitation. To support a team or a group through a process of development, change, transition or learning requires effective group facilitation skills. Effective facilitators possess qualities and skills to work with groups with confidence in order to help the group achieve its goals. Holding boundaries, being empathetic, having knowledge and dealing with conflict and differences are some of the main tasks of a facilitator.

In this workshop we will be looking at:

• Defining facilitation/facilitator as distinct from teaching/teacher

• Some theory (and reality!) of the group process including power dynamics and diverse identities within groups

• The skills of an effective facilitator

• The qualities of an effective facilitator

This course would be suitable for anyone who would like to develop knowledge, skills and confidence in order to facilitate groups.

This workshop will be facilitated in an informative, relaxed and experiential way, so please be open to a little self-exploration and working with others!

I will also be bringing my own learning and experiences from working with groups and would like participants to bring their experiences also.

Aileen McCormack is a Person Centred Counsellor, Supervisor (Individual and group) and FE Lecturer in Counselling, working in Glasgow and Edinburgh. She is also a member of BACP.

I currently facilitate Teaching, Reflective Practice, Supervision and Cancer Support Groups, so have a broad range of experience. Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested.