Empowering Group Facilitators:

An interactive discussion on developing confidence and creativity through

Grief Facilitator Training

Sarah Flanagan, MSW, MPACathy Fox, MSW

A Great Grief Facilitator

Cathy & Sarah

Chocolate – We all need to be sweet – semi-sweet, not bitter, that is!

Pretzels – It’s okay to feel salty (embarrassed) – roll with your mistakes

Marshmallow – For your inner softie – don’t be afraid of emotion

Nuts – We’ve got to be a little nutty – have a good sense of humor!

Sunflower Seeds – We need to see the sunny side up so they do, too!

Directions: Mix above ingredients to build confidence.

Add a dash of creativity. Adjust amounts accordingly;

spice to flavor. Most important – don’t forget to listen!

Seek input from others– Group Facilitators– Family Participants– Other Grief Centers

Integrate multi-modal training exercises– kinesthetic, experiential, reflective, group work,

homework, panel, role play, etc.

Keep your training current & relevant– Current literature & best practices– Be responsive to changing needs

Training Process

Design a Training that Mirrors Reality

Opportunities

•Managing fear of unknown

•Comfort vs. Confidence

•Modeling agenda setting

•Model pacing of agendas

Challenges

•Time constraints

•Fees/CEUs

•Managing difficult group

members

•Unrealistic expectations

SPIRITUALITY

Looking Through Your Lens

Funeral Home Tour

Diversity Panel

Diversity Panel

Maisha Liwaru

Rita Paskowitz

Shashi Bhatia

Dawn Staszko

Sara Heck

Family Assessment

• Theory Review

• Family Dynamics

• Case Studies

Training Activities

• Expectations

• Boundaries & Roles

• Self-Assessment

• Group Dynamics

• Communication

Skills

Application

• Plan a Group

Session

• Observation

• Role Play

• Mentoring

Facilitation Skills

WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS?

What has worked?

What hasn’t?

What possibilities lie ahead?

TEBH Wish List

• Caregiver panel• Integrate facilitator video clips• Homework• Group activity contributions• Incorporating social media &

technology

• Shadowing groups• Refresher trainings