GPS Training

GPS Facilitator Training

GPS Facilitator Training: Empowering Community Through Group Therapeutic Care

In today’s rapidly evolving world, communities face unique challenges that require compassionate and effective support systems. The GPS Facilitator Training program is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to lead trauma-informed, evidence-based groups, fostering resilience and connection within their communities.

Why Choose GPS Facilitator Training?

This training is designed for anyone looking to lead impactful, trauma-informed support groups, whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience. GPS provides a structured yet flexible model that equips both professionals and individuals with lived experience with the tools to create meaningful, supportive spaces for their communities.

Comprehensive Skill Development: Learn to facilitate support groups using the GPS Group Peer Support Model, integrating approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Trauma-Informed & Evidence-Based Approach: Gain insights into creating safe, respectful, and non-judgmental spaces that acknowledge and address the complexities of trauma, disparities, and identity-related challenges, using proven, research-backed methods.
Cultural Responsiveness: Develop facilitation techniques adaptable to a range of populations, settings, and languages, while ensuring a welcoming space and meaningful engagement.
Community Empowerment: Enhance your ability to bring people together across different perspectives, fostering environments of mutual respect, understanding, and compassion.

Training Modules

The GPS model is designed to integrate the values, lived experiences, strengths, beliefs, and traumas of individual communities. As a GPS facilitator, you’ll create flexible, responsive, and deeply relevant group spaces that honor the voices in the room, fostering connection, healing, and resilience. Join us and make an impact.

GPS Facilitator Training consists of a series of comprehensive modules that cover:

Introduction to GPS & The Power of Groups: Understand the importance of group dynamics and the foundational aspects of the GPS model.
GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop: Learn mindfulness techniques to promote presence and self-awareness within groups.
GPS Guidelines: Learn GPS’s unique trauma-informed guidelines to create safe, respectful, and transformative group environments.

GPS Realities & Principles: Address the unique realities faced by group members and explore the core truths they possess.
GPS Check In: Master the art of facilitating effective check ins to gauge group members’ well-being.
GPS PATH Reflective Listening, Weaving, Grounding, and Closing: Develop skills in active listening, integrating group discussions, grounding techniques, and how to effectively end a group session.

What You Will Learn

We believe that effective facilitation comes from engaging the heart, head, and hands. By integrating these elements, GPS ensures that facilitators don’t just learn the model, they embody it, refine it, and apply it with confidence. In the GPS Facilitator Training, participants will learn how to:

Implement a Trauma-Informed, Culturally-Responsive Support Group Model: Learn to facilitate groups adaptable to a range of settings and populations, ensuring all feel welcome.
Address Complex Issues with Compassion and Skill: Develop strategies to navigate trauma, systemic differences, and identity-related challenges within group settings.
Incorporate Evidence-Based Approaches: Utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to enhance group effectiveness.

Facilitate Strengths-Based Group Experiences: Create empowering environments that promote resilience and personal growth for all participants.
Enhance Group Leadership Skills: Gain confidence in leading impactful support groups, benefiting both participants and facilitators.

“I appreciated that the training provided a clear model that would allow for open communication and deep sharing.”
Participant in the Fall 2024 GPS Facilitator Training
“This training is jam packed with great content, information, and peer support resources to help shape your group into the best group it can be!”
Participant in the Winter 2025 GPS Facilitator Training
“I learned how to manage difficult situations, manage group dynamics, and how to create a trauma sensitive setting by using trauma-informed skills in leading a GPS group.”
Participant in the Spring 2025 GPS Facilitator Training
“This training has been transformational in many ways on many levels. As a CFCE playgroup leader, I engage with parents in an environment not always conducive to deep sharing. This course has given me tools to LISTEN.”
Participant in GPS Facilitator Training
“This model is going to be an important tool in my work. I am leaving with confidence about moving forward.”
Jessica Thomas, Participant in GPS Facilitator Training

Register Today

Take the first step toward making a meaningful impact. Register for GPS Facilitator Training today

CEUs Available

CEUs are available for all of GPS’s programs. For inquiries about specific credits, please contact us.

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Scholarships Available

If you’re committed to supporting your community, GPS scholarships can help make it possible.

Apply For A Scholarship

GPS Training

GPS Facilitator Training