Group Facilitation Skills - May 27-28, 2026

A 12-Hour Training with James Figueiredo, M.Ed.

8:30am-4:00pm (Day 1 & Day 2)

130 Pembroke Road, Suite 150, Concord, NH 03301

Presentation: This comprehensive training prepares Community Health Workers (CHWs) and related professionals to confidently lead groups in community, clinical, educational, and virtual settings. Participants learn the core principles of group facilitation, including how to guide discussions, manage group dynamics, support learning, and create an environment where all voices feel valued and respected. Drawing on experiential activities, role plays, public speaking practice, and real-world scenarios, the training explores the unique advantages of group work—such as connection, shared experience, peer support, and collective problem-solving. Participants examine types and purposes of groups, cultural considerations, adult learning principles, and the stages of group development. They also learn how to prevent and respond to common challenges such as conflict, silence, dominance, avoidance, and toxic dynamics. Throughout the course, learners develop the skills needed to foster safety, engagement, and constructive dialogue. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, communication, co-facilitation, ethical boundaries, and maintaining group agreements. Participants also practice facilitation techniques, explore strategies for virtual facilitation, and receive supportive feedback during multiple practice sessions.

This workshop will describe how to integrate evidence-based and evidence-informed suicide prevention interventions into their practice. We will demonstrate useful tools which are inclusive to widely diverse populations and shine a light on stressors known to negatively affect the mental health of community members, including those entrusted to serve vulnerable populations.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify different types of groups—such as educational, support, community, social, and hybrid—and understand the benefits and goals of each;
2. Describe group dynamics and the factors that shape them, including personality, power, behavior, and cultural influences;
3. Incorporate principles of adult learning, multiple intelligences, and experiential learning to support engagement and comprehension;
4. Create and uphold group agreements that promote safety, respect, confidentiality, and equitable participation; and
5. Demonstrate culturally responsive facilitation by connecting content to participants’ lived experiences, identities, and cultural backgrounds.

12 Contact Hours Available

CRSW Performance Domains: 3-4
LADC/MLADC Categories of Competence: 6-7, 11-13 & 18
Certified Prevention Specialist Domains: 6
NBCC: LICSW/L-MFT/LCMHC (Category A) & Psychologist (Category A) 

NH Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. ACEP No 6754. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NHADACA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

This course has been approved by New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #23792, NHADACA is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

This training is financed under a contract with the State of NH, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of NH and/or such funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.