Course

GPS Facilitator Training – January–July 2026 – Live Virtual

Join the GPS Facilitator Training and learn how to run trauma-informed, evidence-based, and community-tested support groups. Whether you are experienced or are a first-time group leader, you will learn skills that can strengthen the way you lead support groups and gain the confidence to lead structured, supportive groups for your community..

Format

Live Virtual Sessions

Dates

Jan 13 - July 14

CEs & CMEs

Up to 20 hours where applicable

Price

$1000*

*Note, Price: MASStrong-funded training options may be available for eligible organizations.

*Registration is final. Refunds are not available once training has begun, including participation in the first session or access to training content.

About the Training

About
What you will learn
Who should attend
Develop your skills

Bring GPS to Your Community

GPS supports unique communities facing diverse challenges just like yours. 

  • Bereavement support
  • Communities navigating loss, trauma, and harm
  • Faith and spiritual communities
  • Healthcare workers facing burnout, stress & moral injury
  • High school/college students, and school communities 
  • Immigrant and refugee communities
  • Parents and caregivers
  • People in recovery and those impacted by substance use
  • People living with chronic health conditions
  • Unique communities facing diverse challenges

In This Training You Will Learn:

A structured, trauma-informed support group model that is straightforward to implement across settings and populations. The training focuses on core facilitation skills, emotional safety, and responsible adaptation.

Topics include:

  • Facilitating trauma-informed, culturally responsive groups adaptable to many settings and populations

  • Navigating trauma, systemic differences, and identity-related challenges with skill and care

  • Using evidence-informed techniques from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

  • Creating strengths-based group experiences that build resilience and growth

  • Strengthening group leadership and confidence to lead impactful groups

For people who want to lead support groups, help communities heal from trauma and find connection, and take on the challenges they face 

  • Community health workers
  • Clergy, faith leaders, and volunteer group leaders
  • Educators and school-based staff
  • Employee assistance, human resources, and workplace wellness staff
  • Healthcare, behavioral health, and public health staff
  • Lay leaders and those who want to support communities
  • Nonprofit and community-based organization staff
  • People with lived experience seeking facilitation skills
  • Peer specialists, peer support professionals, and recovery coaches
  • Supervisors, program leaders, and support group staff supporting implementation
  • Adapt the GPS model to different settings, populations, and group formats
  • Apply practical tools informed by CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based modalities
  • Build a trauma-informed space with guidelines that support safety
  • Build confidence and presence as a group leader
  • Co-create culturally responsive content with communities and participants
  • Facilitate meaningful check-ins that deepen connection
  • Feel confident holding space for the hard-to-say truths that people often carry alone
  • Lead opening and closing practices that help people arrive, settle, and leave grounded
  • Manage challenging situations with steadiness and skill
  • Weave themes across voices to build cohesion and deepen group connection

Program Dates & Information

Choose ONE Opening Practicum:

Jan 13 | Opening Practicum | 6:30-9PM ET
Jan 14 | Opening Practicum | 6:30-9 PM ET

Monthly Workshops


January 22: Introduction to GPS and the Power of Groups | 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
February 10: GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop | 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
March 10: GPS Guidelines | 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
April 14: GPS Realities & Principles | 7-9PM 
May 12: GPS Check In | 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET June 9: GPS PATH Reflective Listening, Weaving, Grounding, & Closing | 7-9 PM ET
July 14: Integration Skill Session: Leading GPS Support Groups in Practice | 7-9 PM ET


Scholarships Available

GPS is committed to making training accessible to those facing barriers to resources and support. Scholarships are available for:
  • MA Health & Mental Health Care Workers
  • Those supporting marginalized communities


If financial challenges prevent you from attending and you can commit to facilitating groups, we encourage you to apply.

Course Overview

Register Now, and start learning!