About

Course Objectives: 

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to: 

  • Explain the essentials of initiating newcomer psychosocial support groups, including the different types of support groups, how to select an appropriate group for your context, and modalities for support group delivery 
  • Describe group phases, common challenges in each phase, and the facilitator’s role in supporting group members through each phase  
  • Apply key facilitation skills and processes for maintaining safe and effective psychosocial support group dynamics 
  • Apply three practical considerations for implementing psychosocial support groups, including identification of curricula, best practices in recruitment and consent, and strategies for resourcing psychosocial support groups 


Synchronous Session Dates:

  • Thursday, July 10, 2:00 - 3:15 PM ET

  • Thursday, July 17, 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET  

  • Thursday, July 24, 2:00 - 3:15 PM ET

  • Thursday, July 31, 2:00 - 3:15PM ET


Need support?  Email [email protected]

Course Curriculum

    1. Welcome to the Course!

    2. How to Navigate this Course

    3. Course Instructors' Office Hours

    4. Optional: Connect with Your Course Cohort Peers

    1. Required Module 1 Pre-Work: ​Watch the Switchboard webinar, "Understanding Psychosocial Support Groups: Three Successful Models"

    2. Required Module 1 Pre-Work: ​​Read the Switchboard evidence summary, "What is the Impact of Peer Support Groups on Refugees’ Mental Health?"

    3. Required Module 1 Pre-Work: Activity

    4. Module 1 Synchronous Zoom Session

    5. Module 1 Slide Deck Downloadable

    6. Module 1 Check-In

    7. Module 1 PSS Group Planning Forms

    1. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Read Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) - Appendix D: Managing Reactions, Breathing Exercise (Page 105)

    2. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Read Doing What Matters in Times of Stress – Tool 1 Grounding (Page 122)

    3. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Listen to Tool 1: Grounding Exercise 1 (5 minutes)

    4. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Writing Prompt Response

    5. Module 2 Synchronous Zoom Session

    6. Module 2 Slide Deck Downloadable

    7. Module 2 Check-In

    1. Required Module 3 Pre-Work: Skills Matching

    2. Required Module 3 Pre-Work: Writing Prompt Response

    3. Module 3 Synchronous Zoom Session

    4. Module 3 Slide Deck Downloadable

    5. Module 3 Check-In

    1. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Read at Least Two Curriculum Overviews

    2. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Writing Prompt Response

    3. Module 4 Synchronous Zoom Session

    4. Module 4 Slide Deck Downloadable

    5. Module 4 Check-In

    1. Course Completion Satisfaction Survey

    2. Course Outro & Next Steps

About this course

  • Free
  • 30 lessons