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

    1. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Read the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape Guide to Trauma-Informed Supervision, Pages 4-5 & 19-20

    2. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Read the Switchboard Guide, Trauma-Informed Care: Movement Towards Practice

    3. Required Module 2 Pre-Work: Case Scenario Response

    4. Optional Module 2 Pre-Work: Watch the TED, Nadine Burke Harris, Video: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime (2014)

    5. Optional Module 2 Pre-Work: Read the SAMHSA Guide: SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

    6. Optional Module 2 Pre-Work: Take the "Creating Cultures of Trauma-Informed Care" Organization Self Assessment

    7. Module 2 Synchronous Zoom Session

    8. Module 2 Slide Deck Downloadable

    9. Module 2 Check-In

    1. Required Module 3 Pre-Work: Read the Switchboard, Guide: Cultural Competence in Refugee Service Settings: Guidance for Service Providers Based on a Scoping Review of the Literature

    2. Required Module 3 Pre-Work: Self Reflection on Active Listening Skills Activity

    3. Optional Module 3 Pre-Work: Watch the TED, Kim Scott & Trier Bryant Video: How to Reduce Bias in Your Workplace (2021)

    4. Optional Module 3 Pre-Work: Test Yourself for Hidden Bias Using the Assessment from Learning for Justice

    5. Optional Module 3 Pre-Work: Read the SAMHSA, Guide: Improving Cultural Competence: Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 59

    6. Module 3 Synchronous Zoom Session

    7. Module 3 Slide Deck Downloadable

    8. Module 3 Check-In

    1. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Read the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, Guide: A Guide to Trauma- Informed Supervision, pgs. 21-27

    2. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Watch the TED, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky Video: Beyond the Cliff (2015)

    3. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Take the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) 5 Measure Assessment (2021)

    4. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Download and Complete the Brown University, Self-Care Assessment Worksheet (1996)

    5. Required Module 4 Pre-Work: Case Scenario Response

    6. Optional Module 4 Pre-Work: Read the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), Fact Sheet: Secondary Traumatic Stress Core Competencies for Trauma-Informed Support and Supervision (2022)

    7. Optional Module 4 Pre-Work: Use the STS Practice Lab, Tool: Secondary Traumatic Stress Core Competencies in Trauma-Informed Supervision Self-Rating Tool (2022)

    8. Optional Module 4 Pre-Work: Watch the TED, LeeAnn Renninger Video: The Secret to Giving Great Feedback (2020)

    9. Optional Module 4 Pre-Work: Read the Switchboard, Guide: Preventing Occupational Hazards by Promoting Organizational Resilience

    10. Module 4 Synchronous Zoom Session

    11. Module 4 Slide Deck Downloadable

    12. Module 4 Check-In

    1. Course Completion Satisfaction Survey

    2. Course Outro & Next Steps

About this course

  • Free
  • 41 lessons