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Advanced Group Therapy Facilitation: An Intensive CPD Programme for Qualified Counsellors


Past programme: August to September 2026

This programme has ended. The course information below is retained for reference. View our CPD workshops or ask the Academy about future programmes.

Banbury Therapeutic Training (BTT) is pleased to offer a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme designed for qualified counsellors who want to deepen their skills and confidence in facilitating therapeutic groups.

This 5-day CPD programme introduces qualified counsellors to the theory and practice of therapeutic group facilitation, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills and ethical awareness required to design and facilitate therapy groups safely. 

Group-work is increasingly recognised as a powerful medium for therapeutic change, yet few counsellor training programmes offer structured opportunities to learn group facilitation. This CPD fills that gap by equipping experienced counsellors with the knowledge, skills and confidence to design and facilitate therapy groups. 

  • This training is designed for counsellors who:

    • Hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (or equivalent)
    • Are qualified practitioners seeking to expand their practice into group work
    • Want to develop confidence and competence in group facilitation
    • Are interested in learning how to design and safely deliver therapeutic groups

    Commitment to attend all sessions and complete the reflective assignment.

    Membership of a professional body such as BACP is required.

  • Aims:

    • To deepen participants’ theoretical understanding of group development, dynamics and process. 

    • To develop practical skills for planning, facilitating and evaluating therapeutic groups. 

    • To enhance ethical awareness and risk-management in group settings. 

    • To encourage reflective practice and self-care for group facilitators. 

  • By the end of the programme, participants will be able to: 

    1. Explain major theories of group development and dynamics. 

    2. Establish clear boundaries, contracts and safety protocols for therapy groups. 

    3. Demonstrate a range of core group facilitation skills, including managing process, linking, and intervening appropriately. 

    4. Attend to and repair the working alliance with both the group as a whole and with individual members. 

    5. Work effectively with a co-facilitator, including negotiation of roles and communication. 

    6. Facilitate groups at greater depth while maintaining ethical and safe practice. 

    7. Evaluate their own facilitation through supervision, peer feedback and reflective practice. 

  • Delivery mode: Face-to-face 6-hour sessions over 5 days (30 guided learning hours). 10 am – 5pm with breaks. Starting with an intensive weekend and followed by 3 weekly sessions. 

    Recommended minimum independent study: 1.5 hours per week (reading, reflection, preparation). 

    Each training day will include experiential exercises, group process work and opportunities for participants to practise facilitation skills within the training group. 

    Duration:

    • Guided Learning Hours: 30 hours over 5 days. 

    • Total Qualification Time (including self-study and practical assignment): approx. 45 - 60 hours. 

    • CPD certificate issued to participants meeting attendance and assessment criteria. 

    Session Time:
    10:00am – 4:30pm (including lunch break)

    Lunch will be provided.

    Participants are encouraged to complete approximately 3 hours of independent study per week, including reading, reflection and preparation.

  • Week 1 – Beginnings & Group Theory

    Morning: Foundations of group work
    • Group development models
    • Purposes and types of therapeutic groups
    • Establishing aims and expectations

    Afternoon: Boundaries & safety in group work
    • Contracting and confidentiality
    • Safeguarding considerations
    • Risk assessment

    Week 2 – Core Group Skills

    Morning: Core Group skills and interventions
    • Scanning and observing group process
    • Linking themes and contributions
    • Timing and choice of interventions

    • Managing alliance, ruptures, sub-grouping 

    Afternoon: The working alliance in groups
    • Maintaining connection with the group
    • Managing ruptures
    • Understanding sub-grouping

    Week 3 – Working with Others

    Morning: Co-facilitation
    • Roles and communication
    • Managing differences between facilitators
    • Reflective practice

    Afternoon: Working at depth
    • Transference within groups
    • Trauma-informed group practice
    • Deeper interventions

    Week 4 – Managing Difficulty & Endings

    Morning: Conflict, rupture and repair
    • Working with resistance and conflict
    • Navigating difficult group dynamics

    Afternoon: Ending groups effectively
    • Termination processes
    • Integration and reflection
    • Post-group follow-up

    Week 5 – Integration & Reflection

    Morning: Supervision and self-care
    • Reflective practice for facilitators
    • Managing the emotional impact of group work

    Afternoon: Feedback and course closure
    • Participant feedback
    • Certificate presentation
    • Closing reflection

  • The following texts support the theoretical and practical learning within this course. Participants are not expected to read everything, but these books offer valuable perspectives on group dynamics, relational process and therapeutic facilitation. 

    Core Texts 

    Yalom, I.D. & Leszcz, M. (2020) The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (6th ed.). New York: Basic Books. 

    This is one of the most influential contemporary texts on group psychotherapy. Yalom outlines the core therapeutic factors of groups, including universality, interpersonal learning, cohesion and corrective emotional experience. The book also explores the role of the facilitator and the developmental stages of groups. 

    Houston, G. (2003) The Little Book of Group Process. London: Karnac. 

    A concise and accessible guide to group facilitation from a Gestalt perspective. Houston emphasises the importance of awareness, presence, relational contact and working with the group field, offering practical insights for those facilitating experiential and therapeutic groups. 

    Recommended Reading 

    Yalom, I.D. (2005) The Schopenhauer Cure. London: Piatkus. 

    A novel that illustrates the process and dynamics of group therapy in practice. Through the narrative, readers gain insight into how group members influence one another and how therapeutic change can emerge through relational encounter. 

    Yalom, I.D. (2015) Creatures of a Day and Other Tales of Psychotherapy. London: Piatkus. 

    A collection of psychotherapy stories that explore existential themes, therapeutic presence and the emotional depth of therapeutic work, including reflections relevant to group processes. 

    Bion, W.R. (1961) Experiences in Groups. London: Tavistock. 

    A classic work exploring the unconscious dynamics of groups. Bion introduced the concept of basic assumption groups, including dependency, fight–flight and pairing, which can influence group behaviour beneath the surface of conscious interaction. 

    Clarkson, P. (1995) The Therapeutic Relationship. London: Whurr. 

    Clarkson’s model of the five relational aspects provides a helpful framework for understanding the complexity of therapeutic relationships. These relational dynamics often emerge powerfully within group therapy settings. 

    Corey, G., Corey, M.S. & Corey, C. (2018) Groups: Process and Practice (10th ed.). Boston: Cengage. 

    A clear and practical text that explores group leadership skills, ethical considerations and the stages of group development. It provides many examples relevant to counsellors facilitating therapeutic groups. 

  • Formative assessment: 

    ongoing tutor observation and feedback during skills practice. 

    Summative assessment: 

    Practical Group Facilitation Assignment. 

    Participants are required to design and facilitate a short therapeutic group outside of taught hours. This should normally consist of a minimum of three group sessions (60–90 minutes each) with approximately 6–10 participants, where appropriate. Responsibility for the safe organisation and facilitation of external groups remains with the participant. Participants must ensure appropriate professional insurance and supervision arrangements are in place. 

    o   A minimum of 3 group sessions (each 60–90 minutes).

    o   A minimum of 6 participants (maximum 10).

    o   Clear written group proposal including:

    1. Purpose and aims of the group

    2. Target population

    3. Inclusion and exclusion criteria

    4. Risk assessment and safeguarding considerations

    5. Group contract and confidentiality agreement

    6. Session outline for each meeting

    7. Evidence of consultation with a qualified supervisor prior to commencement.

      • A 2000-word reflective assignment on the process of setting up, delivering and evaluating the effectiveness of the group. Evaluation of the group will include participant feedback (anonymous where appropriate).

  • Lead Tutor:
    Rachel Young
    Higher Diploma in Group Psychotherapy
    MBACP

    Rachel is an experienced group therapy practitioner and trainer with over 20 years experience facilitating therapeutic groups and supporting counsellors developing group practice.

    • Learning materials: handbook, reading list, handouts, PowerPoints, case examples. 

  • BCA Training Rooms
    19 Parsons Street
    Banbury

  • Participants who complete the course requirements will receive a CPD Certificate.

    Guided Learning Hours: 30
    Total Qualification Time: Approximately 45 hours (including self-study).

  • £500 per participant

    Maximum group size: 12 participants

  • Starting: August 2026

    Dates:

    • Saturday 15 August 10am – 5pm

    • Saturday 22 August 10am – 5pm

    • Saturday 29 August 10am – 5pm

    • Saturday 12 September 10am – 5pm

    • Saturday 19 September 10am – 5pm

Enquire about future programmes

For information about future dates and availability, contact the Academy.

Earlier Event: 30 May
Existential Therapy: An Introduction (CPD Workshop) - with Mick Cooper