Are you exhausted by your work in groups?

What do you do when you're drained by the groups you're responsible for?

Here's Tiffany's story:"I run therapeutic groups and activities with people in the early days of withdrawal from substance use. I work with new people every week. In the early days, I found my role difficult; it was very emotional and I would arrive home exhausted. I wondered if this work was right for me. I was skilled and I liked my job but I felt I needed to develop my communication skills to look after myself in this work.In 2017 I enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Group Facilitation with the Groupwork Centre. Over the year I learnt so much about myself as well as many new facilitation techniques. I had regular opportunities to practise with my peers in the course. I formed close friendships and supportive work relationships with the group.I started to understand more about the facilitator role, noticing my reactions when things were happening in the group. I was learning how to manage myself, while supporting the important work of the group.

As a graduate I now have many skills to help me run my groups, especially when things get tricky.I'm able to set clear boundaries that help the group stay focused.

I can be more present - for the whole group and for each personI work gently with the group, being careful to hear each member and helping them hear each other. I use a lot of validation and normalisation.I know how important self-care is, and practice it regularly.

When things get tricky I slow down.I'm honest about my role in the group and the things I do and don’t know.I have more confidence as a facilitator and I now have many techniques I can use when running my groups.

I'm happy to say I’m enjoying my work now and I’ve recently received a decent pay rise!"Gotta love a story with a happy ending. Thanks so much, Tiffany, for taking the time to share your story with us!

Come along to an info session to get a good understanding of what this transformative educational journey with us is like. You'll get to meet and see other people you might do the course with, meet the trainers and have all your questions answered.

Book a spot by emailing us or get in touch to find out more! agf@groupwork.com.au