ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for mental health and emotional well-being support has never been more crucial. For professionals looking to deepen their understanding of this area, ICTQual offers an essential Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support. This course is designed for those in healthcare, counseling, social services, and education who want to effectively facilitate and participate in support groups and peer networks. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course will equip you with the tools and skills needed to make a real difference.
This CPD course offers comprehensive training in the foundations of support groups and peer support systems. Participants will learn the core principles of group dynamics, the role of facilitators, and the therapeutic benefits of peer support. The course dives into various formats for peer support, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid group settings. You will also explore practical approaches for managing group discussions, addressing conflicts, and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where participants feel empowered to share their experiences.
Professionals across a range of fields can benefit from gaining expertise in support groups and peer support. These settings play a critical role in promoting mental health, personal development, and community resilience. By enrolling in this ICTQual CPD course, you are investing in your ability to better serve individuals who seek guidance, emotional relief, or social connection through group support.
The ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support is an invaluable investment for professionals committed to enhancing their skills and expertise in facilitating emotional well-being and mental health support. By gaining practical knowledge in peer support and group dynamics, you will be equipped to offer compassionate guidance, foster community engagement, and help individuals navigate their challenges more effectively. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or professional advancement, this course will empower you to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of others.
Successfully completing this qualification will grant learner 1 CPD hour in Support Groups and Peer Support
Course Overview
CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support
This 1-hour advanced CPD course is designed for professionals who already have a foundational understanding of peer support or group facilitation. To ensure participants can fully benefit from the course material, the following entry requirements apply:
Prior Experience: Participants should have at least 6 months of relevant experience in facilitating or being involved with support groups, peer networks, or group counseling settings. This could include roles in healthcare, education, social services, or related fields.
Basic Knowledge of Group Dynamics: A foundational understanding of group dynamics, communication strategies, or emotional support techniques is recommended. Previous participation in an introductory-level course or experience in a similar role will be beneficial.
Professional Background: This course is tailored for individuals working in professions such as counseling, social work, healthcare, education, or community services, where peer support or group facilitation is part of their responsibilities.
Interest in Advanced Techniques: As this is an advanced course, participants should be interested in deepening their existing skills, learning more advanced strategies for managing support groups, and refining their approach to peer support facilitation.
Learning outcomes of ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support:
Advanced Group Dynamics and Facilitation Techniques
Recognize Complex Group Dynamics: Understand how varying emotional needs and personalities impact group interactions and learn to adjust facilitation techniques accordingly.
Apply Advanced Facilitation Strategies: Implement techniques to manage group energy, encourage balanced participation, and handle conflicts within support group settings.
Develop Conflict Resolution Skills: Learn to mediate disagreements or tension among group members, fostering a cohesive and supportive group atmosphere.
Deepening Peer Support: Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Identify and interpret unspoken emotional cues from group members to improve the quality of peer support.
Apply Advanced Empathy Techniques: Use empathy-driven communication methods to build trust, ensure emotional safety, and encourage openness among participants.
Maintain Professional Boundaries: Learn how to balance empathy with professional detachment, ensuring effective support while avoiding emotional burnout.
Facilitating Difficult Conversations and Sensitive Topics
Confidently Guide Sensitive Discussions: Gain skills to facilitate conversations on topics such as grief, trauma, and addiction, while maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental space.
Manage Emotional Responses: Understand how to handle emotional reactions (outbursts or withdrawal) from group members during difficult discussions, ensuring a safe group dynamic.
Uphold Ethical Standards: Ensure ethical considerations, including confidentiality and respect for group members’ experiences, especially in challenging discussions.
Digital Peer Support: Managing Virtual and Hybrid Groups
Lead Virtual and Hybrid Support Groups: Learn how to effectively engage and manage participants in digital support group formats, ensuring active participation and connection.
Maintain Group Cohesion Online: Implement techniques to build rapport and maintain trust in virtual or hybrid environments, overcoming barriers such as technology and distance.
Resolve Technology Challenges: Address common technical issues that arise in virtual peer support settings and apply strategies to keep the group functioning smoothly.
Future Progression for ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support:
1. Specialized Peer Support Training
Expand Your Expertise: Enroll in courses that focus on specific peer support areas such as mental health, addiction recovery, or chronic illness support groups. These courses will offer more detailed strategies tailored to the unique challenges within specialized groups.
Duration: 1-2 hour CPD sessions.
Benefits: Gain deeper insight into niche areas and enhance your ability to facilitate groups with specific needs.
2. Leadership in Group Facilitation
Advance to Leadership Roles: Take courses that focus on becoming a lead facilitator or coordinator for multiple support groups. Learn how to mentor other facilitators and manage group structures in organizational settings.
Duration: 1-hour advanced CPD sessions.
Benefits: Develop leadership skills and learn to oversee peer support initiatives at a larger scale.
3. Conflict Management and Crisis Intervention Training
Enhance Crisis Intervention Skills: Continue your professional development with focused training in managing crises and resolving conflicts that arise in peer support environments. These courses are designed to help you respond effectively in high-stress situations.
Duration: 1-hour CPD training.
Benefits: Build specialized skills to handle conflict, trauma, or crisis situations within support groups.
4. Digital Facilitation Mastery
Master Virtual and Hybrid Group Facilitation: Take further training on facilitating fully remote or hybrid support groups, focusing on advanced digital engagement techniques, privacy management, and building virtual group cohesion.
Duration: 1-hour CPD sessions.
Benefits: Become proficient in leading dynamic virtual support sessions while overcoming digital barriers.
5. Certification in Advanced Peer Support Facilitation
Achieve Certification: After completing multiple CPD modules, you can progress toward a certification in advanced peer support facilitation, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to professional development.
Duration: A cumulative program combining various 1-hour courses.
Benefits: Enhance your professional profile with recognized certification in peer support and group facilitation.
FAQs
ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support course is ideal for professionals working with children and young people, including educators, social workers, healthcare providers, and child care practitioners. It is suitable for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of child protection and improve their safeguarding practices.
To enroll in this course, participants should have a relevant professional background, such as in child care, education, or social services. A basic understanding of child welfare is recommended, and participants must be at least 18 years old. Access to a reliable internet connection and a device to complete the online training is also required.
ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support is a 1-hour training program. This Training program has mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres. Certification will be issued within 24 hours after the successful completion of this course.
ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But the final decision is made by ATC.
Yes, the ICTQual CPD Course in Introduction to Support Groups and Peer Support includes quizzes consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and ability to apply concepts in practical situations. Passing assessments with a minimum score of 75% is mandatory.
