Group Peer Support (GPS) Facilitator Training

*REGISTRATION CLOSED*

~Open to WA state professionals~

Perinatal Support Washington is partnering with Group Peer Support to offer a Group Peer Support Facilitator Training.  This is a specialized training program aimed at empowering individuals to lead perinatal peer support groups.

This training will equip facilitators to create confidential, secure, respectful, and inclusive spaces where parents can genuinely and empathetically connect.  In GPS groups, parents receive the essential support they need to thrive during the early months of parenting, and facilitators gain the confidence to provide them with a much-needed support group experience.

This program focuses on creating inclusive and supportive environments for parents, with an emphasis on evidence-based methods and culturally responsive support.

What This Training Offers
● Tools to create confidential, inclusive, and supportive spaces
● Practice facilitating authentic peer-to-peer connection
● Skills to guide parents in sharing experiences and receiving emotional support
● Evidence-based methods to build strong, nurturing groups
● Confidence to lead impactful sessions that promote community healing and resilience

Who Should Attend
This training is ideal for:
● Peer supporters
● Perinatal professionals
● Community leaders
● Parents interested in facilitating support groups

GPS October 2025 Hybrid Training
October 21-November 6, 2025
All sessions 10:00am–12:30 pm PT  (Live on Zoom + recordings)

Opening Practicum:
● October 21 | 10:00am – 12:30pm PT Opening Practicum

Live Modules – attendance highly encouraged, recordings will be available of modules after
the LIVE session:
● October 30 | Module 4: GPS Realities and Principles
● November 6 | Module 6: GPS Reflective Listening, Weaving, Grounding and Closing

Recordings:
● Module 1: The Impact of Trauma and the Healing Power of Groups
● Module 2: GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop
● Module 3: GPS Guidelines
● Module 5: GPS Check-In

Cost: A limited number of spots are available for WA state residents for a fee of $250.

Training Objectives:

• A trauma-informed, culturally responsive support group model that is easy to learn and implement in diverse settings, with diverse populations, and in multiple languages.
• How to address the intersection of trauma, racism, poverty, disparities, cultural and gender identity, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, with compassion, transparency, and skill.
• Unique trauma-informed skills to create environments of mutual respect, non-judgement, compassion, and safety.
• How to incorporate evidence-based approaches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in groups.
• A strengths-based group approach that ensures an accessible, welcoming, and transformational group experience for all.
• How to run groups that support, empower and benefit not only the individuals and communities being served, but the group facilitators as well.

*REGISTRATION CLOSED*

* Social Work CEUs are available. Inquire about other continuing educational credits at info@grouppeersupport.org.

Training and registration questions please direct to PS-WA at training@perinatalsupport.org

After the training participants who attend the training through PS-WA will be invited to attend a follow-up session on December 11th @ 11am PT about implementing the model and next steps.