Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups

This comprehensive hands-on training program helps survivors of suicide loss and interested others learn the "how-to's" of creating and facilitating a suicide bereavement support group for adults. The two-day program combines lecture, interactive discussion and role-playing with feedback.

Who should attend? The program is appropriate for anyone who would like to start a new group, as well as those who currently facilitate a group and would like to increase their knowledge and skills. Survivors of two years or more, interested others and mental health professionals are all welcome. AFSP cannot provide any type of certification, endorsement of support groups, or continuing education credits, but can provide a letter confirming attendance.

The training is not a good fit for survivors who have lost a loved one to suicide within the last two years, because it is not meant to serve as a healing conference. The program provides a structured educational environment where participants can best develop and practice the skills necessary to facilitate a group effectively. For information about healing conferences, visit www.afsp.org/survivorday or call 1-888-333-2377 x2035.

Upcoming Trainings: We urge you to attend when the program comes to your region of the country. It's offered as often as possible, approximately 4-5 times per year in different cities. Don't miss out. Receive email announcements by signing up for our email distribution list - The Survivor e-Network.

Orlando, FL: May 4-5, 2012 - Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport - Click here for registration details
Salt Lake City, UT: June 1-2, 2012 - Salt Lake City Marriott - City Center - Click here for registration details
Madison, WI: August 10-11, 2012 - Courtyard by Marriott Madison East - Click here for registration details

Registration is $175.00 and includes training materials and meals. Hotel expenses are additional for those staying overnight.

Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups
for Children and Teens

Developed in collaboration with The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, this new hands-on training program is designed for adults who want to learn the how-to’s of creating and facilitating a peer support group for children and teens ages 5-18.  The two-day program is conducted by experts in the field of childhood bereavement and experienced support group facilitators, and combines lecture, interactive discussion, and practice activities with individualized feedback. 

Who should attend? It is appropriate for those who are just getting started or for those who would like to increase their knowledge and skills. While the training focuses primarily on suicide bereavement, it is also of help to those wishing to facilitate a general grief support group for children and teens. You don’t need to be a mental health professional or have experience working with children to attend – you only need an interest in helping children and teens cope with the death of someone in their lives.  Attendees must be 18 or older. AFSP cannot provide any type of certification, endorsement of support groups, or continuing education credits, but can provide a letter confirming attendance.

The training is not a good fit for survivors who have lost a loved one within the last two years, because it isnot meant to serve as a healing conference. The program provides a structured educational environment where participants can best develop and practice the skills necessary to facilitate a group effectively. For information about healing conferences, visit www.afsp.org/survivorday or call 1-888-333-2377 x2035.

Upcoming Trainings: We urge you to attend when the program comes to your region of the country. It's offered as often as possible, approximately 3-4 times per year in different cities. Don't miss out. Keep up to date by signing up for our email distribution list - the Survivor e-Network.

Cleveland, OH: May 18-19, 2012 - Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport - Click here for registration details
Austin, TX: July 13-14, 2012 - Holiday Inn, Austin Midtown - Click here for registration details

Registration is $175.00 and includes training materials and meals. Hotel expenses are additional for those staying overnight.

Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: A Self-Study Manual covers:

• Suicide bereavement 101
• How do I know I’m ready?*
• The nuts and bolts of getting a group up and running
• Open vs. Closed groups
• Survivors and professionals
• Structuring the meeting
• Protecting the process
• Handling silence and breaking taboos
• Dealing with problematic behavior
• Self-care for facilitators

Also Included: Facilitator’s Checklist: creative ideas for opening and closing rituals; Guidelines and Ground Rules; extensive bibliography; articles on suicide bereavement; sample brochure; and handouts for meetings.

*AFSP strongly advises survivors to wait a minimum of two years after their own loss before facilitating a group.

Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: Skill-Building and Special Challenges DVD demonstrates specific strategies for handling difficult situations, such as:

• Monopolizing
• Angry/critical behavior
• Proselytizing
• Tangential discussion
• Overwhelming grief
• Help-rejecting
• Multiple family members
• Member in suicidal crisis

Special Bonus Feature: Faculty Wrap Up: listen in as members of AFSP’s Facilitator Training Corps share their best advice.