Support Groups
AFSP offers a comprehensive hands-on training program to help survivors of suicide loss learn the "how-to's" of creating and facilitating a support group. The two-day program combines lecture, interactive discussion and role-playing with feedback.
The training program is appropriate both for survivors 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. Note: In order to create an environment in which participants can best develop and practice the skills necessary to facilitate a group effectively, attendees should be at least two years after the suicide of their loved one (this training program is not meant to serve as a healing conference; you can find information about healing conferences on this website, or you can call 1-888-333-AFSP). Mental health professionals are also welcome, although professional education credits are not available at this time.
The program is offered several times a year, in different cities across the nation. Upcoming programs are currently scheduled as follows. Applications will be posted online 2-3 months before each training date. We recommend registering early to secure a spot.
Upcoming Trainings:
Newark, NJ - March 12-13, 2010. Details & Application
Manchester, NH - April 9-10, 2010
St. Louis MO - May 21-22, 2010
Philadelphia, PA - June 4-5, 2010
Birmingham AL - Date TBD
Based on AFSP’s highly-regarded support group facilitator training program, this self-study package covers the how-to’s of starting and running a survivor support group, and is ideal for both those who are thinking of starting a new group, and for experienced facilitators looking to increase their knowledge and skill.
The package contains a comprehensive 95-page guide to effective support group facilitation titled Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: A Self-Study Manual, and a 90-minute companion DVD, Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: Skill-Building and Special Challenges, which features highly-experienced facilitators in action, demonstrating specific strategies for handling difficult situations and sharing their own personal advice.
The Support Group Self-Study Training Package can be ordered through the AFSP Store or by calling 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) ext 10. The cost is $75 (includes shipping and handling within the continental United States). Items not sold separately.
Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: A Self-Study Manual covers:
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 encourages survivors to wait a minimum of two years from 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:
Special Bonus Feature: Faculty Wrap Up: listen in as members of AFSP’s Facilitator Training Corps share their best advice. |
Special thanks to Dr. John R. (“Jack”) Jordan, who co-wrote the manual and served with Dr. Edward Dunne and Mary Pat McMahon on the DVD’s planning committee; and to JoAnn Chavez, Diana and Paul Lewis, LeAnne Morgan, Donna Scott, Trudy Cole Sevier and Dan Wells who participated in filming of the DVD.
