University of Toronto

What do I do when a group just isn’t interested? How do I deal with 'monopolizers' or skeptics in a group context? How do I keep the group focused and engage all of the members?

Group facilitation involves attending simultaneously to a plurality of processes and content types, yet a well-facilitated group can be a powerful vehicle for mutual support and positive change. This workshop examines a number of key issues in group dynamics, and presents practical tips and strategies that you can use right away. Workshop content will draw from theory and research on effective facilitation techniques, with an emphasis on interactive, hands-on learning. Participants are encouraged to bring their own challenging group facilitation questions and practice dilemmas for discussion and troubleshooting in the session. The content in this session is relevant to both clinical and professional groups of varying sizes.

By the end of the day you will be able to assess your own facilitation strengths and areas for improvement, identify planning strategies to increase group engagement and interaction, and work productively with challenging participants.

Marilyn has worked in a variety of clinical and leadership roles at Ontario’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) since 1992, and is Director of the TEACH Project, a University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine Certificate Program in Cessation Counselling. She is also Director of the University of Toronto’s Collaborative Program in Addiction Studies and Assistant Professor (Status Only) at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Marilyn has taught graduate and undergraduate university courses for the past 10 years, and has facilitated professional training workshops throughout Canada and internationally. She has co-authored books, book chapters and articles in scholarly journals on brief treatment, motivational interviewing, alcohol dependence, relapse prevention, dissemination research and online learning, and is first author of the 2010 Oxford University Press book: Substance Abuse in Canada. Her areas of interest include motivation and behaviour change, group facilitation and presentation skills, and knowledge transfer/exchange.