This full day, interactive training runs in two parts, a Foundational morning session and an Advanced afternoon session. It is built for peer recovery support specialists, recovery coaches, RCO staff, and anyone who leads groups, meetings, or community conversations. Offers 6 NAADAC CE credits.

What You’ll Learn

• How to guide discussion and stay neutral without controlling the conversation
• How to build psychological safety through group agreements and self-awareness
• Active listening, reflecting, and open-ended questioning using the OARS framework
• How to read group energy, balance dominant and quieter voices, and adapt for in-person, virtual, and hybrid settings
• Tuckman’s five stages of group development and what each asks of a facilitator
• How to respond to resistance, de-escalate tension, and repair trust after a difficult discussion

What You’ll Take Away

Facilitator language practiced through role play and reflection exercises, a drafted session plan, and downloadable FVR tools including a group agreement template, questioning techniques guide, and de-escalation quick guide.

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.