GPS Certification Program 2025

GPS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Achieve Mastery in GPS Group Facilitation

Welcome to the GPS Certification Program! Designed for individuals who have completed GPS Facilitator Training, this certification represents the highest standard in delivering Group Peer Support effectively to your community. Through hands-on skills sessions, real-time facilitation, personalized coaching, and curriculum development, you'll deepen your expertise and grow confidently as a group leader.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Advanced Skills Sessions: Interactive sessions led by a GPS Trainer, providing comprehensive practice of each element of the GPS model.
• Support Group Facilitation: Gain experience, first as a participant and then as a facilitator, and receive mentorship and real-time feedback from Lead Facilitators.
• Advanced Opportunities for Continue Learning: Attend our continuing education sessions on advanced issues in facilitation.
• Personalized Coaching & Session Plan Development: Create customized GPS session plans for your community with detailed coaching and feedback.
• Fidelity Evaluation: Demonstrate your mastery in a final 30-minute session evaluated by a GPS Lead Facilitator.

Program Schedule

You’ll need to attend at least 5 live Skill Sessions to complete the certification process . Your Eventbrite confirmation email will contain a link to sign up for Skill Sessions.

Note: choose session dates during registration.

June 2025

• Tuesday, June 17 | 7:00–8:30 PM Support Group Foundations & Mindfulness Rest Stop
• Thursday, June 19 | 7:00–8:30 PM Realities, Principles & Group Guidelines
• Tuesday, June 24 | 1:00–2:30 PM Check-In, Reflective Listening & Closing
• Wednesday, June 25 | 1:00–2:30 PM Curriculum Building + Adaptations
  

July 2025

• Tuesday, July 1 | 1:00–2:30 PM Support Group Foundations & Mindfulness Rest Stop
• Thursday, July 3 | 1:00–2:30 PM Realities, Principles & Group Guidelines
• Tuesday, July 8 | 1:00–2:30 PM Check-In, Reflective Listening & Closing
• Thursday, July 10 | 1:00–2:30 PM Grounding & Weaving + Closing
• Tuesday, July 15 | 7:00–8:30 PM Q&A, Curriculum Building + Adaptations

GPS Facilitator Certification: Roadmap & Requirements

The GPS Facilitator Certification Program is designed to help you grow into a confident, competent, and compassionate support group leader. Certification is grounded in real-world practice, reflective coaching, and lived experience. Below is a clear roadmap and outline of what is required to become certified.

Phase 1: Attend Skill Sessions

Activity: Participate in at least five (5) live Skill Sessions (1.5 hours each)
Expectation: Fully engage in each session and practice key elements of the GPS model (e.g., Mindfulness, Check-In, Reflections)

• Skill Sessions are led by GPS Trainers and include live coaching and small-group mentoring
• Each session focuses on a specific part of the GPS model
• These sessions are essential for building facilitation skills and are foundational to your readiness

You must complete at least 2–3 sessions before moving on to co-facilitation

Phase 2: Join GPS Support Groups as a Participant

Activity: Attend 1–2 GPS support groups as a participant
Expectation: Choose groups that reflect your lived experience or identity (e.g., Perinatal, Recovery, Healthcare, Latino, Black Leaders, etc.)

• Participate fully as a group member, not as a facilitator
• Gain a firsthand understanding of group rhythm, structure, and emotional tone
• This experience strengthens your ability to facilitate with empathy and authenticity

Phase 3: Co-Facilitate GPS Groups with a Lead Facilitator Coach

Activity: Lead three GPS support groups with coaching and feedback
Expectation: Prepare thoroughly, take responsibility for assigned roles, and integrate feedback

• You’ll co-facilitate at least three GPS groups, with a minimum of two sessions led alongside a GPS Lead Certification Coach
• Prior to each group, you’ll participate in a structured 30-minute Pre-Group Coaching Session
• Roles will be assigned (e.g., Mindfulness, Guidelines, Check-In), and expectations will be clarified
• Real-time support and feedback will be provided before and after each session
  
  

Additional Certification Requirements

GPS Session Plan Submission

• Submit four customized session plans using the official GPS Session Plan Template
• These plans should be tailored to your target population and can reflect past, current, or future groups

Fidelity Evaluation

• Successfully complete a 30-minute final facilitation session demonstrating GPS model fidelity
• Evaluated by a GPS Lead Facilitator Coach with detailed written feedback
• If additional growth is needed, you may attend further Skill Sessions and reschedule your evaluation

Training Prerequisite

• Certification is open to participants who have already completed GPS Facilitator Training

Certification Validity

• GPS Certification is valid for one year upon successful completion

This roadmap ensures that all GPS Certified Facilitators are grounded in lived experience, skilled in GPS facilitation, and prepared to lead trauma-informed, culturally responsive support groups.

If you have questions or need help navigating the process, reach out to your Certification Coach or the GPS team—we're here to support you at every step.

SCHOLARSHIP IS AVAILABLE

GPS wants to empower you to make change! Scholarship preferences are for those with lived experience, those who serve people of color, and those who can commit to running a GPS group in their community.

Apply for Scholarship HERE

Important Information to Attend

• Zoom links for Skill Sessions will be shared in your welcome email.
• You must attend at least one session by the end of Session 3 to remain enrolled.
• Sessions are offered in both afternoon and evening (Eastern Time).
• Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes late will not be permitted to join the session.
• You’ll receive a weekly reminder email with links and resources.

Need Help?

• Email: info@grouppeersupport.org
• Zoom and scheduling links are provided in your confirmation email.
• Weekly reminder emails include all necessary resources.