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 Continued 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 Skills Sessions to complete the certification process. Your Eventbrite confirmation email will contain a link to sign up for Skills Sessions.
Note: choose session dates during registration.
December 2025
- Tuesday, December 2 |1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | Support Group Foundations & GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop
- Thursday, December 4| 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET |GPS Realities, Principles, & Group Guidelines
- Tuesday, December 9 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET |GPS Check In, Reflective Listening, & Closing
- Thursday, December 11 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET |GPS Grounding, Weaving, & Closing
- Tuesday, December 16 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | Rotating Learning Rooms & Curriculum Development
January 2026
- Tuesday, January 6 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET | Support Group Foundations & GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop
- Thursday, January 8 |1:00 - 2:30 PM ET |GPS Realities, Principles, & Group Guidelines
- Tuesday, January 13| 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET | GPS Check In, Reflective Listening, & Closing
- Thursday, January 15 |1:00 - 2:30 PM ET |GPS Grounding, Weaving, & Closing
- Tuesday, January 20 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET | 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 Skills Sessions
Activity: Participate in at least five (5) live Skills Sessions (1.5 hours each)
Expectation: Fully engage in each session and practice key elements of the GPS model (e.g., GPS Mindfulness Rest Stop, Check In, PATH Reflective Listening)
- Skills 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., GPS 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.
