Caring for Yourself and Your Participants: Techniques for Effective Group Facilitation Video Series

As youth-serving professionals, we all want to show up for young people and create spaces where they can participate fully and authentically. At the same time, we also want to preserve our own well-being and avoid getting burned out.

This video series provides best practices that people who facilitate sessions with groups of youth, like health educators, can use to take care of themselves and their participants. These videos focus on group facilitation with youth but many of the techniques shared can also be helpful for group sessions with adults. This series builds on the Bringing Content to Life: Techniques for Effective Group Facilitation Video Series.

The RHNTC developed this video series in partnership with Fact Forward.

Video Series Introduction

This video introduces the Caring for Yourself and Your Participants: Techniques for Effective Group Facilitation Video Series. 

Video 1. Take Care: Self-Care Strategies for Youth-Serving Professionals

This video explores techniques that a facilitator can use to increase their sense of well-being and prevent burnout. After watching this video, use the Journal Worksheets to reflect on your facilitation at the end of each day or week. Use the Self-Care Plan Worksheet to think through ways you can build routine self-care into your life.

Video 2. Safe and Supported: Tips for Creating a Positive and Inclusive Group Climate

This video explores practical strategies for facilitators to ensure a supportive, safe, and inclusive group session.

Video 3. “What Do I Say Now?”: Tips for Answering Challenging Questions  

This video describes common types of challenging questions that participants might ask and offers facilitators tips for answering them.