The Art and Practice of Group Work: A 2-Day experiential workshop - December 2026

WorkUP invites you to experience group work from the inside out. During the two days you will participate in and reflect on what it feels like to be a group member alongside others; noticing what arises for you as you participate in various activities. This is an opportunity to think about what you bring to group work, the possibilities of collaboration and how this shapes your practice. 

Designed for practitioners wanting to grow their confidence facilitating groups, this training blends theorical influences that have shaped the field, dialogue, self-reflection, and lived experience, all held through a trauma-informed lens. 

You'll leave equipped to support participation, choice, agency, and meaningful outcomes for the people you work with. 
We will also offer a follow up online reflective practice session. 

A past participant feedback: "There were so many practical strategies you could take away,"  

 "It wasn't just theory. There were exercises you could literally take back and use." 

Learning outcomes

• increase understanding of core group work influences and principles  

• experience practical tools to support safe, respectful and inclusive participation  

• apply trauma-informed, creative and somatic approaches to group facilitation 

• increase understanding of group stages and capacity to respond to group dynamics 

• increase confidence in planning and facilitating group sessions 

Event details

Session 1: Tuesday, 1st December 2026
Session 2: Wednesday, 2nd December 2026
Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm AEST
Location: Cliftons Brisbane - 24/288 Edward Street, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000

Optional workshop: Wednesday, 10th March 2027
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am AEST
Location: Online

Please note: This is a face-to-face, two-part series. Participants should attend both Session 1 and Session 2.

Who should attend

Ideal for: 

• Those who are new to the sexual violence sector, who are interested in groups.  Open to seasoned practitioners who looking for a refresher workshop and exploring new ways of doing group work. 

The facilitator

Alison Lee (Alee) (she/her, they/them) 
Alison Lee (Alee) - HeartWork has a demonstrated track record of delivering innovative, trauma-informed, relational, and practice-based training and creative group programs across the social services sector over the past 30 years. Alee led the initial training consultation with the sector and brings a strong understanding of emerging needs and priorities. As a Gestalt therapist, Alee carries a wealth of embodied practice wisdom and experience in how to support group process and individual needs within groups. This work centres around safety, cultural responsiveness, and experiential learning to support practitioners in building confidence and applying therapeutic group work skills in ways that are meaningful and sustainable in practice.