POV: Every meeting is about Mental Health or Business Health: How I approach Facilitation
- Elizabeth hummel
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
Facilitating groups is one of the most rewarding and complex aspects of my work. Over the years, I have developed a unique approach to group facilitation that draws from both Eastern and Western modalities, as well as lessons learned from working with diverse populations. In this blog post, I want to share my philosophy, key strategies, and real-world challenges that come with guiding groups toward meaningful connection and growth.
My experience spans working with non-profits, small businesses, and court- or state-mandated programs, often in highly diverse settings. I regularly facilitate groups with participants from multiple ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities. This diversity brings both richness and challenges to the group dynamic, requiring flexibility and empathy on my part as a facilitator.
One of the most immediate challenges I face is ensuring that my messaging is clear and easily understood, especially when multiple translators or languages are involved. I have also encountered a wide range of literacy levels—sometimes participants are engaging in a second or third language, which can make traditional discussion methods less effective. My approach is to prioritize clarity and create multiple entry points for participation, so everyone feels included regardless of language or literacy barriers.
Many of the groups I facilitate are mandated, which adds another layer of complexity. There are participation requirements, and I am tasked with balancing those with ethical considerations—especially when someone struggles to communicate due to language or confidence barriers. My philosophy is to meet people where they are, recognizing that participation can look different for each individual. I strive to avoid putting anyone on the spot, while still encouraging engagement in whatever form is most comfortable for them.
Written sections and group sharing can be especially daunting in groups with varying literacy levels or when translation is needed. I address this by incorporating oral sharing, creative expression, and partner activities, making sure every participant can contribute meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed.
Establishing trust and psychological safety is a cornerstone of my facilitation style. At the start of every session, I emphasize the confidentiality of our discussions and clarify that no one will be pressured to share more than they wish. My role is not to extract information, but rather to create an environment where participants can engage authentically at their own pace. As long as individuals are actively participating, I respect their boundaries around communication and sharing.
Virtual facilitation brings its own set of considerations, particularly around privacy. I take extra care to ensure that meeting settings and encryption protect participants’ confidentiality. If someone is excused from a session due to behavior or group norm violations, they cannot re-enter without explicit permission. This helps create a secure space where people feel comfortable being honest and open.
During the initial phases of a group, much of my work centers on helping participants establish group norms. People want to know: How much should I share? Is it okay to move around, or should I stay seated? I set clear ground rules and model behaviors such as nonjudgmental listening and taking turns speaking. I also encourage flexibility—sometimes inviting participants to rearrange the space or try new seating arrangements to foster a sense of comfort and inclusion. The facilitator’s example shapes the group’s culture, so I am intentional about the tone and structure I set from the beginning.
Group dynamics are always evolving. As trust builds, people naturally share more, which can sometimes lead to conflict if someone isn’t ready for deeper disclosures or if group norms are challenged. When this happens, I pause to help the group reflect on what’s happening and decide together how to move forward. Sometimes this means revisiting our norms or changing the way we share to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.
Occasionally, a group member will challenge me as the facilitator. I see this as a test of authenticity and an opportunity to reaffirm the group’s values. When this happens, I listen nonjudgmentally, invite feedback from other group members, and use the moment to model how to handle disagreement constructively. This approach helps maintain trust and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.
When someone is not participating, I look deeper. Are they shy? Do they lack trust? Is there a language barrier? Or do they feel that they don't belong in the group? My job is to find out—often by inviting them to communicate in whatever way feels most accessible, or by pairing them with someone who shares their language. For those who may feel they have nothing to gain, I encourage them to share their expertise, which often leads to greater engagement and connection with the group.
When someone dominates the conversation, I use gentle redirection—asking them to hold a thought, assigning them a task, or directly inviting others to share. It’s a delicate balance: I want everyone to feel heard, but also ensure that quieter voices have space to contribute. My goal is always to foster a group environment where participation is balanced and everyone has the chance to grow.
Facilitating groups is an ongoing journey of learning, adaptation, and growth—for both the participants and myself. No two groups are ever the same, and each presents new opportunities to deepen my understanding of human connection, resilience, and collaboration. My commitment is to continue refining my approach so that every group I guide has the space, support, and inspiration needed to thrive together.
Comments