Becoming a Skilled Helper
A Foundational Training Programme
Some feel they have a greater calling to help others, or oftern find themselves in positions where others orientate toward them for guidance and assistance. "Being there" for others is more than being an ear who listens or someone that gives advice - learn to help others with skill and make an impact on their lives.
Transform the way you support others by moving from a simple conversation to transformative helping. This intensive online programme is designed for frontline caregivers, community workers, and those who feel "called to helping others"; seeking to create "sacred spaces" of trust, empathy, and safety for those in need.
Through a blend of self-reflective exercises and practical skills training, participants will journey through three core pillars of helping:
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Engaging the Self: Build deep self-awareness by exploring personal boundaries, life experiences, and the link between emotions and behavior.
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The Art of Helping: Master Micro-Skills of communication, including active listening (SOLER), the power of body language, and the strategic use of open and reflective questioning.
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Advocacy: Gain a vital understanding of the dynamics of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the impact of trauma on the brain, and "Trauma First Aid"; required to provide immediate containment and support.
By the end of this training, you will be equipped to:
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Identify readiness for change and act as an effective accountability partner.
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Navigate the complexities of victim and perpetrator dynamics in cycles of violence.
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Master the "art of referral"; to ensure those at risk receive the professional care they deserve.
Empower your community. Refine your skills. Become a skilled helper.
The Facilitator
Anthony Hawthorn
Anthony Hawthorn is a Social Worker (Clinical Social Work) in private practice, Social Work Supervisor and Facilitator, with a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Social Work, Master's in Business Leadership and certification as TRE provider.
With more than 20 years of counselling and facilitation experience, he is passionate about the professional development of students and professionals alike. He has extensive experience in developing and facilitating various counselling courses, having trained mental health professionals, students, medical students, and lay counsellors over the course of his career in counselling and various counselling issues such as counselling courses, trauma work, couples work, counselling individuals who experience an affair, divorce counselling, working with blended families, and dealing with loneliness.
Anthony focuses his practice on clinical services (including counselling and supervision), developmental services (including developing training courses, facilitation, and professional development), and management coaching (both privately and with corporate clients).
How this course will be presented
Online Facilitation
This course is facilitated live, online. You will interact with the facilitator and like- minded professionals online via the Zoom application. Basic use of the Zoom application is free. You will need to ensure that you have access to the internet and data, a working webcam, microphone and speakers. This course is interactive and experiential in nature. It is not a lecture style webinar. The course consists of short sessions which allows you to attend even with a busy schedule. All of the sessions will need to be attended to complete the course.
Dates and Times
Course 1: 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 April 2026
10:00-13:00
Continual Professional Development (CPD)
SACSSP: No CPD points at present
HPCSA: No CEU's at present
Cost
R 3300.00 pp (Members pay R2800 pp - Save R500)
What to expect upon completion
After you have successfully completed this course, by attending all the online sessions and completing any additional activities, or evaluations; you will receive a certificate of completion. The relevant CPD points/CEUs will also reflect on the certificate (for courses that carry CPD points/CEUs).
Who should attend
Please note that this course is aimed at:
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Mature individuals older than 21 years.
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Anyone who would like to learn more about themselves and others.
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Those who would like to become skilled in helping others.
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This course will be of value to those working within vulnarable communities, such as Social Auxiliary Workers, Lay-Counsellors, Supportive Counsellors, House Mothers, Teachers, Leaders and Supportive Workers within religious organisations, or individuals working within environments that is affective by Gender Based Violence and Trauma.