AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROCESS

The way in which we function in everyday life is, to a large extent, dependent on the quality of our relationships, be they family, social, business or community.

The relationship that we have with ourselves creates the depth and quality of our interaction with others. Learning to accept, care for and develop that which lies within us, results in continually improving communication with others. Enabling this process of self awareness and learning, in order to empower our human potential, is the goal of the LifeLine/Childline Personal Growth course.

THE TRAINING
The course consists of nine three-hour sessions held over 9 weeks.

Central Cape Town: One morning and two evening courses
Bishop Lavis: One afternoon and one evening course
Khayelitsha: Two afternoon courses.

All courses are based on the principles of experiential learning and participants work in small groups, each one facilitated by a trained and experienced LifeLine/Childline counsellor. The course is designed so that the week between each session allows participants time to reflect on, and assimilate their learnings, and to internalise new behaviour should they so wish. Each session will comprise a variety of methodologies to provide optimum learning.

As each trainee has a unique contribution to make to the group, attendance at ALL sessions is essential.

THE TRAINERS
The Personal Growth course is presented by a team of LifeLine/Childline counsellors with experience in training, who are committed to empowering trainees with enhanced life skills. The course is regularly adapted to remain relevant to circumstances experienced in our rapidly changing society and is monitored by the Training Manager and the LifeLine/Childline Training sub-committee.

COURSE CONTENT
The Personal Growth course is designed to look at how we relate to others and ourselves. It offers opportunities for greater understanding.

Included in the topics covered are the following:

• Communication styles
• Life pressures & coping mechanisms
• Trust & self disclosure
• The sexual dimension of our lives
• The spiritual dimension of our lives
• Conflict handling
• Personal value systems
• Overcoming prejudice and discrimination
• Bereavement and loss
• Relationships – in all their forms
• Giving and receiving feedback

A LifeLine training manual will be issued to each trainee.
Attendance certificates will be issued on request.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Anyone who has a sincere desire to gain greater self insight and create better relationships with other people would benefit from this course. The personal growth programme is also invaluable to people in the caring professions, social science students and human resources staff.

It is a prerequisite for people who want to become counsellors for LifeLine/Childline.

It is not ideal for people who have just had a major life event to take part in these courses. This course is not group therapy. We feel that individuals should honour their own process before coming on this course. In this light, people who are in therapy should discuss their readiness with their therapist. For those who are doing the courses in order to become LifeLine counsellors, a reminder that in selection we would not consider someone who has lost someone significant in the past year or someone in addiction recovery who has not been clean for at least one year.