Course Overview

The Community Counsellor Skills Training Programme is a comprehensive and practical training course designed to equip individuals with essential counselling skills to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma, bereavement, stress, and crises. This programme is particularly relevant given the increasing need for accessible mental health support in communities, workplaces, educational settings, and faith-based environments.

This training is aimed at individuals wishing to pursue careers in community-based counselling or enhance their professional skills. The course provides participants with the tools to support individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and other mental health concerns. It is also ideal for educators, chaplains, workplace counsellors, and community leaders who are committed to fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and mental health awareness in various environments.

By completing this programme, participants will be prepared to serve as qualified community counsellors who can positively impact the mental and emotional health of individuals in schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and other community settings. This investment in professional development not only strengthens the individual’s career but also contributes to the overall well-being of their communities.

Course Objectives

The primary goal of the Community Counsellor Skills Training Programme is to train participants to become skilled counsellors capable of providing structured, supportive, and compassionate mental health and crisis intervention services. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Support individuals in managing mental health issues, trauma, bereavement, substance abuse, and stress.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support in a range of community and workplace settings.
• Facilitate counselling support groups and community healing sessions.
• Address specific challenges such as domestic and gender-based violence, workplace stress, and mental health crises.
• Implement structured counselling models that promote healing and resilience within communities, schools, and organizations.

This programme is an excellent investment for individuals seeking to grow professionally while making a positive impact on their communities’ mental and emotional well-being.

Course Content

The programme is divided into two main components: Knowledge and Application. These components are designed to provide both theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for effective community counselling.

1. Knowledge Component:

2. Application Component:

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Apply structured, effective counselling methods in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and community organizations.
• Offer targeted counselling and emotional support for individuals dealing with mental health issues, trauma, bereavement, and substance abuse.
• Facilitate group counselling sessions and support groups, fostering a sense of community and healing.
• Design and implement a supportive counselling model tailored to the unique needs of specific organizations or communities.
• Provide crisis intervention and assist individuals in overcoming difficult life circumstances.

Professional Registration

Upon completion of this programme, participants are eligible for registration with recognized professional body (recommended by WNL Network Training Academy) as Supportive Counsellors, enhancing their credibility and professional standing within the counselling field. This recognition will support career advancement and increase employability in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, faith-based environment, and corporate environments.

Who Should Attend?

This training is suitable for:

• Community Workers: Individuals wishing to support mental health and well-being in local communities.
• Educators and School Counsellors: Teachers, school counsellors, and administrators who wish to better support the emotional and mental health of students.
• Chaplains and Religious Leaders: Faith-based leaders seeking to offer counselling and support to their congregations.
• HR and Employee Wellness Specialists: Workplace counsellors and HR personnel who wish to foster a healthier work environment through emotional and mental health support.
• Social Workers and Healthcare Providers: Professionals who wish to expand their counselling skills to better support clients in need of mental health care.

Duration: 6 Months
Mode of Study: Online
Certification: Upon successful completion of the final Internal Summative Assessment, a Certificate of Completion will be issued.

Registration Requirements

To ensure that all participants meet the necessary requirements for the skill course, the following registration requirements must be submitted:

• Standard Registration (For applicants with Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification):

1. 1. Certified copy of ID or Passport
   2. Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or any NQF Level 4 certification
   3. Proof of payment (R 350 Application fee)

• Registration Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not have a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification may apply for admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Minimum of 5 years of formal counselling experience in a professional counselling facility.
   2. Letter of recommendation from the organization, detailing years of experience in counselling, current counselling skills, and an overview of the organization.
   3. Copy of ID or Passport
   4. Signed PoPI agreement
   5. Detailed CV that includes relevant work experience in counselling.
   6. Proof of payment for the RPL application fee (R 800).

Please note that RPL applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the applicant’s prior learning and experience align with the requirements of the course.