Running a support group is in itself an extremely challenging task. Perhaps most challenging is having the necessary skills to help other members of your support group effectively with the emotional consequences of their conditions or of those of their loved ones. In recognition of this, GA-SA runs a Basic Counselling Skills for Support Groups Workshop which aims to teach support group leaders the necessary skills to assist members most effectively. The workshop has been designed so that participants will come away feeling empowered and confident and able to support other members (parents, families and caregivers) in their groups.

The main aim of the workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to facilitate support groups with empathy and to optimise the support that can be given to parents and individuals in need.

In order to achieve this aim, the following objectives are addressed through participation in the workshop:

• To develop an appropriate helping attitude
• To strengthen basic communication skills
• To demonstrate empathy
• To develop ways of focusing on and clarifying problems
• To develop an understanding of the process of grief and mourning
• To understand the ethical principles underpinning the helping role
• To ensure appropriate care of the caretaker

The workshop is run over four days (usually two weekends in a row) as an interactive series of exercises, discussions, role plays and other experiential training in order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives.

For more information or to book a workshop, please contact admin@geneticalliance.org.za