Mastering Sustainable Change

Individuals seek counselling to obtain some sort of change. However, as counsellors, we may not always feel fully equipped to bring about and, more importantly, help clients maintain these changes. This often leads to frustration in both clients and counsellors and often to demotivated clients.

 “Mastering Sustainable Change” is a short training course designed for counsellors seeking to understand and implement lasting change in their clients’ lives. This course delves into the theories and models of change, explores resistance to change, and focuses on practical skills to help clients maintain change. Practical scenarios, group discussions and case studies will help you form a deeper understanding of concepts and how to implement these in your counselling sessions.

Participants will gain valuable insights and receive tools and worksheets to use with clients during sessions. Counsellors will be geared with theoretical and practical knowledge to guide clients through their journeys, ensuring changes are achieved and maintained over time.

Course Outline

• Change theories and models of change
• Factors affecting change
• The impact of change on individuals
• Exploring some popular theories of change
• Understanding and working with resistance to change
• Systems and cultural influences affecting the change process
• Practical exercises to reduce and address resistance
• Exploring change maintenance
• Understanding habits and the role of neuroplasticity in maintaining change
• Practical tools and exploring of helpful counselling methods to ensure sustainable change
• Termination as part of the counselling and change process

About the Presenter

Hi there! My name is Lesinda, and I am a Specialist Wellness Counsellor registered with the ASCHP (SWC24/6062). I completed my Honours Degree in Psychology and, thereafter, the Humanitas Counselling course. During the last year, I also completed a course on the Polyvagal Theory to be implemented in trauma counselling, a course on a Holistic Approach to Managing Depression, as well as a course on Deepened Counselling Skills. I was recently selected for my Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Pretoria and will begin my studies in 2025.

I have a small private practice in Pretoria where my focus is on working with adults exposed to life traumas and familial difficulties, especially divorce, addictions and challenging life adjustments and stressors. I have also worked at a Halfway House for individuals leaving rehabilitation centres and, currently still, at a children’s trauma centre where I am working with the parents of the traumatised children. During my working experiences, I encountered people from different walks of life and in various stages of wanting and needing to change their lives and behaviours. I realised that various change theories that apply to addictions can also be successfully used to bring about change in other circumstances. Having the necessary knowledge of change processes, theories, and approaches, as well as knowing how to support your client, are paramount in bringing about lasting change in clients.

Apart from learning more and becoming better skilled in the field of psychology, I also enjoy doing training and sharing experiences that can enhance the skills of those who have a similar passion for helping others. I look forward to meeting you in this short course!

“Mastering Sustainable Change” was curated as part of our new Humanitas Graduates’ initiatives programme that empowers our Counselling Course Graduates to become course developers.

Each course developed by our graduates undergoes a thorough review process to guarantee its excellence.

This initiative not only highlights our commitment to providing our graduates with valuable exposure and income-generating opportunities but also reinforces our dedication to delivering high-quality educational content.

We are proud to host Lesinda’s  “Mastering Sustainable Change” under the Humanitas banner!