Building Resilience
Assessment to Action
A Workshop for Social Workers
Who is it for?
This workshop is designed for social workers and social auxiliary workers.
In this workshop you will unpack the term “resilience” and explore the essential skills that children need to navigate the challenges in their world successfully. Whether you are working directly with children and young people, or supporting parents and caregivers, your intervention or care plan will include aspects of building resilience, because it is a foundation needed for clients to achieve their developmental outcomes.
Overview of the Workshop Content
The workshop starts by introducing the participants to the concept of resilience and what is considered to be its building blocks.
The role of the caregiver and caregiver relationships receive particular attention and myths about resilience are debunked. A brief overview of the Birth to 20 Plus study provides a South African context for adversity and trauma and the relevance of proactively strengthening resilience in children. The neurobiology of resilience and the importance of secure attachments in children are also explored.The contents for this workshop is based on the book “Building Resilience in Children” by Werner van der Westhuizen.
As the workshop proceeds, the focus is deepened and specific skills for fostering resilience are covered, including strategies for teaching children affect regulation, effective social skills and cognitive skills such as problem solving and decision making. Finally, participants are invited to explore how resilience can be strengthening in two contexts, namely the home environment and at school. This includes a brief exploration of the importance of planned environments, and how caregivers can partner with teachers to collaborate on building resilience in children.
Finally, the focus shifts to the effectiveness of the professional and themes of self-care are explored in relation to the resilience of the professional (or caregiver) and how adult attachment styles may influence interventions with children. Ethics are explored in more detail, with an emphasis on cultural relevance and sensitivity and the role that power dynamics may play in the development of resilience, especially in school contexts. Finally, the workshop is concluded, and participants are invited to complete an assignment (at their own pace) to finalise their participation in the workshop.
Logistics and Investment
Format: Online (Zoom)
Duration: 3 half-days (9h00 – 12h00)
Next Dates:
- Monday, 20 July 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Tuesday, 21 July 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Wednesday, 22 July 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
CPD Points: 7.5 Points (SACSSP)
Workshop Includes: Workshop Notes, CPD Certificate
Investment: R700
Technical Requirements:
The workshop is facilitated fully online via Zoom. Participants are required to remain on camera for the full duration of each session and should ensure that their equipment and internet connection is suitable for this kind of interaction. Attendance with a phone or tablet isnot recommended – it is recommended to use a PC or laptop since some of the screens that will be shared may include text or diagrams that would be too small to read on a cellphone screen. It is recommended that each participant should attend from a suitable physical space (for example, not while travelling or while sharing office space with others). The use of headphones is recommended – alternatively participants should be in a space not shared with others. It is not ideal for participants to share a device, since it will limit their interaction and participation.
Your Facilitator
Werner is a Clinical Social Worker registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). He offers counselling, consulting and training – with a focus on meaningful, evidence-informed therapeutic work delivered entirely online.
His approach is relational and strengths-based – meeting clients where they are, and helping them build the insight and resources to move forward. His interest in Spiral Dynamics started when he trained as a Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming, an impactful approach to coaching in which Spiral Dynamics is often used.
Werner holds master’s degrees in both Psychology and Clinical Social Work, is registered as a Clinical Social Worker with SACSSP and SAASWIPP, and trained in EMDR, NLP and Hypnotherapy.
He brings over 30 years of practice experience to his engagement with clients, and has authored numerous articles, book chapters, and published a book on Building Resilience in Children.
Workshop Terms & Conditions
Please review the Workshop Terms and Conditions: