Experience a transformative journey that will elevate your trauma-informed care practice. Designed for both aspiring trauma coaches and mental health therapists, this immersive 7-day retreat blends expert-led education with the richness of South African culture and history. Hosted by The Orenda Project, KALOS by Integrative Trauma Treatment Center, mHub, and Global Engagement Institute (GEI), you will gain invaluable skills, forge global connections, and contribute to sustainable mental health solutions in South Africa.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu, a South African philosophy meaning "I am because we are," emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people. At the heart of our retreat is this philosophy of unity and healing, which we believe is vital to addressing trauma and fostering recovery in both individuals and communities.
Echoes of Ubuntu is an opportunity to learn from trauma and education professionals and to immerse yourself in the culture and mental health challenges of South Africa. This program is ideal for both mental health clinicians and those interested in becoming certified trauma coaches.
Program Highlights:
- Expert-Led Training: Learn from leading trauma and education experts—Athena Phillips, LCSW, Catherine Sims, LPC, Libby DeFehr, M.Ed, Yumna Adams, Registered Social Worker, and Keratiloe Mtonori, Registered Social Worker.
- Multicultural Competency: Experience hands-on training in trauma-informed care within a global context, enhancing your ability to work with diverse populations.
- Interactive Learning: Participate in workshops that combine theory with practical, skill-based coaching and therapeutic techniques.
- Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships with both local South African professionals and international participants.
Who Should Attend?
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For Therapists:
Deepen your understanding of trauma and its effects while learning how trauma coaching can complement therapy. Discover new ways to integrate coaching principles into your practice, and collaborate with trauma coaches to enhance client care. Earn Continuing Education (CE) credits in ethics and multicultural competencies! -
For Aspiring Trauma Coaches:
Develop the skills needed to become a trauma coach and provide clients with support in self-awareness, behavior change, and trauma recovery. Learn how trauma coaching bridges the gap between coaching and mental health care, helping you make a profound impact in your work.
Why Is This Retreat Unique?
In addition to advancing your professional skills, Echoes of Ubuntu is an intercultural exchange. You'll learn about trauma from both a global and local perspective, allowing you to apply new insights in your home practice. South African professionals will share their knowledge, offering fresh ways of thinking about trauma and healing that you can bring to your work.
Training Objectives
Participants in Echoes of Ubuntu will walk away with:
- A deep understanding of trauma and its effects on the mind, body, and emotions.
- The ability to apply trauma-informed care and coaching techniques in diverse, multicultural environments.
- Skills in emotion regulation and trauma recovery, empowering clients to regain control over their lives.
- Ethical knowledge related to trauma coaching and how it complements traditional mental health therapy.
- Training in self-reflection, growth mindset, and strength-based work to foster personal and professional development.
Why South Africa?
Cape Town is not just a stunning travel destination—it’s a place where you can witness the complex and inspiring process of national healing. South Africa, with its history of trauma and resilience, provides a unique setting to deepen your trauma-informed care skills and apply them in real-world situations.
A History of Healing
South Africa’s story of emerging from its apartheid era into a democratic society is one of resilience and hope. As a developed and developing country in many ways, it offers the perfect backdrop for learning how to address trauma in diverse and multicultural settings.
At the conclusion of our work in Rwanda, we were invited by Cape Town's Trauma Centre and mHub to help address the growing demand for trauma care.
Our hands-on training focuses on cultural competency, task-sharing, and trauma coaching, empowering local clinicians, social workers, and coaches to lead and sustain trauma care efforts. By co-leading a train-the-trainer program, we ensure lasting, scalable mental health solutions driven by South Africans for South Africans.
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What You’ll Gain
- Expert-Led Training: Understand the complex effects of trauma on mental, emotional, and physical health.
- Coaching Techniques: Learn practical, trauma-informed coaching skills to support clients in their recovery journeys.
- Multicultural Perspectives: Gain insight into South Africa’s mental health landscape and learn from local experts.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich history and vibrant culture, while contributing to sustainable trauma care solutions.
- Networking: Build global connections with fellow mental health professionals and trauma coaches, creating long-lasting professional relationships.
- CE Credits: Earn 32 Continuing Education credits that enhance your career and practice.
- Access to digital resources including worksheets, video lessons, and exercises.
- Access to online communities focused on trauma.
- Certification: Receive a Trauma Coach Certificate of Completion, with the option to pursue Orenda Trauma Coaching Certification.
I am Interested!
Would you like to learn more? Let us know.
Pricing:
- Main Program: US $5,264 (based on shared occupancy)
- Optional Single Occupancy Supplement: an additional $350
- Pre/Post Program Extension Fees: COMING SOON
- $500 deposit at time of booking
- KALOS Members receive $225 off this retreat.
- Full payment due 30 days before the start of the program
- Flexible payment plans available through KALOS
What's Included:
- 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and WIFI, airport transfers, and in-country transportation.
- Meals provided: 7 lunches and 3 dinners.
- CE Credits: Earn 32 Continuing Education credits that enhance your career and practice.
- Access to digital resources including worksheets, video lessons, and exercises.
- Access to online communities focused on trauma.
Exclusive Add-Ons:
- Extended Travel:
- Johannesburg & Kruger National Park: Explore South Africa’s famous wildlife and vibrant city life.
- Victoria Falls: Witness one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
- Restorative Day:
- A day of restorative practices and clinician-focused Internal Family Systems (IFS) to rejuvenate and nurture your mental well-being.
Program Schedule
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
- Welcome dinner and orientation
- Introduction to the Ubuntu philosophy and trauma-informed care in South Africa
Day 2-6: Intensive Workshops
- Daily workshops led by expert trainers
- Interactive sessions on trauma’s impact, coaching techniques, and ethical practices
- Conversations with local South African mental health providers.
- Cultural immersion activities, including visits to local trauma centers and historical landmarks
Day 7: Reflections and Closing
- Final group reflection on key learnings
- Certification ceremony
- Farewell dinner and celebration
Orenda: Trauma Coaching Curriculum
The Orenda Project is a trauma coaching curriclum presented by KALOS. It offers globally accessible trauma coaching certification and online communities designed to equip professionals with the skills to support trauma survivors. The Trauma Coach Certification, is built on decades of experience and provide specialized knowledge in trauma and dissociative disorders. Orenda emphasizes collaboration, skill-building, and supporting individuals to break cycles of trauma for lasting change. Our trauma coaching curriculum is backed and certified by The International Association of Coaches, Therapists & Mentors (IACTM). Orenda has completed previous retreats in Rwanda and Italy.
The Presenters:
Yumna Adams: Registered social worker at South African Council for Social Services Professionals & Workplace Wellness Manager at the Trauma Centre
Libby DeFehr, M.Ed: Former teacher, CEO of Integrative Trauma Treatment Center, co -founder KALOS Education Platform
Keratiloe Mtonori: Registered social worker at South African Council for Social Services Professionals & Workplace Wellness Social Worker Manager at the Trauma Centre
Catherine Sims: Lincensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director of Integrative Trauma Treatment Center. Former teacher at Northerwestern University.
Athena Phillips: Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder of Integrative Trauma Treatment Center.
Previous Work:
Rwanda, Feburary 2023
Our Partners:
Orenda Project: A Trauma Coaching Curriculum
KALOS: A Mental Health Continuing Education & Community Platform
Integrative Trauma Treatment Center: Outpatient mental health agency located in Portland, OR that focuses on trauma processing
The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture: A non governmental human rights organisation that utilises inclusive evidence based healing processes to address the psychosocial needs of a multiple wounded society.
mHub: A global mental health organization that helps people achieve mental and emotional wellbeing.
GEI, Global Engagement Institute: GEI is a private institute that provides international students and professionals with transformative education and engagement programs in Africa and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need to be a certified coach or therapist to attend? No! Whether you're already a licensed professional or just beginning your journey, this retreat is designed to meet you where you are.
- Who can attend the retreat? The retreat is open to mental health therapists, aspiring trauma coaches, and any professionals interested in trauma-informed care.
- Is it safe to travel in the areas where your training is hosted Yes! Our logistics partner (Global Engagement Institute) is an expert in providing support in the areas where we travel. Additionally, our locations are carefully chosen in effort to address needs of those who reside in the countries that host our retreats while simultaneously providing you with a rich and robust learning experience.
- Is my deposit refundable? No. Your deposit is not refundable. However, should you not be able to join a program, deposits can be stored for one year and used for another ITTC program. Please contact us immediately if you need to cancel your participation.
- How do I get to Cape Town? Participants are responsible for booking their own travel to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). We recommend arriving the day before the retreat starts. Transportation from the airport to the retreat location will be provided.
- What is the accommodation like? You’ll stay in comfortable, shared accommodations in Cape Town. Private room options may be available for an additional fee—please contact us for more information.
- Is financial aid or payment plans available? We offer flexible payment plans to make the retreat accessible. Please contact our team to discuss payment options. [email protected]
- What is the cancellation policy? Cancellations made up to 60 days before the retreat will receive a full refund, minus a processing fee. Cancellations made within 60 days of the retreat may be eligible for a partial refund. Please contact us for more details.
- Will I receive certification at the end of the retreat? Yes, participants will receive a Trauma Coach Certificate of Completion upon finishing the retreat. You will also have the opportunity to pursue additional coursework to earn Orenda Trauma Coaching Certification.
- Can I bring a guest or family member? Guests are welcome to join you in Cape Town, but they will not be able to attend retreat workshops or activities unless registered. Please contact us to discuss guest accommodation and travel arrangements.
- Can I extend my stay in South Africa? Yes! We offer optional add-on travel experiences pre and post retreat, including visits to Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls.
- What is NOT included in the program fees? Not included are the transportation to/from the program location airport (including international airfare and taxes), visas, travel, and medical insurance, immunizations, some few meals, extra beverages and alcoholic drinks at restaurants, potential COVID-19 requirements (such as RT PCR tests, self-isolation, etc) and personal expenses and other extras.
- I signed up as a KALOS member to get the discount, when can I cancel my membership? Thank you for signing up as a KALOS member! We hope you'll find the resources and community valuable. To qualify for the discount on the retreats, you'll need to keep your membership active for a minimum of 6 months. Of course, we hope you stay longer and continue to benefit from everything KALOS has to offer, but if you decide to cancel after the 6-month period, you can do so without any issues.