Emotional Resilience

This five-day programme equips participants with practical skills to build mental resilience by developing emotional awareness, understanding trauma, and learning how to manage emotional distress effectively. Through principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), participants gain tools in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, enabling them to respond to challenges more intentionally and maintain healthier relationships. By the end of the programme, individuals can better understand their emotions and trauma responses, apply coping strategies in real-life situations, and create a personalised toolkit to support ongoing emotional well-being and resilience.

Topics:
Key topics covered will be:

• Mental resilience and core DBT principles
• Emotional awareness and understanding emotions
• Understanding trauma and trauma responses
• Mindfulness skills
• Distress tolerance skills
• Emotional regulation
• Interpersonal effectiveness and communication skills
• Boundaries and healthy relationships
• Coping strategies and self-care practices
• Development of a personal coping toolkit

Topics like Polyvagal Theory, Window of Tolerance, Intergenerational Trauma, Allostatic Load, Trauma Bonding, Vicarious Trauma and Body Memory will also be covered in discussions.

Process: The programme will begin on the first day at Phahama Lodge, offering an immersive experience focused on introductions and self-exploration. From Tuesday, sessions will take place at the Town Lodge, continuing the learning journey. On Friday, the programme will conclude at Camp Extrem Life, where participants will explore risk in various contexts.

Who is this course for:
Adventure guides, experiential learning facilitators, teachers, parents, nurses or anyone concerned about their client’s or family’s emotional well-being.

For more information, please email hello@adventureinstatute.co.za

Venue: Town Lodge, Menlo Park
Accommodation not included.
Catering included.

Presented by: Matthew Steele and Dr. Pieter Snyman