What is this about?

How does trauma get passed from one generation to the next—and what can we do to stop the cycle?

In this short, insightful course, we explore the concept of intergenerational trauma and its powerful impact on parenting, attachment, and child development. Designed for professionals working with families, Breaking the Cycle offers a clear and compassionate overview of how trauma shapes family patterns, behaviours, and relationships—and how healing can begin.

Through real-world examples and evidence-based insights, you'll gain practical tools to support families in building resilience, breaking harmful cycles, and creating safer, more nurturing environments for children.

Who is Arise?

Arise Family is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa. We believe that every child is created to be part of a thriving family. Our goal is to support families to thrive, however they are formed. In practice, this means we use strength-based and resilience building interventions as we work with children, parents and caregivers to strengthen and equip families so that they can be a place where children feel safe, loved, and find a sense of belonging. Breaking the Cycle helps equip others to help children do just that!
Arise Family has over 14 years’ experience in programme development, facilitation, family strengthening and adoption support. Our team consists of psychologists, social workers and play therapists; many of whom are adoptive parents. We bring our education, experience, and skills to provide evidence based and strength building resources to South Africa in ways that promote growth and resilience.

Instructors

Danielle Moosajie

Director of Arise

Danielle, known to us as Dani, is a social worker with a Masters in Social Policy and Management from UCT who has over 14 years experience working with children and families on the Cape Flats. She’s worked in corporate in the field of change management, lectured and been involved in community projects. Dani is a wife to Randall, a mom of three and survives on caffeine and chocolate. Her happy place is enjoying Cape Town’s nature while eating good food and her passion is making sure that every child knows that they are loved by God and challenging South Africans to connect with each other outside their comfort zone.

Course curriculum

    1. Intergenerational Trauma

About this course

  • Free
  • 1 lesson
  • 0.5 hours of video content

By completing this course, you'll learn:

  • About the concept of intergenerational trauma and its impact on parenting practices and child development.

  • To recognize common patterns and behaviours that may signal unresolved trauma within families.

  • About foundational insights and approaches to begin supporting families in breaking harmful cycles and fostering resilience.

FAQ

The questions people ask before saying “Yes!” to this course

  • What's the time investment for doing the course?

    The single video can be viewed in just under 30 minutes. You can watch it all in one sitting or break it up into times convenient to you. You can access the talk repeatedly and whenever suits you.

  • What's the time investment for the activities?

    There are no self-study worksheets or activities for this talk. Just practical steps to help you in practice.

  • Can I learn at my own pace?

    Yes, the course is designed for you to go through it as fast or as slow as you would like. Just log in and pick up where you left off, repeat parts you’ve already watched or watch the entire video in one sitting. The choice is yours.

  • How long will I be able to access this course?

    You will be able to log in and access the talk for the lifetime of the course at Arise Family. There is no expiration date for your access, and you can return and re-do the course as often as you need to. In the future event of Arise Family ever retiring the course, you will be given appropriate notice and time to complete any outstanding lessons.

  • Is this course accredited?

    While all our facilitators are accredited professionals with their various professional governing bodies, the talk is not specifically accredited. The talk is designed to provide you with introductory information that is relevant and up to date.

  • Will anyone be able to access information about me?

    All your details and information collected by Arise Family are kept confidential and records are maintained as governed by the POPI Act. Our privacy policy can be accessed on our site. If you are completing this course as part of your preparation and counselling with an accredited adoption agency and were provided a code by them to access the course, please know that your adoption social work team will be able to access details regarding your progress in the course and completion dates.

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