Build the confidence to support someone in distress.

Learn how to support someone in distress with clarity, structure, and care.

About the Course

The Accidental Counsellor course equips participants with the essential skills and structure to:

RECOGNISE

Identify when a person is in distress or experiencing a crisis.

RESPOND

Use compassionate, effective communication skills to support the person safely.

REFER

Guide the person toward appropriate professional or community services.

Who is this workshop for

Have you ever found yourself supporting a customer, client, friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger who is distressed — and weren’t sure what to say?

This workshop provides practical tools to help you feel confident and prepared during those moments.

What you will learn

Participants will learn to:

Recognise signs of distress and crisis
Ask directly about thoughts of suicide
Respond safely and appropriately, no matter the answer
Understand the role and limits of an “Accidental Counsellor”
Apply self‑care strategies to protect their own wellbeing

Course Format

Accidental Counsellor Workshop (Online)

🕒 4.5‑hour live videoconferencing session
👥 No prior experience needed
🔞 Suitable for ages 16+

Questions?

Use the “Contact host” button on this page and the Lifeline Central West training team will respond as soon as possible.

Contact the host of Accidental Counsellor - Virtual