Accidental Counsellor Training – Learning How to Support Someone in Distress

What is an Accidental Counsellor?

Most people, at some point, will find themselves supporting someone experiencing emotional distress or a difficult life situation. It may be a colleague, employee, customer, volunteer, friend, family member, or community member who is going through a difficult time.

Accidental Counsellor training uses the 3Rs Framework—Recognise, Respond, Refer. This practical framework helps participants recognise signs of distress, respond through supportive conversations, and recognise when additional support may be needed, building confidence to encourage help-seeking and connect people with appropriate services and resources.

Participants leave feeling better equipped

Using Lifeline’s Recognise, Respond and Refer framework, our training will equip you with the skills to notice when someone may be struggling, respond with compassion, and guide them towards the help they need. It’s designed to help you feel capable, calm and prepared for real-life conversations.

We offer training programs for workplaces and community members seeking the skills to support their family, friends, colleagues, or broader community.

Contact the host of Free Lifeline Accidental Counsellor Training