Ever had to step into the shoes of The Accidental Counsellor?

If you are a school or community service staff, or anyone who often finds themselves in a counselling role by accident due to the nature of your work or the role that you are in, then this course is for you.

The Accidental Counsellor Foundations Workshop will provide you with necessary skills and tools to be able to step into the shoes of an accidental counsellor momentarily, respond appropriately, efficiently and effectively to people in crisis or distress when there may not be a professional immediately available.

In community services work, we may often be the first point of contact for someone in crisis needing immediate assistance. Even without a formal qualification in counselling, a toolbox of counselling techniques and questioning frameworks provides the necessary support to clients when they are anxious, angry, experiencing loss or in a challenging time in their life.

Participants gain a greater understanding of how to communicate more effectively and learn strategies to help foster effective and trusting relationships with clients or peers. In this workshop, we ask participants to reflect on personal values and beliefs and how they influence interactions with clients. How you respond will create an impact on the person in need of support or assistance and often determine the outcome of your interactions. The workshop is flexible and interactive, encouraging participants to ask questions, share their experiences, practise skills and engage in self-reflection.

1 Day Condensed Workshop

• Module 1 The Accidental Counsellor
• Module 2 Barriers to listening
• Module 3 Values and beliefs
• Module 4 Understanding conflict
• Module 5 Dealing with behaviours of concern
• Module 6 Professional boundaries & self-care

Proceeds from Lifeline North Coast training help fund the vital work that we do through our Telephone Crisis Support Line 13 11 14, supporting help seekers and saving lives.