Course overview
Accidental Counsellor is foundation training for people who may find themselves supporting someone experiencing emotional distress or a crisis. The course provides practical skills and a simple framework to help participants respond with compassion, confidence and care.
Why complete the training
Many people are called on to support others at work, at home or in the community. Accidental Counsellor training helps participants recognise when someone may be struggling, respond safely and know how to refer them to appropriate support.
These skills can help create safer, more supportive workplaces, services and communities.
How the training helps
Accidental Counsellor provides practical, trauma-informed skills participants can use in their work, volunteering or community roles.
Skills you’ll learn
Participants will learn how to:
- Recognise signs of emotional distress and personal crisis
- Identify changes in behaviour that may indicate someone is struggling
- Use the Recognise, Respond and Refer model
- Respond with empathy and without judgement
- Use active listening and supportive questioning
- Ask about suicide risk safely and directly
- Refer someone to professional help, resources and support services
- Understand the importance of self-care when supporting others
Please note: Accidental Counsellor training does not train participants to become counsellors.
Who should attend
Accidental Counsellor is suitable for anyone who may support people experiencing distress, crisis or emotional overwhelm.
It may be especially valuable for:
- Workplace, social and community leaders
- Frontline workers
- Customer-facing staff
- Parents and carers
- Service and health professionals
- New and emerging managers
- Volunteers
- Anyone working with people or teams
No previous counselling experience is required.
Course details
Duration & format
4-hour workshop with interactive, facilitator-led training.
Course options
Workshops can be adapted to suit workplace, community or group training needs.
Best suited for
Individuals, teams and organisations wanting practical skills to support people in distress or crisis.
Upcoming Workshops
Get in touch to explore training for you or your team.
Register your interest for upcoming workshop dates, or enquire about training for your team.
FAQs
What is accidental counsellor training?
Accidental Counsellor is practical training that helps people support someone experiencing emotional distress, personal crisis or thoughts of suicide.
Do I need counselling experience?
No. The course is designed for everyday people, workers, volunteers and leaders who may need to support someone in distress.
Will this course make me a counsellor?
No. Accidental Counsellor does not train you to become a counsellor. It provides basic skills to recognise distress, respond safely and refer someone to appropriate support.
What does recognise, respond and refer mean?
It means learning how to recognise signs of distress, respond with empathy and care, and refer the person to professional support or helpful resources.
Who should attend?
Anyone who supports people at work, at home or in the community can benefit. This may include frontline workers, customer-facing staff, managers, parents, carers, volunteers and community leaders.
How long is the training?
The workshop runs for 4 hours.
Is the training available online?
Yes. Accidental Counsellor training can be delivered by Zoom or face-to-face.
Can the training be tailored for our organisation?
Yes. Workshops can be adapted to suit your workplace, team or community training needs.
How do I register?
Register your interest using the form and we will contact you with dates for upcoming workshops.
Looking to train your team? Enquire via the form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs.