Supporting someone through a difficult moment can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what to say or do. More and more, people are finding themselves in the role of an “accidental counsellor” at work, at home, or in their community.
That’s why mental health training has become an essential skill set for everyday Australians.
Lifeline’s Accidental Counsellor Foundations Online Workshop is designed to give you practical tools, knowledge and confidence to respond when someone is in distress.
Why does mental health training matter?
Mental health challenges can arise at any time, and often the first person someone turns to is not a professional. It may be a colleague, a friend, or a family member.
Without the right skills, these situations can feel confronting. With the right training, however, you can learn to:
- Recognise when someone may be experiencing distress or crisis
- Respond in a calm, supportive and appropriate way
- Help guide someone towards professional support
- Feel more confident in difficult conversations
Accessing mental health training makes it easier than ever to gain these skills, no matter where you are based.
What will you learn in an accidental counsellor workshop?
Lifeline’s online workshop focuses on practical, real-world techniques that you can apply immediately.
Through this workshop, you will learn how to:
- Identify signs of emotional distress and crisis
- Communicate with empathy and active listening
- Respond appropriately in the moment
- Maintain your own emotional wellbeing while supporting others
The course is delivered by experienced facilitators in a supportive virtual environment, making it accessible and engaging.
Flexible Online Learning with Lifeline
One of the key benefits of online training with Lifeline is flexibility. You can join from anywhere and select from multiple workshop dates to suit your schedule. Delivered across two half days, each session runs for 3 hours in the morning, making it easy to fit around your schedule.
Upcoming sessions include:
- 24 to 25 August
- 8 to 9 September
- 12 to 13 October
This format allows you to gain valuable skills without the need to travel, making it ideal for busy professionals, carers, and community members.
Looking after others starts with looking after yourself.
When you enrol in the Accidental Counsellor Foundations workshop, you will also receive complimentary enrolment to Lifeline’s All About You: wellbeing energiser session.
Valued at $235, this bonus session focuses on:
- Building resilience
- Managing stress
- Prioritising self-care
It ensures you leave not only with the skills to support others but also with tools to maintain your own well-being.
- Book in for an August session and you’ll automatically be enrolled (at no extra cost) into our All About You: wellbeing energiser on 28 August 9.30-12.30 AEST.
- Book in for a September session and you’ll automatically be enrolled (at no extra cost) into our All About You: wellbeing energiser on 18 September 9.30-12.30 AEST.
- Book in for an October session and you’ll automatically be enrolled (at no extra cost) into our All About You: wellbeing energiser on 16 October 9.30-12.30 AEST.
Who Is This Training For?
This workshop is ideal for:
- Workplace teams and leaders
- Teachers and educators
- Community and support workers
- Volunteers and carers
- Anyone who wants to feel more prepared to support others
You don’t need prior experience in counselling or mental health. This training is designed for everyday people who want to make a meaningful difference.