The Accidental Counsellor

What you'll learn

Learn counselling and communication skills with our counselling and mental health short courses in Sydney!

In life, we all experience moments when someone turns to us in distress — a colleague overwhelmed at work, a student struggling, or a friend facing a personal crisis. This practical and empowering course prepares you for those moments, equipping you with the confidence and skills to offer calm, compassionate, and constructive support.

This course is accredited by Suicide Prevention Australia. 

Unlike Mental Health First Aid or Understanding Mental Health Conditions, which focus on recognising signs and referring to professionals, The Accidental Counsellor focuses on the immediate response — what to say, how to listen, and how to guide a person through strong emotions without taking on their burden.

Designed for educators, community workers, frontline staff, volunteers, and parents, this face-to-face workshop blends discussion, demonstration, and realistic scenarios. You’ll practise essential communication tools, learn to de-escalate tension, and explore boundaries that protect both you and the person you’re helping.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this accidental counselling course, you should be able to:

• Apply practical communication skills to support others in distress.
• Understand the informal counselling process and its role in everyday settings.
• Use effective strategies to manage situations involving people in crisis.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to aggressive, passive, and assertive behaviours.
• Identify when and how to refer someone for professional help.
• Gain an understanding of mental health, well-being, and mental illness.
• Develop self-care strategies to maintain personal resilience and sustainable support.

Course content

This accidental counselling course covers:

• Foundations of supportive and empathic communication.
• Stages of the informal counselling process.
• Techniques for de-escalating heightened emotions.
• Understanding behaviours and practising assertive responses.
• Referral pathways and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Mental health and wellbeing fundamentals.
• Self-care for sustainable and compassionate support.

Who should do this course?

This course is ideal for:

• Teachers, trainers, and educators who support students.
• Community workers, volunteers, and frontline staff in public-facing roles.
• Health, aged care, or disability support workers.
• HR professionals or managers who assist team members through difficult times.
• Parents or carers who want to strengthen their communication and support skills.

No previous counselling experience is required — just a willingness to learn and support others with empathy and respect.

Related courses

You might also like to enrol in our:

• Mental Health First Aid Course

• Understanding Mental Health Conditions Course

• Communication Skills Course