Accidental Counsellor PLUS - August 2025

Part 1: Thursday 07 August 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (AEST)

Part 2: Thursday 14 August 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (AEST)

Part 3: Thursday 21 August 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (AEST)

*Registration is for all three sessions

Speech Pathology Australia strongly supports the Australian Government’s recommendation for psychological and mental health first aid and training in distress identification and response for all frontline workers and those working in consumer-facing roles that are likely to encounter individuals at risk for mental health issues and suicide. As such, Speech Pathology Australia is providing partial subsidy to all members wishing to access to this program.

This course offers foundation training in how to support someone who might be struggling due to a personal crisis or having thoughts of suicide. It aims to provide a safe space for participants to reflect on and discuss some of the issues that can arise, and practice how best to respond to them, for the sake of everyone's wellbeing.

Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Recognise the common signs and behaviour changes when someone is experiencing emotional distress, and personal crisis including thoughts of suicide
Define and apply the 3Rs (recognise, respond and refer)
Engage and respond with empathy and without judgement
Refer someone to appropriate support, including professional help, resources and information
Define the importance of self-care

Who should attend

This workshop is open to all speech pathologists and speech pathology students.

Presenter

Penny Dillon - Lifeline Northern Beaches

Penny Dillon is a professional facilitator, presenter and trainer in the areas of mental health and wellness. She has a Master of Counselling and Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine. She delivers corporate wellbeing training and presentations around mental health, physical health, women's health, resilience, sleep, energy management and overall wellbeing.

As a counsellor, Penny supports clients through stress, anxiety, anger management, parenting challenges and mental wellness. As a clinical nutritionist she is passionate about using food and lifestyle to support mental and physical wellness. During her spare time Penny volunteers at Lifeline, rock climbs and paddleboards. She makes her home in Sydney, Australia with her foodie husband, three teenage boys and beloved dog.

Pricing

Members: $190
Non-practicing members: $126
Student Members: $95
Non-Members: $285

Additional information

Your registration is for all three sessions. If you do not attend the first session, you will be unable to attend session 2, and a transfer fee will apply if you choose to move to another group. At the request of Lifeline, please note that these sessions will NOT be recorded.

For further information, contact the Learning Hub.

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