Accidental Counsellor: Responding to Refugee Trauma Related Behaviour (Jul)

There will be times when people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds talk about their past traumatic experiences of war and violence to workers and volunteers, or get angry or upset, or display other types of trauma reactions. This two-day workshop has been designed to give workers not trained as counsellors some basic tips and skills for recognising and dealing with difficult behaviours in the workplace. It is mostly practical and focuses on a series of case studies and role-plays to develop skills in dealing with trauma reactions.

Suitable for people working in a range of non-clinical settings such as casework, advocacy, teaching, youth work, welfare work and community development.

This course incorporates Core Concepts in Working with People from Refugee Backgrounds on day 1

18 April: Program Day 1 (Core Concepts)

• The refugee experience
• The impact of torture and other traumatic events
• The stressors of resettlement and cultural transition
• The stressors of seeking asylum in Australia
• Cultural competence
• Working within a recovery framework
• Vicarious trauma and self-care

19 April: Program Day 2

• What is an ‘accidental’ counsellor?
• Skills for managing trauma responses: case studies and role-plays
• Disclosure
• Sadness and depression
• Anger and aggression
• Dissociation
• Panic attacks
• Suicide threats

Participants can optionally skip day 1 however, it is assumed that participants will have attended an introductory workshop by STTARS such as 'Core Concepts in Working with People from Refugee Backgrounds' or equivalent before completing day 2.

Morning and afternoon tea provided.

BYO lunch, kitchen facilities available and shops nearby.

For further information

Telephone 8206 8900

Email [email protected]

Terms and conditions

Workshops have a limited number of participants. Registrations close 24 hours before the event. A receipt will be mailed to you once payment has been received. Registrations may be cancelled up to 7 working days prior to the day of the event with a full refund. Cancellations giving less than 7 working days notice will incur a 30% cancellation fee to cover administration costs. If a minimum number of participants is not reached, a workshop may be cancelled.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

STTARS, 81 Angas Street, Adelaide, Australia