Accidental Counsellor

Price $147.00

Accidental Counsellor

Sometimes when having a conversation, we find ourselves in a situation where we don’t know what to say or how to respond. Accidental Counselling will provide you with practical skills; whether you are talking to someone going through a difficult time, having relationship issues, not coping with life, or feeling helpless. This course will help you respond in a helpful and appropriate way. Particularly relevant for administration and front-line staff when faced with an upset, anxious or angry client.

You will learn how to help someone identify their strengths, that assist them to manage their problems better, and easier. You will learn how to reframe their thinking to give them a different perspective on something that previously painted a negative picture.

This is a 6.5-hour course, with engaging videos, audios, theories, and a 24-page workbook filled with practical information and self-paced exercises.

Book Accidental Counsellor Training

Learn the simple steps taught in Accidental Counsellor to effectively communicate, and help someone who may present as distraught, angry, aggressive, difficult or uncooperative.

Testimonials

What's included

You will receive a 24-page Accidental Counsellor workbook which includes some comprehensive counselling theories that is a handy reference tool for the future. The workbook also includes a full description of our suicide safety apps that are free to download to support someone in need, and an extensive list of helplines and websites.

What you need to know

  • The online self-paced course course consists of 8 lessons, and 46 topics.
  • The duration is approximately 6.5 hours (or less).
  • You have 60 days access from your enrolment date to complete the course, with an option for an extension.
  • An Accidental Counsellor certificate is issued upon completion.
  • The Accidental Counsellor workbook which is referred to throughout the course is downloadable and a hand future reference.

Workshop Curriculum

Introduction

  • What is counselling
  • What a counsellor isn’t
  • Our response to others
  • Why we feel the way we do
  • Strong emotions
  • Managing strong emotions
  • Don’t take things personally
  • If you can name it, you can tame it
  • Different communication styles
  • Assertive communication style
  • Listening
  • Basic listening skills
  • How do you help a grieving friend
  • How to be congruent and genuine
  • Empathy v’s Sympathy
  • Understanding the other person
  • Understanding Crisis
  • The message channel
  • Barriers to communication
  • Communication rules
  • Deciding to listen
  • Actively listening
  • The importance of silence
  • What is reflective listening
  • Reflecting feelings
  • Reflecting content
  • Responding to anger
  • Managing conflict
  • Working with Domestic Violence
  • Summarising skills
  • Reframing
  • Calming a telephone caller or somebody on the internet
  • What is stress
  • What is anxiety
  • What is wellbeing
  • Know the five signs
  • Suicide awareness
  • Healthy Boundaries
  • Co-dependency
  • Self-righting
  • Self-care
  • Mindfulness

Congratulations!

5 Star Reviews

The Accidental Counsellor course is the preferred choice of many with or without basic counselling skills. It will help fine tune your communication skills and give you a range of strategies and resources that you can access when helping others.

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Based on the latest edition of Miller and Rollnick’s book Motivational Interviewing, this course teaches a way of helping clients who are reluctant to make changes. It’s a effective way of having a conversation about change.

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Testimonials

Hear from workshop and suicide prevention training attendees.

big stars
Great training, learned a lot. Thank you so very much
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
Thank you to the facilitator for her energy and ability to speak to our cohort in an MI specific context.
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
Training is aligned to the coaching role. Lots of great take-aways and a new tool to add to my coaching toolkit.
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
It was all brilliant – especially the added information and shared discussions that relate to our role.
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
Highly applicable to our roles as carefinders. Mel is an engaging presenter – one of the best I have come across.
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
Thank you for a really great training day. I’ve learnt a lot that I hope to implement into my practice  
Motivational Interviewing
An evidence based therapy
big stars
Mel was amazing, I like how she opened the space for all of the social workers to answer. Liked being able to discuss topics in small groups, like when Mel…
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Mel was a delightful presenter. Good time management, clear PowerPoint. A good refresher of the skills we easily forget as busy clinicians
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
It’s tough to deliver this to a bunch of Social Workers, who are already doing this, but it was great. Thanks
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Slides and PowerPoints were excellent. I really enjoyed the training and this will help in my clinical practice for sure. Thanks
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Excellent and very important training. Excellent discussions today and multiple models/therapies I’ve taken note of to look into in more detail. I would highly recommend. Mel is a fantastic presenter.…
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
An informative and well prepared presentation with the right balance of participant engagement.
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Safe space to talk about important/challenging issues. Good balance of information and discussion and activities. Very knowledgeable, experienced and approachable presenter. Thanks
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Great information. Lots of self-support ideas that we will drive to implement into our group.
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Appreciate level of knowledge and skill practical ideas and selfcare strategies. Very useful. Thank you.  
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Very informative, a great presenter that was very knowledgeable and delivered training in an interactive and fun way.
Psychological First Aid
Providing appropriate support after a crisis
big stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the training facilitators, great presenters, very knowledgeable and engaging.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I enjoyed the training, it is very suited to practitioners that have people presenting in crisis without experience in suicide prevention.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Mel is a fantastic facilitator and made this training safe, engaging and informative. She is truly an asset and brings an incredible amount of knowledge and skills. I think she…
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you for an informative and productive day
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Training was so informative
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Was a wonderful experience. The app is cool.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Fantastic workshop, Made all efforts to make the virtual workshop as close to face to face as possible. Very informative and very open to discussion. Would recommend to anyone wanting…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I think this was such a great space to get comfortable with specifics around such a highly sensitive and sometimes triggering topic. Massive thank you to the trainers for holding…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
It was a great workshop.  Thank you for being so patient and thoughtful through the discussions and content.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Informative session that provided a safe and comfortable space to deal with a very difficult and sensitive topic. Thank you
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Felt this was a good introduction to the topic. Certainly busted a few myths which is very helpful. I feel a lot more equipped to have this kind of discussion…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
This was great! The trainer was knowledgeable and passionate, and I found the content incredibly valuable both professionally and personally. Thank you.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Really enjoyed the training today it has been very helpful
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Great information, simply and gently presented.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
An excellent program. Thank you!
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
After doing a 2-day suicide intervention training, I found CALM training more suitable for my role as a peer worker. Great to have a simple model to work from. Trainer…
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training was a great way to have a re-fresher about suicide and how to have a sensitive conversation.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The facilitator was amazing – very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. She made the training very engaging.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Great training, will be helpful in my practice. Thank you !
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Yvette was a lovely and kind presence. She made the content engaging and not feel “too heavy”, despite the topic.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you for conducting this course. It made a lot of sense and I took a lot away from it
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Very knowledgeable, good insights and tools provided which can be applied personally and professionally. Enjoyed the interactive exercises.
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you for the wonderful training. It has been very valuable and I’m looking forward to taking these skills into the workplace at DFV refuge and personal life
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training was great and very informative. It wasn’t only relevant to my professional role but also personal life.
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training was delivered in a really authentic manner and at a great pace. Thanks so much. Its given me a lot to reflect on. It is highly applicable to…
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Absolutely brilliant. Information was very informative and very great inclusively engaging training to keep us involved.
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Our facilitator was warm, engaging, compassionate and empowering. I learned so much in this workshop and highly recommend it.
F. Coleman
Heart Of Grief
big stars
Heart of Grief has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help those I work with to grieve well.
D. Handley
Heart Of Grief
big stars
A workshop on a topic rarely spoken about that affects us all, thank you.
C. Kemp
Heart Of Grief
big stars
Thank you for the honest and compassionate way with which you worked with us, such a powerful day.
S. Templar
Heart Of Grief
big stars
Everybody everywhere should do this program. We will all lose and grieve at some point, and this program provides us with the skills to help ourselves and others.
J. Beechman
Heart Of Grief
big stars
I think this was such a great space to get comfortable with specifics around such a highly sensitive and sometimes triggering topic. Massive thankyou to the trainers for holding that…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Fantastic workshop! Made all efforts to make the virtual workshop as close to face to face as possible. Very informative and very open to discussion. Would recommend to anyone wanting…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you, for a highly relevant and adapted workshop for myself and our team within our context and also for any ongoing supports and assistance following.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training helped to consolidate and enhance my existing knowledge & gave me the confidence to have conversations around what has typically been a taboo subject.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Was great to get some more insight on supporting someone going through a tough time and thinking of using suicide as an option.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
This was fantastically presented, very engaging, so important. I felt renewed with inspiration to keep supporting vulnerable/courageous persons.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Has given me a lot more tools to listen and assist callers (or people in my personal life) who are thinking about suicide and given me confidence to have better…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The trainer was very inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the participants. At all times I thought all participants and content were treated respectfully. It would be great for…
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Loved the group dynamics and how these were facilitated, learned so much about myself through completing this program.
Be Well Stay Well
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you, so empowering and uplifting knowing I can flourish, and that self-care isn’t selfish, it is vital.
Be Well Stay Well
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
This course was great and gave me not only an understanding of why I struggle sometimes, but a lot of strategies around how to improve my wellbeing.
Be Well Stay Well
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I feel more confident about having the conversation about suicide and using the App to assist a person to develop a safety plan.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training is well paced and flows in a meaningful way.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Visuals such as video clips were a useful learning. It was a very worthwhile course
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I have learnt a lot such as identify the warning signs of suicide, understand risk and protective factors, and develop skills and strategies to intervene and support someone.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Love the resources provided, the app to remember and the statement prompts to support practicing the calm model.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The training was excellent in reviewing previous experiences and how to normalize taking about suicide and having those conversations.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
It was fantastic training, I definitely learnt new skills that I will utilize in my practice.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you, I really appreciate the simplicity of understanding this model, the tools and ability to apply it.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Fantastic training. Looking forward to implementing the CALM model.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The Training was great and very interactive.
CALM Suicide Intervention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you. A fantastic course that will brilliantly facilitated
A.Whiteman
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Yvette was an incredible facilitator and I thoroughly enjoyed the training.
Anonymous
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Thank you for great learning opportunity.
Anonymous
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
To be completed in 1 day | Yvette was great and training was interactive
Sandra
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Thank you. A fantastic course that will brilliantly facilitated
A.Whiteman
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Melanie is fantastic and has very interesting and engaging stories. Would happily participate in anything she presented.
S.Bettiens
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Melanie is amazing. This is now my third training session with her (MI Foundation, MI Advance, Calm Suicide training). Her presentation of material, use of her own practice strategies and…
Grace
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Thank you, the training was fun, comprehensive and so worthwhile. I will be using MI in my practice with confidence.. Amazing trainer
J.Keats
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
Thank you, the training was fun, comprehensive and so worthwhile. I will be using MI in my practice with confidence.. Amazing trainer
J.Keats
Motivational Interviewing
big stars
well written, well organised and delivered, clear, logical and easy to understand. thank you
Julie Long
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
This is a wonderful course to start with to help understand suicide. Well presented and easy to follow. I look forward to doing more courses.
Roslyn Dawson
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
This course is a great introduction to the CALM philosophy. It’s quick and simple, yet still delivers a meaningful punch in terms of the learnings and outcomes.
Brett Lyndon
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
A great practical introductory course to deal with a challenging situation, which gave me confidence to help
Helen Winter
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
As a psychologist I found this course to be informative and would recommend that everyone should undertake it.
Karina Wegner
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
An excellent course for those wanting to know how to help someone with suicidal thoughts. It was informative and easy to complete.
Greg Carr
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
Good to have the book downloaded, nice video examples, would like some advice on next steps forward for further learning / forums / communities on MI
Hwin Loy
Motivational Interviewing Online
big stars
Valuable. Discovering helpful simple things can really save someone’s life.
R. Small
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
I found this course extremely informative and very well planned out. The language used is simple and easy to understand. I have saved a copy of the booklet and will…
S. Ruthven
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
I found this course extremely informative and very well planned out. The language used is simple and easy to understand. I have saved a copy of the booklet and will…
B. Greenwald
Calm Suicide Safety online
big stars
A great introduction. A good introduction to important aspects of supporting others, while also caring for yourself. Some of the content is common sense, although it doesn’t hurt to be…
J. Reid
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Very helpful. This course was exactly what it stated it would be. It was simple and flexible and will be very helpful for my work going forward.
L. Jacobs
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Thank you. A great refresher of the fundamentals. I enjoyed the self paced learning
J. Perryman
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Easy and efficient online learning. I enjoyed having the opportunity to complete this course independently through online learning with my workplace. This was an efficient use of my time and…
K. O'Neill
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
I thought this was a great wee course. The only issue was the robotic odd voices on the videos but it was still easy to listen. I thought it was…
C. Macari
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Informative. Amazing course, good learning experience
Ramandeep
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
An excellent course.
C. Uchendu
Motivational Interviewing Online
big stars
Informative and useful. I can see that it will definitely effect my practice positively and will help me ask more effective questions and techniques that I learnt from this course.…
Ramandeep
Motivational Interviewing Online
big stars
Thank you :-). Well presented and informative. Thank you!
K. Southers
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Great information. This is my first experience with suicide training. I felt the course was informative, easy to understand and covered the issues very well.
D. Williams
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Thank you for this course. Really helpful, insightful and empowering. I highly recommend it for everyone.
A. Nihi
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Interesting, informative & well presented. Good balance of film clips, worksheets & reading material. Short film clips were good.
K. Reval
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
It is an excellent course, very informative and research-based. It raises awareness about the issue and provides skills and tools on the topic. I highly recommend it to everyone, not…
K. Figiel
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Thank you so much for this course. I found it so so helpful especially in the work I do as an Injury Management Adviser. I had a situation this week…
A. Cozyn
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Excellent course. Thank you for the course, it helped answer a lot of questions where I had gone wrong in the past and now I feel more equipped to help…
C. Calanna
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Extremely Informative. This course is extremely helpful and full of crucial information to assist us in feeling more confident and knowledgeable about what to do in certain situations, I highly…
N. Yusuf
Calm C-A-R-E Online
big stars
Excellent course. It was an excellent course. I even applied myself to many of the examples and knowledge. I would appreciate the elimination of swear words throughout the examples, and…
A. Gates
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Great introductory short course. Recommend for those who work in student wellbeing.
J. Bauman
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
I found the course to be interesting and also enough information for a beginner counsellor. It had everything you needed to know, this was a good refresher as I have…
M. Clarke
Accidental Counsellor Online
big stars
Mel and Sandi are dedicated, passionate and inspiring. I could not commend them highly enough and would like to thank them both sincerely. I have no doubt this program has…
Anonymous
CALM Trainer the Trainer program
big stars
The information and resources provided to me completing the CALM T4T training, equipped me to be able to deliver high quality, evidence based education to my community. The ongoing support…
Mission Australia
CALM Trainer the Trainer program
big stars
Thank you Mel & Sandy – great training. Really enjoyed your passion, enthusiasm, incredible knowledge and delivery styles and the way you worked together. Awesome
MHFA Trainer
CALM Trainer the Trainer program
big stars
CALM Train the Trainer equipped me with the confidence and skill to deliver the training.  Sandra and Melanie ensured that we had a thorough understanding of suicide and the purpose…
Richmond Fellowship Queensland
CALM Trainer the Trainer program
big stars
The instructor was organised and gave a thought provoking and insightful presentation. I enjoyed the activities and learning skills related to PFA
Psychological First Aid
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I thought the training was delivered in a way that was easy to understand. Loved the visual drawings and the trainers “shiny moments” Great training!
Psychological First Aid
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
The trainer was excellent – made it very interesting and gave lots of information and explained it very well.
Psychological First Aid
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Well prescribed content and lessons – helps boost confidence in presenting.
Lifelines Prevention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Lots of very comprehensive handouts, manuals and DVD’s etc. and a variety of forms of presentation.
Lifelines Prevention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Engaging presenter, highly skilled and knowledgeable, and preparation of all materials – all ready to go!
Lifelines Prevention
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
All school approach, concrete roleplays for students, simple steps for suicide intervention that can applied universally.
Lifeline Trilogy
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
It was well paced, confidently presented, superbly resources and a good size of participants.
Lifeline Trilogy
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I go back to college with a comprehensive plan. I’m optimistic that it will be well received and put into action. Thank you – it was excellent!
Lifeline Trilogy
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Excellent information and resources provided. Trainer was very easy to understand and friendly.
Cyberbullying
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Thank you for your candid, relational approach regarding the delivery of the anti cyber bullying content. I gained a great deal from your session. Thank you!
Cyberbullying
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Excellent training. I like the fact it is all ‘in the book’ – easy to deliver to schools as all info provided.
Cyberbullying
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Loved the session today. Very knowledgeable, and interesting. Awesome!
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
This has been the best training I have attended and recommend this to everyone.
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Even though I already have a Diploma in Counselling it gave me more information in such a way to explain and fill in the gaps. Very informative!
Accidental Counsellor
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Excellent presentation! Learned a lot about suicide and feel that I have more of an understanding of suicide.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Excellent! Looking forward to learning more about culture.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Great, informative, and easy to follow. Loved the training, I believe all should do this training.
Calm Yarn
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Amazing training course! Very concise and helpful. Well presented.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I’m so pleased I came along and thankful you have created this training. Love the app and the colourful graphics.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Great program! Lots of information this is helpful. Videos were great too. Lots of opportunity for comments, questions and discussion.
CALM C-A-R-E Suicide Awareness
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was the best quality course that I have attended on suicide intervention and would love to attend more CALM courses on this and other…
CALM Suicide Intervention Skills
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
This training has helped to improve my confidence discussing this topic. One of the best training sessions I’ve done in years. Thank you.
CALM Suicide Intervention Skills
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Amazing training model and delivery. Has helped me greatly to improve my confidence in my personal support to someone suicidal. I now have knowledge around an action plan.
CALM Suicide Intervention Skills
Calm Conversations Can Save Lives
big stars
Excellent presentation. Learned a lot about suicide and feel that I have more of an understanding of suicide.
Suicide Programs
Calm Conversation Can Save Lives
big stars
This has to be the best training I’ve attended and recommend this to everyone.
Suicide Programs
Calm Conversation Can Save Lives
big stars
It is an excellent course, very informative and research-based. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Suicide Programs
Calm Conversation Can Save Lives