Safety First: Counseling Through Difficult Situations

Instructor: Siddeequah “Sid” Alvarado

Clients engage housing counselors when they need guidance. Housing counselors often serve as the first line of defense when individuals and families are facing housing and financial challenges. When working with a housing counselor, the information discussed during a session, such as losing a home or not being eligible for financial benefits, can be upsetting and trigger a range of unpleasant emotions from the client. In these instances, it can cause the counselor to feel unsafe. During this webinar, we will discuss strategies counselors can use before and during a counseling session to help ensure physical safety and emotional well-being.

During this webinar we will discuss:

• Best practices for ensuring a safe meeting space
• Understanding the types of emotions
• Helpful phrases to use during difficult conversations
• Tips on de escalating a hostile situation