Providing Emotional Support

Duration: 1 Day
Time: 8:30am-4:00pm

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in Crisis Situations

Supporting others isn’t about fixing problems - it’s about being present and understanding

Crisis can strike at any moment, affecting employees, teams, and the entire workplace culture. Whether it’s a sudden loss, a traumatic event, or ongoing stress, people naturally turn to their colleagues and leaders for support. The way an organisation responds in these moments defines whether it is seen as a safe and supportive environment or a place where employees feel isolated and unheard.

Providing effective emotional support is not just about individual well-being -- it also strengthens trust, fosters a sense of belonging, and enhances overall resilience in the workplace. This course equips participants with the skills to offer meaningful support when it matters most. By learning to listen with empathy, respect emotions without judgment, and provide reassurance without overstepping boundaries, employees and leaders can create a culture of care that promotes both individual and organisational strength.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• All employees who interact with colleagues in challenging situations
• Team leaders and managers who want to foster a supportive work culture
• Customer-facing staff who engage with distressed individuals
• Anyone seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence and peer support skills

HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT

• Recognise and understand the emotional impact of crisis situations
• Provide effective emotional support without overstepping boundaries
• Strengthen workplace relationships by fostering empathy and trust
• Develop active listening and communication skills that enhance peer support
• Manage their own emotional well-being while supporting others

WHAT WILL BE COVERED

Understanding crisis and emotional responses

• What defines a crisis? From sudden trauma to prolonged stress
• Common emotional and psychological reactions to distressing events
• Why emotional support matters: the impact of peer support in recovery

Building self-awareness and managing your own emotions

• Recognising your own emotional responses when supporting others
• The balance between empathy and emotional boundaries
• Practical vs. emotional needs: understanding what people truly need
• Managing your own stress while providing support

Emotional support techniques

• The power of active listening: making people feel truly heard
• Demonstrating empathy without diminishing someone’s experience
• Helping without fixing: guiding individuals towards their own solutions
• Dos and don’ts of emotional support - what to say and what to avoid

Empowering others and recognising when to refer

• Helping individuals regain a sense of control and decision-making power
• Identifying when someone needs professional support beyond peer assistance

Respecting confidentiality and communicating with sensitivity

• The importance of privacy in emotional support conversations
• Handling sensitive information with care

Looking after yourself as a supporter

• Caring for yourself while caring for others