The efficacy of teaching communication skills for breaking bad news in graduate-level counseling programs was examined. A structured model, PEWTER (Prepare, Evaluate, Warning, Telling, Emotional Response, Regrouping; Keefe-Cooperman and Nardi 2004), provides a method for this difficult task. Prior to training in using the model, students reported not feeling adequately trained or comfortable giving bad news. The PEWTER training undertaken was significantly related to students' increased feelings of preparedness and comfort. Breaking bad news is a universal experience across cultures and the structured protocol seems to offer value in helping counselors in training be better prepared for such a challenging task.