Description
Confronting Suicidal Ideation and High-Risk Behaviour has a particular focus on the human aspects of high-risk behavior seen from both the perspective of the client and the professional. This course addresses: research about suicidal ideation and high-risk behaviour, talking about suicide with clients and colleagues and suggestions for simple organizational shifts that could make for a more trauma-informed space for all.
Additionally, it will explore suicide progression and practical strategies for identifying where an individual is in the progression, what is most helpful for each stage, as well as the difference between a mental health crisis and a mental health emergency. Suicide attempts and commonly used interventions (such as premature involuntary hospitalization) as forms of trauma will be taken into consideration. CBT-informed and DBT-informed practical strategies shape the takeaways for participants.
Included in this training is guest speaker, Karyn Inder, Mental Health Advocate. She will speak about her lived experience within the mental health system.
Key Messages:
- Suicide and high-risk behavior are communicators of unmet needs.
- Anyone can support someone who is feeling suicidal or engaging in high-risk behaviours.
- Being trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and using active listening are essential in client care.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize elements that influence tendency toward self-destructive behaviour and thought patterns.
- Implement strategies for calmly discussing and addressing suicidal ideation and high-risk behaviour with clients and other people supporting those clients in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental way.
- Work collaboratively with clients to set up trauma-informed plans for meeting the needs that are at the root of suicidal ideation and high-risk behaviours.
- Utilize the material to consider how you can create plans for yourself to receive support needed when working with individuals who present with high-risk behaviour.
- Engage in self-exploration to better understand personal strengths and barriers to supporting clients.
Who Should Attend
This training is recommended for therapists and other front-line workers or supervisors who are interested in reflecting on their mindset toward suicidal ideation and high risk behavior as well as wanting to build their practical strategies for coping with high risk behavior.
Course Dates & Format
April 29 & 30, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET
This is a 4-hour training. This course consists of two 2-hour interactive virtual session using Zoom.
Instructor: Elizabeth Scarlett, RP, CFRC (Certified First Responder Counselor)
Elizabeth is a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Community Consultant. In over 15 years in the mental health field, she has honed her skills of working with individuals with complex needs in a wide range of settings. Elizabeth specializes in seeing individuals with extensive trauma histories, suicidal ideation, substance use, and burnout.
Her eclectic formal training includes many modalities such as: CBT, DBT, IFS and EMDR. She also pulls a great deal from narrative, strengths-based and brief solution focused approaches. Despite extensive training in evidence-based practices, Elizabeth’s clients and supervisees will tell you that she is not terribly “by the book” and approaches the work as more of an art than a science. Elizabeth values professionalism, but not at the expense of authenticity.
She is known for her casual, frank and engaging therapeutic and workshop style. She looks for opportunities to bring humor and humanity to even the most intensive topics.
Training Fee
Member Fee: $155.00 + $20.15 (HST) = $175.15
Non-Member Fee: $180.00 + $23.40 (HST) = $203.40
Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.
Continuing Education Information
Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.
In-Service
This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.
