How to reduce suicide risk

How to reduce suicide risk – the practical steps you need to know

This inspiring, empathetic training shows you how to work successfully with anyone thinking about or planning suicide or who has survived a previous attempt

Why take this course

In highly challenging times, when people cannot envisage an end to their difficulties, a slump into depression can all too quickly spiral down into suicidal thoughts, plans and suicide attempts. Or the negative trance state of depression itself may beguile people into thinking that there is no way out of their hopelessness.

Suicide is now the most common cause of death in men aged 17 to 34. The highest suicide rate is in men aged 45–49; in women, it is highest in those aged between 50–54.1

Anyone working with distressed people wants to keep them safe, to give them the hope they need that circumstances can change for the better, and to provide the skills for coping until that comes about. The human givens approach, by working with the givens of human nature, offers the most powerful and organic way to achieve this.

Tutor Malcolm Hanson, an experienced HG practitioner, draws on his wealth of relevant experience as he takes you clearly through the essential steps to take when faced with someone who feels suicidal. He worked for nine years as a psychotherapist in NHS primary care in an area of extreme deprivation, and has over many years seen patients referred by GPs, social workers, psychiatrists, police and probation officers for complex issues. He has helped clients experiencing multiple trauma, chronic pain and terminal illness, clients struggling with uncertain asylum status or facing deportation, and also victims of human trafficking – a tragic range of circumstances in which even the most resilient may sometimes sink into despair.

On this important workshop he will share what he has learned to give you the knowledge and assurance you need to work confidently and respectfully with clients struggling to find reasons to stay alive, building in expectation of positive change from the start.

You will also have plenty of time for group discussion and for working through a wide variety of case scenarios.

What will you learn

Crucial elements in rapport building with suicidal people
How to normalise circumstances safely
A model for running therapeutic sessions that best manage suicide risk
Ways to use your own demeanour to instil confidence in the person who is feeling suicidal
Effective information gathering to challenge unhelpful beliefs
What to look for in answers to questions
A structure for difficult conversations
The ability to reframe unhelpful beliefs
Understandings about when and why different people consider suicide
Methods of risk assessment that do not risk loss of rapport
How to use language of influence
Effective means to address beliefs about being a burden
The setting of realistic and empowering goals
Why most suicidal crises are surprisingly temporary
How to make best use of the client’s own resources
The importance of addressing emotional needs
Strategies for client safe self-management between sessions
The power of guided imagery for working with suicidal clients
How to take care of yourself
CPD Certificate and more…