Supporting a client through suicidal thoughts or self-harm requires balancing structured assessment with attuned, validating communication. Yet many providers report feeling underprepared to respond with both confidence and precision. This training provides a clear, practical approach to assessing suicide risk, responding effectively to disclosures, and conducting both immediate and ongoing risk evaluations. Participants will learn how to strengthen therapeutic alliance during high-risk conversations, gather deliberation data, implement means-restriction counseling, and collaborate with caregivers while preserving the client’s trust and autonomy. The training also reviews interventions that reduce self-harm urges, increase emotion regulation, and support clients through safety planning.
Participants will leave with scripting tools, assessment frameworks, and concrete clinical skills they can apply immediately when working with youth and adults at risk. As demand for responsive, evidence-based suicide intervention increases, this workshop equips clinicians with practical methods that enhance safety, reduce liability, and foster therapeutic effectiveness.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/FromDisclosure2/viewFrom Disclosure to Documentation:
Treating Suicidal Ideation and Self-Injury
Coming Soon
Presenter: Jaimee Arnoff, Ph.D.
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Supporting a client through suicidal thoughts or self-harm requires balancing structured assessment with attuned, validating communication. Yet many providers report feeling underprepared to respond with both confidence and precision. This training provides a clear, practical approach to assessing suicide risk, responding effectively to disclosures, and conducting both immediate and ongoing risk evaluations. Participants will learn how to strengthen therapeutic alliance during high-risk conversations, gather deliberation data, implement means-restriction counseling, and collaborate with caregivers while preserving the client’s trust and autonomy. The training also reviews interventions that reduce self-harm urges, increase emotion regulation, and support clients through safety planning.
Participants will leave with scripting tools, assessment frameworks, and concrete clinical skills they can apply immediately when working with youth and adults at risk. As demand for responsive, evidence-based suicide intervention increases, this workshop equips clinicians with practical methods that enhance safety, reduce liability, and foster therapeutic effectiveness.
Presenter introduction and professional background
National prevalence data and current suicide trends
0:10 – 0:30 | Understanding Suicidal Ideation and Self-Injury
Format: Lecture + Guided Discussion
Definitions of suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI)
Distinction between passive ideation, active ideation, and self-injury without suicidal intent
Risk factors and warning signs for suicide risk
Importance of language and stigma reduction in clinical settings
Format: Lecture + Guided Discussion
Managing clinician emotional reactions while maintaining a calm therapeutic presence
Communicating safety, non-judgment, and support during initial disclosures
to Proceed, Why Is This So Important, Behind the Scenes)
Format: Lecture + Case Activity
Conducting a suicide risk assessment
Components of risk assessment: plan, access to means, and intent
Understanding ambivalence and “deliberation data” in suicide attempts
Format: Lecture + Guided Discussion
Role of means restriction in suicide prevention
Clinical responsibility and duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harm
Format: Lecture + Demonstration
Assessment of recent self-injury and physical safety considerations
Determining the purpose and function of self-harm behaviors
Replacement behaviors and harm-reduction strategies
Introducing alternative coping methods during moments of crisis
Format: Lecture + Skills Activity
Brief interventions during acute distress
Grounding strategies and sensory-based coping techniques
Coping kits and skill building for emotional regulation
Technology and app-based resources to support coping between sessions
2:40 – 2:55 | Safety Planning and Caregiver Involvement
Format: Lecture + Guided Discussion
Components of effective safety plans
Warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts
Strategies for communicating with caregivers
Supporting families in monitoring and responding to risk between sessions
Format: Lecture
Ongoing risk monitoring and documentation practices
Importance of clinician consultation and self-care
Final questions and closing remarks