Suicide and self-harm are some of the most difficult experiences a practitioner can encounter. When working with young people experiencing these issues, it is crucial to navigate the complex dynamics of managing their well-being, whilst ensuring their safety. The pressure can be immense, both from the young person themselves and from concerned family members. These challenging patterns of behaviour, often stemming from trauma, can be persistent, pervasive, and distressing for both the client and the therapist, triggering anxiety and self-doubt.
Therapists often struggle to balance the needs of the young person who faces enormous amounts of distress, with the needs of the wider system (family, carers, services), who prioritise the young person’s safety.
- How do you, as a practitioner, balance these important needs?
- How do you work in safe, ethical and effective ways?
- How do you prioritise your own well-being and mental health during this vital work?
About this workshop
Join Dr Louise Hayes, the developer of the DNA-V model for young people, for an engaging workshop where she will help you to answer these questions. In this training session, she will explore how to integrate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and contextual behavioural science practices to address self-harm and suicidality with young people (14-24). Louise’s aim is to equip you with the latest evidence-based knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively with young people within an acceptance and compassion framework. By the end of this workshop, you will be well-prepared to engage in meaningful and impactful interactions with young individuals, empowering them to navigate their struggles with self harm and suicidality, while fostering acceptance and compassion.
In this workshop, Louise will:
- Provide an overview of the latest evidence surrounding suicidality and self-harm in young people, along with therapeutic evidence to inform your practice.
- Equip you with practical skills to confidently initiate sensitive conversations about self-harm and suicidal thoughts with young individuals.
- Offer communication strategies that promote empathy and compassion, enabling you to establish a supportive and understanding environment.
- Explore case conceptualisations, encouraging collaborative discussions and the development of comprehensive support plans with young people and their carers.
- Discuss the importance of self-care and supervision supports, emphasising their role in maintaining your well-being and ensuring effective practice.
- Address the ethical and clinical responsibilities within the service framework specific to your discipline or workplace, ensuring a thorough understanding of your professional obligations.
By the end of this workshop, you will have gained valuable insights, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of the ethical and clinical considerations necessary when working with self-harm and suicidality in young people.
The DNA-V framework emphasises whole-person-in-context approaches, supporting social connections and fostering self-compassion during difficult periods. DNA-V is science made accessible. It provides a robust framework that applies science-based solutions to human concerns. It arose inside the work of ACT and the theoretical foundations of evolution and contextual behavioural science.
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is suitable for all professionals who work with young people, including psychologists, BCBA’s, counsellors and therapists
Group booking discounts
Contextual Consulting offer discounts for groups of people from the same organisation e.g. an NHS Trust that does not have a contract arrangement with us.
Please email us here to arrange a group discount or find out more about our CPD contracts here.