Supporting Clients in Crisis:
A Suicide Assessment & Intervention Workshop
A practical workshop equipping practitioners with the clinical skills and confidence
to assess suicide risk, hold space for distress, and connect clients to care.
WHY PRACTITIONERS STRUGGLE
Does this sound familiar?
Social workers are on the front line of mental health crises – yet most receive little to no formal training on suicide. These are some of the common challenges.
Fear of “making it worse” by asking directly
Many practitioners hold back from asking about suicidal thoughts, worried that bringing it up will plant the idea or escalate crisis.
Uncertainty about risk assessment
Without training, practitioners rely on instinct alone, leading to inconsistent assessments and missed warning signs in complex cases.
Unclear ethical and legal obligations
When a client discloses suicidal intent, practitioners often feel unsure about confidentiality limits, duty of care, and when – and how – to involve other parties.
No clear pathway after disclosure
Even when a risk is identified, practitioners often lack a reliable framework for what to do next – which referrals to make, how to keep the client safe between sessions.
Stigma and institutional silence
The topic of suicide remains taboo in many team cultures and professional spaces, leaving practitioners to manage one of the most complex clinical situations entirely on their own.
It’s about competence and confidence
This workshop is designed not only to provide practitioners with essential knowledge and strategies, but with the opportunity to engage in reflective discussions and develop confidence in their ability to be an effective support system for their clients.
What participants will leave with:
The content of the workshop includes
- An introduction and overview of suicide
- Risk factors and warning signs
- The CASE approach to structure interview sessions to collect critical information
- Introductory principles of the CAMS approach – establishing a collaborative partnership with the client
- Overview of vality interviewing techniques
- Drawing up a safety plan
- Brief exploration of parasuicide
- Basic principles of critis intervention
- Risk assessment and risk rating
- Brief discussions of sample role-play interviews
Care Note
This workshop explores suicide risk assessment in depth, including case studies and clinical language that some participants may find distressing or personally triggering. We strongly encourage all registrants to reflect honestly on their own current wellbeing before attending. If you are experiencing depression, low mood, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm — even mild or manageable ones — we respectfully ask that you do not attend at this time, and that you seek support from a mental health professional first. Please prioritise your own care. As this workshop is delivered online, the facilitator is not in a position to provide individual containment or crisis support during or after the session. Your safety matters more than your attendance.
Logistics and Investment
Format: Online (Zoom)
Duration: 4 half-days (9h00 – 12h00)
Next Dates:
- Monday, 11 May 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Tuesday, 12 May 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Wednesday, 13 May 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Thursday, 14 May 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
CPD Points: 11.5 points for Social Workers (SACSSP)
Workshop Includes: Workshop Notes, CPD Certificate
Investment: R950 per person
Technical Requirements:
The workshop is facilitated fully online via Zoom. Participants are required to remain on camera for the full duration of each session and should ensure that their equipment and internet connection is suitable for this kind of interaction. Attendance with a phone or tablet isnot recommended – it is recommended to use a PC or laptop since some of the screens that will be shared may include text or diagrams that would be too small to read on a cellphone screen. It is recommended that each participant should attend from a suitable physical space (for example, not while travelling or while sharing office space with others). The use of headphones is recommended – alternatively participants should be in a space not shared with others. It is not ideal for participants to share a device, since it will limit their interaction and participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this workshop suitable for newly qualified social workers?
Yes. The content is designed to be accessible to practitioners at all career stages. More experienced practitioners will find the simulation and advanced assessment components especially valuable.
Will the content be distressing?
The facilitator prioritises psychological safety throughout. Ground rules are set at the start, content warnings are given, and breaks are built in. You are never required to share personal experiences.
Can my organisation book this as an in-house training?
Yes. In-house delivery for teams of 10 or more is available. Contact us to discuss tailoring the content to your service context.
Terms and Conditions
Please take a minute to review our terms and conditions which apply to all participants