Why do people kill themselves? How do I ask someone if they are feeling suicidal? What do I do if they say they ARE suicidal? How do I deal with the strong emotions suicide generates? This course will provide answers for these and other questions many of crisis interventionists have about suicide. It will provide participants with basic information about suicide as well as help participants develop practical skills for prevention, intervention and postvention. Small group role plays will allow participants to apply the suggested techniques as they are learned.

This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about intervening across the suicide spectrum. Professionals from the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress may all benefit.

Program Highlights:

• Common myths about suicide
• Risk factors for suicidal behavior
• Frequent motivations for suicide
• Problem solving methods
• Effective intervention strategies
• Elements of effective postvention
• Elements of survivor grief
• Community referral sources
• “Mini-lecture” on suicide
• Feelings and reactions of suicide survivors

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

• Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
  • Group Crisis Intervention
  • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
  • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
  • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention
• An ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing in two (2) of the following programs:
  • Group Crisis Intervention
  • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
  • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
• A masters degree or higher in a mental health, medically related, or faith based discipline.
• Minimum of three years critical incident / suicide intervention experience.
• A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.*
• A letter of endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.*

** At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate's teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.

• Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
• Current ICISF membership.
• A copy of a current CV or resume.
• Official course application form.
• A brief statement outlining:
  1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
  2. Your instructional experience.
  3. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.