Working with a client who is suicidal often creates a certain level of anxiety, a sense of personal responsibility or even feel heavy and burdensome. These reactions, are understandable human responses to the dynamics when engaging with a client's suicidality. Added to these reactions are the legal obligations and ethical requirements which regulate different professional codes of practice.

Previous workshops' discussion and issues raised in supervision and debriefing indicate that the cumulative effect of these factors can impact on the professional's practice arising from an unspoken fear is that if a client was to suicide, would a coronial investigation find the professional's practice wanting or even negligent.

This workshop delves into legal and ethical concerns by promoting open and honest dialogue about the challenges professionals face when dealing with suicidal clients. It explores these issues in depth and analyses how reactions and fears can impact responses to suicidal behaviour. Insights from a coronial investigator's perspective on suicide-related deaths will also be offered.

The workshop explores the theoretical foundation that guides the legal and ethical responsibilities related to suicide prevention. It explains what falls within the professional's scope of practice in terms of what is deemed reasonable and safe

The workshop provides participants the opportunity to update their knowledge and to reflect on the implications that these obligations have on their practice. This is achieved by processing the information with the other participants in small group discussions and exercises.

Online workshop delivery
The online workshops are delivered via Zoom over two weekly 3-hour workshops held on:

Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm - 23 & 30 November 2026

Contact the host of When Someone Mentions Suicide: An exploration of the legal and ethical obligations when responding to suicide in therapeutic or support settings Online Workshop Series (WSM2026/02)