Solution-Focused Strategies: Police Work, Suicide Prevention, and Beyond – Webinar
This webinar is for mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, and individuals involved in suicide prevention and intervention.
This webinar conversation explores Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) within the context of suicide prevention and its broader application in individual and family therapy. SFT, particularly in the context of suicide prevention, is an approach that focuses on identifying solutions and building on strengths rather than dwelling on problems. This involves helping individuals envision a future without suicidal thoughts or behaviors by exploring their coping strategies, reasons for living, and available resources.
Our presenter shares valuable insights into the successful implementation of SFT in a pioneering project conducted in collaboration with the New Zealand Police. This interactive webinar delves into practical applications of the presenter’s experiences, offering a unique opportunity to learn how SFT strategies can be effectively utilized in various settings.
Who's Presenting
Emma Burns, BSc, MSc(Hons)
Emma has been a registered psychologist since 1996 and has worked in a variety of settings including acute mental health, critical incident response, youth at risk, education, and suicide postvention.
Emma has worked with young offenders and family harm intervention. She held a role as Psychology Advisor for Eastern District Police during which time she developed a highly successful programme engaging with offenders in police custody. This work was published in the Police Science Journal in 2021.
In 2023 Emma led the development of the National Coaching Framework and contributed to several projects across the organisation including delivering suicide prevention training to police recruits. She now works in the correctional space.
Emma is the Founder and Director of Connecting with Hope, her private business, and collaborates with David Hains in their shared enterprise The Possibilities Lab. She has published chapters in three recently released books – The Solution Focused Approach with Children and Young People (2020), Women’s Perspectives on the Solution Focused Approach (2024) and the upcoming Solution Focused Practice and Mental Health Crisis (2025).
Outside work, Emma is a competitive swimmer, and the proud mother of four children. She became a first-time grandmother in July 2025.