Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is an evidence-based, goal-directed, collaborative counseling method. SFT is centered on helping clients arrive at their own solutions to the challenges they face, while also recognizing and utilizing their strengths to work towards positive outcomes. Due to its solution-building and future-focused approach, SFT is a highly effective therapeutic approach, particularly when working with clients dealing with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

During the six-hour training, John Henden, MBACP FRSA, offers a fresh re-examination of current risk assessment, management, and medication methods. Henden provides straightforward skills for talking frankly with clients about the subject of suicide itself. This training begins with what practitioners can do in the initial moments of a therapeutic encounter and then turns to the specialized techniques of the solution-focused approach.

Key topics include:

• Scaling questions, including scaling confidence
• The role of optimism
• Rapid rapport building
• Generating possibilities
• The miracle question and its adaptation for suicide prevention
• Presuppositional language
• The “five o’clock rule”
• Sample questions to ask
• Exception-finding questions

The training offers a range of tools and techniques that have been found to be immediately helpful to clients struggling with suicidal thoughts. It strongly emphasizes how practitioners can better connect with their clients across countries and cultures. It is intended for social workers, psychologists, certified counselors, and related paraprofessionals.