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Assessment vs. Conversation: The Importance of Active Listening Skills for Responding to Suicide

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Any I&R contact can find itself developing into a crisis call. It is important that all professionals and volunteers in the helping field have a level of comfortability with handling a contact in which suicide ideation presents itself. You do not need to be a clinician or trained in an assessment tool to support someone who finds themselves reaching out for support when they are experiencing suicide ideation. Utilizing the tools of active listening and knowing what you are listening for can facilitate a conversation in which a person will feel heard and supported and can create a safety plan. From there further information & referral can be conducted. Conversation is proven to be a better tool than assessment alone when supporting someone with suicide ideation. Gain the knowledge to know what you are listening for and the skills to respond to suicide ideation and risk properly.  
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489 Seats Remaining
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Sherrard Crespo is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 2017. Her professional background is highlighted by her work with suicide education, prevention, intervention, and
postvention. Sherrard is currently employed with VIA LINK in the position of Director of Outreach and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) where her current duties include: clinical oversight of VIA LINK's 24/7 contact center, community outreach, and education on
VIA LINK services as well as specialized skills and information on suicide response, crisis intervention, grief, and trauma. She also facilitates VIA LINK's two support groups: Survivors of Suicide Loss and “Real Talk,” a support group for teens with suicide ideation. She is also the Director for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL), the Louisiana state affiliate for Prevent Child Abuse America, which is operated by VIA LINK; her current focus includes education and advocacy for the community and professionals to support Louisiana families and prevent child abuse.

For More Information:

Sandra Ray

Sandra Ray

Program and Education Director, Inform USA National Office

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(240)744-4742