NCTCA 2022

As a School Counsellor, I have growing concern regarding the rising rates of youth engagement in self-injury, suicide, and homicidal acts. COVID-19 has elevated these concerns due to increased risk factors pertaining to social, family, economic, and health stressors, in addition to changes to typical routines and support systems. As an educator or counsellor, you will most likely encounter a student in a mental health crisis at least once in your career. For many of us, we have no idea what to do in these situations. Of course, as educators, it is in our nature to comfort the student and do the best we can to support them, but often we walk away feeling like we could have done a better job. This session is focused on the “what to do in these situations”. We will cover some very important information and guidelines for interacting with a person who could potentially be violent to self or others. We will discuss aspects of suicide and homicidal risk assessments as well as prevention techniques such as safety planning. My goal is for you to walk away with tangible strategies and resources, so you no longer feel like you have no idea what to do or say.