Learn suicide intervention skills!  I co-facilitate a two-day suicide first-aid training to equip participants to intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide in their workplace and community.  A model of intervention is taught and practiced.  Ages 16 and up.

For more information: https://www.livingworks.net/asist

Participant Feedback from ASIST trainings facilitated by Melissa Pirwani:

"[Prior to the training] I felt that I knew warning signs and risk factors, but did not have the knowledge to intervene. After ASIST, I feel relieved, satisfied, and prepared to face a suicidal crisis."

"Melissa has a wealth of experience and knowledge of suicide and therapy. She provided a lot of details and insight that made the PAL come to life and make sense."

"Unlike other trainings, there was absolutely enough time to discuss the model and practice applying it.  Thank you for the opportunity to strengthen my skills and for teaching me how to more directly guide a conversation regarding suicide."

"This training is fantastic.  I loved gaining more skill and knowledge about how to work with a person at risk of suicide.  The relationship part of this model is so powerful and is one of my biggest takeaways."

"Melissa was a great trainer as she was thoughtful, provided great constructive feedback and allowed us to think critically.  She was clear, direct and easy-going."

"The trainers were phenomenal. My understanding of suicide has grown exponentially thanks to the curriculum and the strong leaders/teachers.  Overall, a great life changing experience."

"This training was outstanding compared to others I have attended.  I loved the focus on the person in front of you rather than the same checklist to protect you from legal concerns.  Great rapport of trainers, great energy and passion for work/material."

"I have less fear with asking directly with my patients if they have or have had suicidal plans/thoughts.  Thank you.  I feel better prepared to help them be safe-for-now.  Melissa is very calm, patient, and very good at training.  Thank you!"

"I appreciate the practicality of ASIST and the way the information was provided/conveyed ... I have been to other suicide intervention trainings and I had never felt this safe to participate, express my thoughts, and reflect on such a complex subject.  Thank you."

Learn to be suicide alert!  I facilitate a three-hour training to teach anyone over the age of 15 to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.

For more information: https://www.livingworks.net/safetalk

Participant Feedback from safeTALK trainings facilitated by Melissa Pirwani

"A very good introduction to understanding how to deal/help with someone with suicidal thoughts."
"This training was very well presented.  Suicide is a difficult topic and this training was very beneficial."
"Very eye opening and useful; I thought teaching people that it's a good idea and OK to ask about suicide directly was the most important thing learned."
"Very good information on how to talk to others who could need help."
"Melissa is a great communicator and knows her material."
"Very hard subject, but very good training."