( HS Spencer-Thomas 096702 2026) Ethics in Suicide Prevention & Loss Support Bias, Boundaries, and Best Practices
Tracking # 20-1370621
Course overview
Supporting clients whove been impacted by suicide whether theyve lost a loved one, survived an attempt, or live with chronic suicidal thoughts requires more than good intentions it demands deep ethical reflection and culturally attuned practices. But the intense isolating and traumatizing experience that accompanies suicide can leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed, and liability fears and unconscious bias can silently compromise the therapeutic alliance. In this workshop, well explore the evolving ethical landscape of suicide informed care, drawing from contemporary ethics frameworks, cultural humility practices, and lived experience perspectives. By the end, youll walk away with tools that will help you safely, respectfully, and competently give support. Youll also learn How unexamined cultural, religious, and personal biases can create ethical blind spots How to apply foundational ethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in the context of suicide crises and recovery How to navigate confidentiality, informed consent, and duty-to-warn issues Best practices for accurate record-keeping Ethical considerations when safety-planning
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Certified Master Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Florida Board of Psychology
Limited License Psychologist
Psychologist
Disclosure statements
Financial: Sally Spencer Thomas maintains a private practice and receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Sally Spencer Thomas is the president of United Suicide Survivors International and is a member of the executive board for the American Association of Suicidology. She is co-chair of the Workplace Special Interest Group for the International Association of Suicide Prevention and is a member of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.