Approaches to Support 2SLGBTQI+ Adolescents and Adults with Suicidal Ideation

Participants will have an opportunity to apply trauma-informed practices to engage 2SLGBTQI+ clients with suicidal ideation. After a brief review of information on suicidal ideation, most of the session will be discussion based and explore two cases. 

The cases will include:

• A non-binary 15-year-old person who is deciding whether to start hormone treatment for gender affirming care. 
• A 55-year-old female-identifying client who is facing her own sexual desire toward women, despite having lived a “heteronormative” life (married to a man, has 3 children with him)

Case studies and resources will be pulled from a wide range of research on suicidal ideation among 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Learning Outcomes

1. Practice a model that can be incorporated in your work with those you support.
2. Consider the nuances of how assessments and interventions may be different depending on the age/lens in which the client is coming from.
3. Identify personal barriers to engaging with individuals presenting with suicidal ideation and high-risk behaviours.
4. Apply trauma-informed practices to engage with clients with suicidal ideation and high-risk behaviours.
5. Analyze suicidal ideation from a broader perspective, utilizing trauma-informed strategies and be sensitive to how intersectionality plays into interactions with others.