SCoPEd Competence Addressed
- Competence 4.3.B – Ability to work with suicidal risk and the often complex nature of suicidal ideation and (or) other self-harming behaviours and associated ‘unconscious’, or ‘out of awareness’ processes and perceptions
Workshop Description
This workshop is part of the SCoPEd Training series, designed to support practitioners in meeting the knowledge-based competences outlined in the SCoPEd framework.
In this session, participants will explore the key aspects of understanding suicidal ideation and risk assessment within the broader context of self-harming behaviour with a clear emphasis on implicit and unconscious factors. This pivotal competency is at the heart of ethical and professional counselling and psychotherapy practice, enhancing client welfare and informing the therapeutic process.
Through a structured presentation and interactive elements, participants will explore, among other aspects, the following:
- Reviewing self-harm and self-injury as it pertains to clinical practice.
- How we might conceptualise suicidal ideation, taking into account the complexities of conscious and unconscious factors.
- Practical approaches to devising and implementing suicide risk assessment strategies across diverse practice environments.
- Introducing broader understandings from suicidology.
This training is essential for practitioners seeking to refine their understanding of suicidal ideation and risk assessment to meet accreditation requirements under the SCoPEd Framework, as well as for supervisors and organisational leaders who work and lead in this challenging area of therapeutic practice.
Who Should Attend
This workshop will benefit:
- Counsellors and psychotherapists who need to evidence training for accreditation and SCoPEd requirements.
- Practitioners aiming to refine their understanding of suicidal ideation and risk assessment practices.
- Supervisors and organisational leaders responsible for client welfare.
- Trainers and educators supporting others to meet SCoPEd competencies.
Workshop Format
The session will be conducted live on Zoom and available as a recording in the Onlinevents Learning Library. It includes:
- A structured presentation on comprehensive risk assessment strategies.
- Interactive discussions and knowledge checks to encourage active participation.
- Practical activities focused on applying the strategies effectively in practice.
Course Content
Presenter

Jonno Ward is an experienced psychotherapeutic trainer and director of a successful training centre who has a deep working knowledge of the SCoPEd framework. He has consulted for national professional bodies and training providers to support them in the implementation of SCoPEd and is a course assessor on a NHS England funded training course that works to the SCoPEd framework.
He is passionate about equipping counsellors and psychotherapists in enhancing their skills to meet the needs of both clients and the changing professional landscape.