CommUnity offers a variety of crisis intervention and mental health trainings. For more information on the trainings offered by CommUnity, please contact cindy.hewett@builtbycommunity.org or call 319-351-2726 ext. 170
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop—anyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model.
All CommUnity Crisis Services volunteers and most staff members are trained in ASIST.
General Crisis Intervention Counseling Skills Training
This course teaches the use of the Developmental Helping Model, developed by Art Turok and drawing heavily from Carl Rogers’ philosophy. Trainees will learn empathy as a skill, use of open ended questions, reflection, active listening, affirmations and other supportive skills, as well as ways to appropriately set boundaries with help-seekers. We also train on cultural humility and foster a mindset of unconditional positive regard for all persons seeking help and offering help.
QPR Training – Question, Persuade, Refer
QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. This course teaches participants 1) how to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal, 2) how to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide, 3) the warning signs of suicide, 4) the common causes of suicidal behavior, and 5) how to get help for someone in crisis.
ACEs Training – Adverse Childhood Experiences
This training is a brief introductory presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), data from the ACE study, how early adversity as a child can impact adult health, and the steps that we can take to address trauma in those who we work with.
Trauma-Informed Care Training
This training introduces the concept of trauma; what trauma is, types of trauma, and populations at risk, and offers a framework for becoming a trauma-informed organization, system or service provider.
Psychosis Training
This training gives a brief introduction to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and offers attendees guidance on working with clients in crisis and experiencing symptoms of psychosis.
