About this CPD:
This four day IACP CPD Approved (24 Hours) Professional Certificate is suitable for Psychotherapists & Counsellors (Student/Pre-Accredited/Accredited), Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Care Workers, Nurses, Doctors, Residential Care Workers and other Allied Health professionals. It is research informed, cutting edge and aligned with best practice. This course covers both adolescent and adult work and is in line with professionally high standards, bridging the gaps between research, theory and practice.
About Leo:
Leo Muckley (MIACP), your facilitator, holds a MSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling and is currently undertaking his PhD. He also holds a L9 Cert in Digital Enabled Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and has delivered MSc tutorials, plenary sessions, workshops and talks in the past.
Leo is a multi award winning researcher practitioner with a special focus on the area of suicide and therapy. He runs a full time private practice in Glengarriff, West Cork, Ireland working mostly with suicidal clients. Leo published his research on working with suicidal clients in 2024, going on to present it both nationally and internationally. He also writes a monthly mental health column in the West Cork People newspaper and is currently involved in an international research project on Relational Depth.
Leo will bring his lived, academic, research and practice experience to this unique CPD which covers what core training, safeTALK, ASIST and other courses do not. Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to work with one of the most challenging presenting issues in the therapy room.
When:
The course will take place online on Zoom from 09:30 to 16:30 on Sat 11th, Sun 12th, Sat 25th and Sun 26th October 2025.
Investment:
€175 non-refundable deposit to book your place paid in full by using the booking facility below.
Two remaining instalments of €200 each paid by 1st September 2025 and 1st October 2025. Leo will contact you with payment details 2 weeks before each instalment is due.
Course Content
Methods of teaching and learning:
Didactic teaching, group workshopping, interactive elements, breakout rooms, self led exercises and experiential group learning. Personal sharing, sharing client work and experiential group processing are not expected. They are welcomed if a participant does want to share or process in such ways.
Syllabus:
Day One:
09:30 - 10:30
Introduction & Hellos
House Keeping
Expectations of course
Boundaries and Confidentiality
Setting self care
Grounding
10:30 - 11:30
Etymology of suicide
Warning signs & risk factors
What does suicide mean to me? An exploration of self
11:45 - 13:00
The language of suicide
Models of understanding suicide
14:00 - 15:30
Risk assessment or risk exploration? Part 1
15:45 - 16:30
Risk assessment or risk exploration? Part 2
Is therapy the same as suicide prevention?
Grounding and check out
Day Two:
09:30 - 10:30
Check in and questions
Gaps left or filled from Day One
Grounding
What does suicide mean in theory?
10:30 - 11:30
Theories of suicide
11:45 - 13:00
The literature and research on suicide
Should practice always be evidence based?
14:00 - 15:30
Evidence based practice Part 1
15:45 - 16:30
Evidence based practice Part 2
Grounding and check out
Day Three:
09:30 - 10:30
Check in and questions
Gaps left or filled from Day Two
Grounding
What does suicide mean in practice?
10:30 - 11:30
International best practice
Ethics of working with suicidal people: Child protection, confidentiality, contracting and duty of care
11:45 - 13:00
The literature and research on therapy and suicide
Do adults and adolescents differ?
14:00 - 15:30
From research to theory and into practice: skills for working with suicidal people Part 1
15:45 - 16:30
From research to theory and into practice: skills for working with suicidal people Part 2
Grounding and check out
Day Four:
09:30 - 10:30
Check in and questions
Gaps left or filled from Day Three
Grounding
What does suicide mean to me now?
10:30 - 11:30
What about self harm?
Case studies
11:45 - 13:00
One best approach? Exploring how to work with suicide regardless of theoretical background Part 1
14:00 - 15:30
One best approach? Exploring how to work with suicide regardless of theoretical background Part 2
Note taking
Legal aspects
Skills practice
15:45 - 16:30
Key goals for working with suicidal people
Takeaways and lessons learned
Duty of care, including self care and supervision
Closing Plan
Grounding and goodbyes
Important:
It is assumed that all professionals taking part in this CPD will be resourced to do so, eg: peer support, personal therapy and/or supervision, considering the sensitive and potentially activating nature of the topic. However, the course is intentionally designed and run inclusive of grounding, co-regulation, holding space and building of safety to ensure it can be undertaken with ease. This is extremely important as it ensures that all participants can engage in learning to the best of their ability without being in a state of nervous system activation. However, if you have experienced suicidal behaviours (not thoughts) or been bereaved by suicide in the past 6 months this course may not be suitable for you. If you want to enquire about the course's suitability for you specifically then please reach out to me directly before booking.
Questions and Enquiries:
Contact Leo on 0851300573 or info@leomuckley.com
Testimonials for Leo's Facilitation & Teaching Skills from his 8 Week Practical Mindfulness Courses:
Sheryl 2025
I really like the perfect balance of education and of practice in your course. You are very easy to listen to and I appreciated your shared experiences and knowledge.
Saoirse 2025
Leo's delivery was very clear and relaxed, and he was great at explaining and interacting with the group.
Keith 2025
The course was led with deep care and wisdom. Leo’s therapeutic insight and calm presence created a safe, nurturing space for growth.
Rebecca 2024
It was a great learning experience and a safe space where everyone was free to discuss their own experiences or challenges. Leo is a brilliant instructor...
Sarah 2024
Leo is extremely knowledgeable and...offers a calming and holding space...
Michelle 2023
It was an excellent balance of instruction and reflection on my experience and practical application...Leo is an excellent instructor who made you feel safe, relaxed, and engaged.
Cancellation Policy, Terms and Conditions: