CPD

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:

• Deposit
  To reserve your place on the course, a non-refundable deposit of €175 is required. This deposit is part of the full course fee and must be paid at the time of registration to secure your booking via the booking facility below.
• Payment of Full Course Fee
  The full course fee must be received by 1st October 2025. If payment is not made by this date, your place on the course may be forfeited.
• Changes to the Programme
  Every effort is made to deliver the courses as advertised. However, I reserve the right to make appropriate changes to the course content or structure, if necessary. Should any changes occur, students will be notified at the earliest opportunity.
• Cancellation by the Student
• Cancellations made before 1st September 2025 will receive a refund of the amount that has been received exclusive of non-refundable booking deposit.
• Cancellations made after 1st September 2025 will not be eligible for a refund inclusive of non-refundable booking deposit, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Cancellation by the Programme Provider
  Courses are subject to demand and the formation of a viable class. In the event that the programme does not proceed due to low enrolment or other unforeseen circumstances, a full refund, including the deposit, will be provided to all applicants.
• Contact for Cancellations or Changes
  For all cancellations, payment inquiries or requests for changes, please contact me directly via email or phone as soon as possible.