May 12, 2026

Dr. Nicole Sigfried, PhD, CEDS-C

Topic:

Working with Suicidal Clients: Creating Safety Isn't Enough

Description:

Rates of suicide have increased over the past several years. Clinicians frequently

report that suicidality is the patient presentation they fear most, yet most

providers receive less than two hours of formal training in suicide assessment

and intervention. This presentation will provide practical training in recognizing

and responding to suicide risk within EAP and behavioral health settings.

Participants will explore the “suicidal mind” to better understand the psychological and neurobehavioral processes that converge to place individuals at risk for a lethal suicide attempt. Through a combination of didactic instruction, experiential exercises, and case-based discussion, attendees will gain practical tools for assessing suicide risk and intervening effectively in a short-term

solution-focused approach with clients experiencing suicidal ideation.

The goal of this presentation is to equip and empower clinicians to address suicidality with greater competence, confidence, and compassion. Participants will leave the workshop with increased clarity and confidence in supporting clients presenting this complex and high-risk symptom profile.

Goals:

1. By the end of the presentation, participants will understand the psychological and neurobehavioral processes that contribute to suicidality.
2. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to implement practical, evidence-based suicide risk assessment strategies in EAP and behavioral health settings.

Objectives:

1. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to describe two aspects of the suicidal mind.
2. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to provide an evidence-based, comprehansive, suicide risk assessment based on Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide for individuals with mental health disorders.
3. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to apply interventions for acute suicidality using a short-term, solution-focused approach.

Bio:

Dr. Nicole Siegfried is the Chief Clinical Officer for Lightfully Behavioral Health. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has worked in mental health for over 20 years and has served in national leadership positions for the past 10 years. She is an international speaker and has published research, magazine articles, and book chapters in eating disorders, mental health, and suicide. Nicole believes that recovery is possible for all individuals with mental health disorders, and that all individuals are capable and deserving of a life worth living.

Outline:

1) The Suicidal Mind: Understanding Psychological and Neurobehavioral Risk Factors

a) Cognitive, emotional, and neurobehavioral processes that contribute to suicidality

b) Converging risk factors that increase likelihood of a lethal suicide attempt

2) Comprehensive Suicide Risk Assessment

a) Core components of suicide risk assessment in clinical and EAP settings

b) Distinguishing between acute and chronic suicidality

3) Evidence-Based Interventions for Suicidality

a) Immediate interventions and stabilization strategies for acute suicide risk

b) Practical clinical tools for supporting individuals experiencing suicidal ideation