Page 146 - ReAwaken Ebook 1st Ed

Suicide – Do we even know what we are doing about it?

As the world embraces the public health crisis of suicide, many of the same models of

crisis intervention are being shaped towards a narrative of zero suicide. This work shop
will invite discussion and collaboration on some of the following questions:

 Why do we always forget the human suffering of the suicidal experience?

 Should the focus shift from crisis management to formulating understanding of the

origins of suicide as well as crisis support?

 How do we talk more openly about suicide in relation to trauma and addiction
without applying restrictive mental health approaches?

 How do we keep connection and compassion as the central themes while being with a
person in distress around ending their life?

Amber Rules - The importance of Supporting the Whole Family When

Addiction is Present

Historically, support and treatment for people who use substances
or experience process/behavioural addictions (such as gambling) has

frequently been provided solely to the using-person. Research
indicates that treatment outcomes for the using-person improve

when family members also receive psycho-education and

counselling. Through the lens of the Re-Awaken themes, this
workshop will look at the following: The importance of connection
between self, the family system, “professional” supports and

community as vital components of change; the role of compassion

toward self, others and toward the phenomenon of addiction in the healing journey; the
path toward safe, thoughtful and meaningful action for individuals, families, community

members and clinicians who are impacted by addiction; Practical, applicable strategies to
support change and healing, whether you are an individual, family member or clinician

(or all three).

Amber Rules is a Sydney-based psychotherapist and counsellor who works with

individuals and families impacted by substance use and potentially addictive behaviours
(such as gambling). Amber specialises in support and education for family members. She

has lived experience of family addiction and intergenerational trauma, and draws on this
in her clinical practice.

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