Masterclass: Working with Persistent Suicidality for Clinicians

Masterclass: Working with Persistent Suicidality for Clinicians

Tuesday March 26th 2026 - in person or online workshop

Learning Objectives:

Learning outcomes:By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate persistent suicidality from acute crisis and adjust clinical goals accordingly

2. Apply a formulation-led approach that integrates neurobiology, attachment, and meaning-making

3. Maintain a therapeutic stance that reduces iatrogenic harm and clinician burnout

4. Intervene without reinforcing suicidality as the primary way of getting one's needs met

5. Navigate stuck points, both clinically and systemically.

6. Have confidence to sit with persistent risk with the person and identify the role self-awareness and self-reflection have to help us to do this.

Prerequisite: Previous experience or training in working with people with BPD, e.g. Foundation Training for Working with People with BPD or BPD Core Competency Workshop delivered by Spectrum.

Who should attend: Any clinician who encounters people with BPD in the course of their work, whether a personality disorder specialist, generalist mental health clinicians, or other physician.

Presenters:

Cathryn Pilcher; Associate Clinical Director

Cathryn Pilcher is an accomplished Occupational Therapist and is the Associate Director of Spectrum in Australia, with extensive expertise in personality disorders and complex trauma. With years of experience at the forefront of mental health, Cathryn has built a reputation for her leadership and seniority in the field. She also holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at Monash University and more recently was the co-author on a book titled, Borderline Personality Disorder; A Practical Guide for Victorian Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.

Dr Samantha Tabak; Senior Clinical Psychologist

Dr Samantha Tabak is a senior clinical psychologist and board-accredited supervisor. She has over a decade of experience working in Child and Youth Mental Health services, psychiatric triage, forensic services, intensive outreach teams, and early psychosis, utilizing psychotherapy frameworks such as MBT, DBT, ACT, and Open Dialogue-informed therapy. Her work with Spectrum currently includes complex care service consultation and psychotherapy. In addition, she is involved in the development and delivery of training and professional development. She also works with young people and their families in private practice. Samantha believes in a person-centred, relational, and collaborative approach to treatment and support.

Cost:
In person: $400
Online: $350

Lunch: A light lunch, morning and afternoon tea including a vegetarian selection is provided.

Getting to Spectrum: Spectrum is located at 110 Church Street, on the corner of Church Street and Tweedie Place. Entrance is via the front of the building, to the right of the Skoda car dealership.

Public transport:

• Tram 78 on Church Street. Alight at Tweedie Pl/Church Street (Stop 63).
• Tram 109 on Victoria Parade (about a 5 min walk to 110 Church Street)
• Tram 75 on Bridge Rd (about a 7 min walk to 110 Church Street)

Car parking:

There is very limited 2 hour street parking available in the area. All day parking is available in:

• Richmond Traders, 271 Bridge rd, Richmond – 7 minute walk ($12/day)
• 35 Elizabeth Street, Richmond – 11 minute walk ($20 a day)
• 1 Allowah Terrace, Richmond – 12 minute walk (about $26/day)

Cancellation policy: : If your circumstances change and you no longer can attend this event, please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your ticket and request a refund no later than one (1) week prior to the event. A refund will not be issued if notification has not been received within this time frame and you will be required to pay for the event. Please note that Eventbrite's booking fees are non-refundable and will not be covered by Spectrum should you wish to cancel your ticket.

General enquiries: Email spectrumtraining@easternhealth.org.au or phone Spectrum (03) 8413 8750.