When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:
Critical paradigm shifts
A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
The importance of power sharing
And more!
The training will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 21st
Friday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 28th
Friday, May 30th
All days will be scheduled for 12pm to 4pm Eastern USA time (11am to 3pm Central, 10am to 2pm Mountain, 9am to 1pm Pacific) and held on Zoom.
A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).
Note About Cost of Tickets: Tickets are on a sliding scale. However, if the pricing is out of your reach, if you're a Wildflower employee, or if you're just trying to make up a day and have paid for the training previously, please e-mail us at [email protected]so we can work with you to get you registered!
When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:
Critical paradigm shifts
A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
The importance of power sharing
And more!
The training will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 21st
Friday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 28th
Friday, May 30th
All days will be scheduled for 12pm to 4pm Eastern USA time (11am to 3pm Central, 10am to 2pm Mountain, 9am to 1pm Pacific) and held on Zoom.
A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).
Note About Cost of Tickets: Tickets are on a sliding scale. However, if the pricing is out of your reach, if you're a Wildflower employee, or if you're just trying to make up a day and have paid for the training previously, please e-mail us at [email protected]so we can work with you to get you registered!
When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:
Critical paradigm shifts
A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
The importance of power sharing
And more!
The training will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 21st
Friday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 28th
Friday, May 30th
All days will be scheduled for 12pm to 4pm Eastern USA time (11am to 3pm Central, 10am to 2pm Mountain, 9am to 1pm Pacific) and held on Zoom.
A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).
Note About Cost of Tickets: Tickets are on a sliding scale. However, if the pricing is out of your reach, if you're a Wildflower employee, or if you're just trying to make up a day and have paid for the training previously, please e-mail us at [email protected]so we can work with you to get you registered!
When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:
Critical paradigm shifts
A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
The importance of power sharing
And more!
The training will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 21st
Friday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 28th
Friday, May 30th
All days will be scheduled for 12pm to 4pm Eastern USA time (11am to 3pm Central, 10am to 2pm Mountain, 9am to 1pm Pacific) and held on Zoom.
A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).
Note About Cost of Tickets: Tickets are on a sliding scale. However, if the pricing is out of your reach, if you're a Wildflower employee, or if you're just trying to make up a day and have paid for the training previously, please e-mail us at [email protected]so we can work with you to get you registered!
When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:
Critical paradigm shifts
A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
The importance of power sharing
And more!
The training will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 21st
Friday, May 23rd
Wednesday, May 28th
Friday, May 30th
All days will be scheduled for 12pm to 4pm Eastern USA time (11am to 3pm Central, 10am to 2pm Mountain, 9am to 1pm Pacific) and held on Zoom.
A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).
Note About Cost of Tickets: Tickets are on a sliding scale. However, if the pricing is out of your reach, if you're a Wildflower employee, or if you're just trying to make up a day and have paid for the training previously, please e-mail us at [email protected]so we can work with you to get you registered!
You’re invited to a special premiere of the documentary A STONE UNTURNED, a feature film about screen time, autism, and early child development.
Those who register can view the film on Show & Tell between June 5th and 8th.
Special panel discussion on June 7th at 1pm EDT will be linked on Show & Tell.
Today 1 in 31 children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, an increase of nearly five-fold since 2000 when the CDC first began tracking the condition. While the causes of autism remain controversial, research indicates as much as 40-50% of an individual’s autism can be attributed to environmental factors.
A STONE UNTURNED explores the latest research around a possible environmental trigger for autism and autism related symptoms, specifically excessive screen time exposure for children under the age of 3 years. The documentary interviews leading clinicians and autism researchers who are looking into screen exposure from the United States, France, Canada, and Romania, as well as families and early interventionists who reduce children’s screen time and see a reversal and remediation of autism related symptoms.
Grunt Style Foundation's 'War Cry For Change' Roundtable in partnership with VFW and DAV
June 4, 2025
6:00 PM - Pre-Event Medicating Normal- Filmscreening/Panel Discussion: Kellogg Conference Hotel Theater at Gallaudet University
June 5, 2025:
9:00 AM - Press Conference: House Triangle Sponsored by Congressman Jack Bergman
9:15 AM - Irreverent Warriors "Hike to Heal" to National Mall for Skull of Sacrifice Remembrance Ceremony
12:00 PM - Roundtable Discussion with Panelists: US Capitol Visitors Center SVC 212-10
Summary:
This two-day summit on Capitol Hill bringing together legislators, veterans, surviving families, mental health professionals, veteran service organizations, and global experts to examine the role medications play in veteran suicides. Together, we will chart a path toward reducing harm in mental health treatment and prescribing practices, while working to improve the quality of life for all veterans and their families.
The Events
The summit will begin on June 4th with a pre-event screening of the award-winning documentary, MedicatingNormal. Thursday, June 5th's events will begin with a press conference on Capitol Hill featuring members of Congress, veteran leaders, and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Immediately after, the Washington, DC Chapter of Irreverent Warriors will lead a “Hike to Heal” from Capitol Hill to the National Mall, culminating in the unveiling of a powerful public art installation symbolizing the lives lost and the silence endured by our community. Veterans and families will be invited to toss prescription pill bottles into the skull as a symbol of solidarity against the overprescribing of veterans by the VA. At 12:00 PM, a roundtable will convene veterans with lived experience, surviving families, researchers, and clinicians to share their stories and insights. The purpose of this gathering is to educate Congressional staff, elected officials, veteran service organization leadership, and veteran advocates on the connection between psychiatric medications and veteran suicide—and to explore solutions that reduce harm and promote healing for veterans and their families.
Featured Experts
We are honored to welcome renowned thought leaders in medicine, research, and advocacy, including:
Dr. Peter Gøtzsche – Physician, researcher, and co-founder of the Cochrane Collaboration
Robert Whitaker – Investigative journalist, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic, and founder of Mad in America
Kim Witczak– Global drug safety advocate, marketing executive, and former member of the FDA’s Psychopharmacological Drug Advisory Committee
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring – Board-certified psychiatrist, founder of the Taper Clinic, former FDA regulator, and clinical researcher at Janssen
This convening builds upon the success of GSF’s Veterans Harm Reduction Summits—held previously in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Those events brought together state agencies, national and local veteran organizations, and leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The summit series draws inspiration from the FDA’s 1991 “Prozac Hearings” and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s 2010 hearings of the same name. These landmark hearings spotlighted expert testimony, research linking medications to suicides, and firsthand accounts of harm. Despite their significance, no meaningful reforms followed.
Why Now
As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, it's clear that we must take a closer look at all factors contributing to the veteran suicide crisis—including the complex role of psychiatric medications. In recent years, both emerging research and powerful stories from veterans and their families have pointed to the need for more careful, individualized approaches to prescribing and deprescribing. By revisiting this long-neglected aspect of care, we have a unique opportunity to elevate diverse perspectives, share the latest data and lived experiences, and collaborate on meaningful, evidence-based solutions. In 2025, we are calling on leaders across all sectors to join us in advancing harm reduction strategies that prioritize safety, informed choice, and the long-term well-being of those who have served.
You’re invited to a special premiere of the documentary A STONE UNTURNED, a feature film about screen time, autism, and early child development.
Those who register can view the film on Show & Tell between June 5th and 8th.
Special panel discussion on June 7th at 1pm EDT will be linked on Show & Tell.
Today 1 in 31 children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, an increase of nearly five-fold since 2000 when the CDC first began tracking the condition. While the causes of autism remain controversial, research indicates as much as 40-50% of an individual’s autism can be attributed to environmental factors.
A STONE UNTURNED explores the latest research around a possible environmental trigger for autism and autism related symptoms, specifically excessive screen time exposure for children under the age of 3 years. The documentary interviews leading clinicians and autism researchers who are looking into screen exposure from the United States, France, Canada, and Romania, as well as families and early interventionists who reduce children’s screen time and see a reversal and remediation of autism related symptoms.
Grunt Style Foundation's 'War Cry For Change' Roundtable in partnership with VFW and DAV
June 4, 2025
6:00 PM - Pre-Event Medicating Normal- Filmscreening/Panel Discussion: Kellogg Conference Hotel Theater at Gallaudet University
June 5, 2025:
9:00 AM - Press Conference: House Triangle Sponsored by Congressman Jack Bergman
9:15 AM - Irreverent Warriors "Hike to Heal" to National Mall for Skull of Sacrifice Remembrance Ceremony
12:00 PM - Roundtable Discussion with Panelists: US Capitol Visitors Center SVC 212-10
Summary:
This two-day summit on Capitol Hill bringing together legislators, veterans, surviving families, mental health professionals, veteran service organizations, and global experts to examine the role medications play in veteran suicides. Together, we will chart a path toward reducing harm in mental health treatment and prescribing practices, while working to improve the quality of life for all veterans and their families.
The Events
The summit will begin on June 4th with a pre-event screening of the award-winning documentary, MedicatingNormal. Thursday, June 5th's events will begin with a press conference on Capitol Hill featuring members of Congress, veteran leaders, and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Immediately after, the Washington, DC Chapter of Irreverent Warriors will lead a “Hike to Heal” from Capitol Hill to the National Mall, culminating in the unveiling of a powerful public art installation symbolizing the lives lost and the silence endured by our community. Veterans and families will be invited to toss prescription pill bottles into the skull as a symbol of solidarity against the overprescribing of veterans by the VA. At 12:00 PM, a roundtable will convene veterans with lived experience, surviving families, researchers, and clinicians to share their stories and insights. The purpose of this gathering is to educate Congressional staff, elected officials, veteran service organization leadership, and veteran advocates on the connection between psychiatric medications and veteran suicide—and to explore solutions that reduce harm and promote healing for veterans and their families.
Featured Experts
We are honored to welcome renowned thought leaders in medicine, research, and advocacy, including:
Dr. Peter Gøtzsche – Physician, researcher, and co-founder of the Cochrane Collaboration
Robert Whitaker – Investigative journalist, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic, and founder of Mad in America
Kim Witczak– Global drug safety advocate, marketing executive, and former member of the FDA’s Psychopharmacological Drug Advisory Committee
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring – Board-certified psychiatrist, founder of the Taper Clinic, former FDA regulator, and clinical researcher at Janssen
This convening builds upon the success of GSF’s Veterans Harm Reduction Summits—held previously in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Those events brought together state agencies, national and local veteran organizations, and leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The summit series draws inspiration from the FDA’s 1991 “Prozac Hearings” and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s 2010 hearings of the same name. These landmark hearings spotlighted expert testimony, research linking medications to suicides, and firsthand accounts of harm. Despite their significance, no meaningful reforms followed.
Why Now
As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, it's clear that we must take a closer look at all factors contributing to the veteran suicide crisis—including the complex role of psychiatric medications. In recent years, both emerging research and powerful stories from veterans and their families have pointed to the need for more careful, individualized approaches to prescribing and deprescribing. By revisiting this long-neglected aspect of care, we have a unique opportunity to elevate diverse perspectives, share the latest data and lived experiences, and collaborate on meaningful, evidence-based solutions. In 2025, we are calling on leaders across all sectors to join us in advancing harm reduction strategies that prioritize safety, informed choice, and the long-term well-being of those who have served.
You’re invited to a special premiere of the documentary A STONE UNTURNED, a feature film about screen time, autism, and early child development.
Those who register can view the film on Show & Tell between June 5th and 8th.
Special panel discussion on June 7th at 1pm EDT will be linked on Show & Tell.
Today 1 in 31 children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, an increase of nearly five-fold since 2000 when the CDC first began tracking the condition. While the causes of autism remain controversial, research indicates as much as 40-50% of an individual’s autism can be attributed to environmental factors.
A STONE UNTURNED explores the latest research around a possible environmental trigger for autism and autism related symptoms, specifically excessive screen time exposure for children under the age of 3 years. The documentary interviews leading clinicians and autism researchers who are looking into screen exposure from the United States, France, Canada, and Romania, as well as families and early interventionists who reduce children’s screen time and see a reversal and remediation of autism related symptoms.
You’re invited to a special premiere of the documentary A STONE UNTURNED, a feature film about screen time, autism, and early child development.
Those who register can view the film on Show & Tell between June 5th and 8th.
Special panel discussion on June 7th at 1pm EDT will be linked on Show & Tell.
Today 1 in 31 children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, an increase of nearly five-fold since 2000 when the CDC first began tracking the condition. While the causes of autism remain controversial, research indicates as much as 40-50% of an individual’s autism can be attributed to environmental factors.
A STONE UNTURNED explores the latest research around a possible environmental trigger for autism and autism related symptoms, specifically excessive screen time exposure for children under the age of 3 years. The documentary interviews leading clinicians and autism researchers who are looking into screen exposure from the United States, France, Canada, and Romania, as well as families and early interventionists who reduce children’s screen time and see a reversal and remediation of autism related symptoms.
Many trainings on self-injury are ineffective because they focus on pathologizing the experience and trying to force people to stop. In this workshop, we will embrace harm reduction philosophy to go deeper into the context of self-injury on both an individual and social level. We will also explore how letting go of force and coercion can open new avenues of support. This includes managing our own fears so they don't get in the way or drive us to do something that is more harm than help!
This workshop is open to anyone including clinicians, peer supporters, family members, first responders and others interested in learning how to better support a person who is self-injuring.
This workshop will cover:
Reasons why people self-injure
Different types of self-injury
How to effectively support people who are self-injuring
Training Dates:
Tuesday, June 24th
Thursday, June 26th
Both days will run from 12-4pm Eastern Time (11am-3pm Central / 10am-2pm Mountain / 9am-1pm Pacific).
A note about cost: Tickets are available on a sliding scale. However, if the current prices are not accessible for you or if you are a Wildflower employee who should be registering for free, please e-mail us at[email protected] so we can work with you to get registered.
Many trainings on self-injury are ineffective because they focus on pathologizing the experience and trying to force people to stop. In this workshop, we will embrace harm reduction philosophy to go deeper into the context of self-injury on both an individual and social level. We will also explore how letting go of force and coercion can open new avenues of support. This includes managing our own fears so they don't get in the way or drive us to do something that is more harm than help!
This workshop is open to anyone including clinicians, peer supporters, family members, first responders and others interested in learning how to better support a person who is self-injuring.
This workshop will cover:
Reasons why people self-injure
Different types of self-injury
How to effectively support people who are self-injuring
Training Dates:
Tuesday, June 24th
Thursday, June 26th
Both days will run from 12-4pm Eastern Time (11am-3pm Central / 10am-2pm Mountain / 9am-1pm Pacific).
A note about cost: Tickets are available on a sliding scale. However, if the current prices are not accessible for you or if you are a Wildflower employee who should be registering for free, please e-mail us at[email protected] so we can work with you to get registered.
Many trainings on self-injury are ineffective because they focus on pathologizing the experience and trying to force people to stop. In this workshop, we will embrace harm reduction philosophy to go deeper into the context of self-injury on both an individual and social level. We will also explore how letting go of force and coercion can open new avenues of support. This includes managing our own fears so they don't get in the way or drive us to do something that is more harm than help!
This workshop is open to anyone including clinicians, peer supporters, family members, first responders and others interested in learning how to better support a person who is self-injuring.
This workshop will cover:
Reasons why people self-injure
Different types of self-injury
How to effectively support people who are self-injuring
Training Dates:
Tuesday, June 24th
Thursday, June 26th
Both days will run from 12-4pm Eastern Time (11am-3pm Central / 10am-2pm Mountain / 9am-1pm Pacific).
A note about cost: Tickets are available on a sliding scale. However, if the current prices are not accessible for you or if you are a Wildflower employee who should be registering for free, please e-mail us at[email protected] so we can work with you to get registered.
Join us on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 9am PDT, 12pm EDT, 5pm BST, 7pm CEST
Many people who experience psychosis have difficulties with motivation and connection (commonly referred to as “negative symptoms”) that make them the least likely to engage in psychosocial treatments. Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis was developed with the intent of reaching these people. Instead of focusing on symptoms or problems, it works by connecting with the person’s interests and supporting their aspirations, helping them to recover and gain the life they want.
In this webinar, we will review the fundamentals of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy, including the basic model and research. We will discuss clinical applications, providing a taste for providers interested in trying out the treatment now. We will also introduce a new book designed to help individuals with psychosis find ways to recover and live well, along with how providers can use this book in their work with such individuals. The writing process behind the book will also be discussed.
Single Ticket: Attendees can pay what they wish, with a recommended donation of $10-40 USD. Funds will support Mad in America’s work as a non-profit organization. We understand that not everyone can afford the expense at this time. Please type in the code recovery for a free ticket as needed.
GET FREE ACCESS TO EVENTS! As an alternative to buying a single ticket, you may opt to become an MIA donor for $5 USD per month or $20 USD per year. All active MIA donors receive free access to our events and unrestricted access to our content. Please see our donate page to sign up. Once signed up as a donor, you will receive an automated email with your free event access code. You will enter this code at the Eventbrite checkout instead of a credit card.
Ask a Question: If you'd like to submit a question for the panel, please email it to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the start of the event. We will review all questions and choose those most relevant to the audience and topic. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the discussion. Thank you!
About the Presenter
Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, where he employs evidence-based treatments to help people recover from serious mental health conditions. He is also Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Brinen is a codeveloper of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), and has been active in adapting CT-R for different settings and training therapists from around the world.
About the Book, Living Well with Psychosis: Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life
While mental health is thankfully no longer a taboo topic, the experience of psychosis is still highly stigmatized. Leading psychologist Aaron P. Brinen busts myths and helps readers build the lives they want in this empowering book. An expert in recovery from serious mental illness, Dr. Brinen provides step-by-step guidance for becoming a strong self-advocate, navigating treatment options, managing symptoms that cause distress, connecting with others, and pursuing school and work goals. The brief, engaging chapters are warm and compassionate, with downloadable practical tools expressly designed to boost energy and motivation for getting out into the world. Readers can read this book cover to cover or dip into it any time they need extra support to live well and feel good.
To order the book with a 15% discount (good through 10/31/25) go to this link and in the box for "special promotional prices" enter the code "MIA2025" then click "apply."
About the Host
Ron Unger draws on his own experiences with extreme states of mind to guide his work as a therapist and educator specializing in humanistic approaches to “psychosis.” His special interests are in the intersection of trauma and psychosis, and in addressing cultural, spiritual, and philosophical issues and differences within treatment. He explores diverse perspectives on tricky mental states and possible pathways toward transformation, recovery, and healing, on his blog at recoveryfrompsychosis.org.
Summer camp for mad people, survivors, neurodivergent and escapees from psychiatry. Food nature fun music friendship community. Retreat center in rural Austria, inviting people world-wide. Scholarships available. Applications now open. Check out www.madcampeurope.net.
Summer camp for mad people, survivors, neurodivergent and escapees from psychiatry. Food nature fun music friendship community. Retreat center in rural Austria, inviting people world-wide. Scholarships available. Applications now open. Check out www.madcampeurope.net.
Summer camp for mad people, survivors, neurodivergent and escapees from psychiatry. Food nature fun music friendship community. Retreat center in rural Austria, inviting people world-wide. Scholarships available. Applications now open. Check out www.madcampeurope.net.
Summer camp for mad people, survivors, neurodivergent and escapees from psychiatry. Food nature fun music friendship community. Retreat center in rural Austria, inviting people world-wide. Scholarships available. Applications now open. Check out www.madcampeurope.net.
