Comments from an ASIST Training for Trainers (T4T)

These comments were gathered from one ASIST Training for Trainers (T4T). They are typical.

“Thanks a million for the most tremendous training experience I’ve been associated with in my 15 years of practice. I enjoyed the “connectedness” of each section and the preparedness and knowledge base of the trainers. Every mental health professional at the bare minimum MUST have this so that suicide intervention can be passed onto others. It would only enhance their effectiveness and sense of community and caring.”

“One of the best learning experiences I have had. The practice time, checkout, questioning etc. is essential. I regret that we did not deal with every component. The personal experiences I had in learning the components was very important for my own process.”

“FANTASTIC! A real growing experience! The most challenging course I have ever taken! Every activity expanded my knowledge, my skills and my personal awareness. It’s just a starting point. I have a lot more work do do, to do the course justice.”

“Very well structured. Everything that we say or do as a trainer has a reason, an application. Very intelligently prepared.”

“Intense! Enlightening! Exciting! Excellent! Exhausting! Rewarding! I found the T4T course outstanding as it provided an opportunity to practice and process. Great leaders too. Many thanks!”

“I thought the course was excellent. I enjoyed the large group-small group format and the impermanence of any specific small group after the two days. Having contact with each trainer was appropriate for me as it inhibited bonding and exposed us to varied styles/approaches of trainers. I’m excited about this program and optimistic that I will become very involved in the future and move toward expertise as I experience giving workshops to varied groups both in my career location and the community. (To the trainers)—I appreciate your involvement in your work and your enthusiasm for it, and your personal approach!”

“Worthwhile. Practical. Will use. Thank you.”

“Great! Well done to all training staff. Thank you.”

“Enjoyed each day more than the previous.”

“It was very educational and positive. It gave me tools to work with and implement in my community. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to receive these types of skills.”

“I was very impressed. It was a delightful learning experience. Practice time was very profitable. Thank you for energy and knowledge.”

“I liked it all! There was a lot to learn and everyone was helpful. It’s always a great experience to meet new people and learn from them.”

“Very professional. Thanks for a thorough job.”

“I really enjoyed the training and I learned a lot about suicide prevention.”

“I very much enjoyed your workshop and most certainly the learning by experience. I am most eager to attend the more advanced training and would like more information on that. Thank you very much!”

“Very comprehensive. Excellent teaching — learning techniques by using verbal, written and visual aids including role playing, etc.”

“The unfolding of layer upon layer of internally consistent stuff was amazing. The most tightly designed thing I have ever seen. Even more amazing, you never even notice it. It just happens.”

“Of great value from the point of view of experiential learning. Putting workshop together physically and emotionally. Helped me to understand the process of the workshop experience and how to keep the focus of each section on track, and how to handle the dynamics of small groups.”

“Appreciated effort by the trainers to help us link the building blocks of material presented, experience of learning by practice and trainers indicating to participants the learning and changes in behavior demonstrated by participants. Encouragement throughout to persevere. Provided a comfortable learning environment and helped us develop the motivation to address our local issues in regard to suicidal behavior.”

“I’m very impressed with this program—with the level of dedication and professionalism and commitment on the part of all facilitators. I found both the coaching sessions and presentation sessions very helpful. Thank very, very much for your work and your caring.”

“Training was great but the thing I will remember most was how comfortable I felt doing an intervention with a family member in the midst of this all.”