Course duration: one day
Overview
Mental health experiences are shaped by a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. While diagnostic terms such as schizophrenia and personality disorders remain widely used, contemporary practice increasingly recognises the importance of understanding the individual behind the diagnosis and the factors that contribute to their experiences. This interactive course introduces participants to the bio-psycho-social model and the stress vulnerability framework, helping them to develop a more compassionate, trauma-informed understanding of mental distress. Rather than focusing solely on diagnostic labels, the course explores a range of common mental health experiences and equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of distress, respond appropriately and support individuals within their professional role.
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the bio-psycho-social model and the stress-vulnerability framework, recognising how biological, psychological and social factors interact to influence mental health.
• Develop an understanding of distress and emotional regulation, including factors that contribute to emotional dysregulation, self-harm and complex emotional needs.
• Develop an understanding of altered perceptions and psychosis, including experiences such as hearing voices, unusual beliefs and paranoia, and how these relate to diagnoses such as schizophrenia.
• Recognise the signs, risk factors and support needs associated with eating disorders and disordered eating, understanding the links between physical and mental health.
• Challenge common myths and stigma surrounding complex mental health experiences and adopt person-centred, recovery-oriented approaches.
• Respond appropriately and compassionately to individuals experiencing mental distress, maintaining professional boundaries and recognising when additional support or referral is required.
Who should attend?
This course is suitable for frontline workers and practitioners working across health, social care, housing, education, community and voluntary services, as well as anyone who may encounter individuals experiencing complex mental health difficulties as part of their role.
If you would like to book onto this course, please contact Erin Patterson at ErinPatterson@warwickshire.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact The Learning Partnership warwickshirelearninganddevelopmentpartnership@warwickshire.gov.uk