As an internationally recognized, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and mental health advocate, Kevin Briggs has shared his compelling story and personal experience on some of the world’s most respected platforms. His work has been featured in a TED Talk at the 2014 Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) Conference, as well as on NBC’s Access Live, Yahoo News, The New Yorker, Men’s Health, NPR’s Bob Edwards Radio Show, People Magazine, USA Today, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and numerous other outlets worldwide. His first book, Guardian of the Golden Gate, was released in July 2015. 

A retired California Highway Patrol sergeant, Briggs spent many years patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge, where he encountered individuals in profound emotional distress who were contemplating suicide. Through compassion, patience, and his philosophy of “Listen to Understand,” he helped guide several hundred people away from taking their lives and toward the possibility of a new beginning. These extraordinary efforts earned him the enduring nickname, “Guardian of the Golden Gate.”

Briggs served three years in the United States Army, three years with the California Department of Corrections, and 23 years with the California Highway Patrol. Since retiring from the CHP, he has dedicated his life to promoting mental health awareness, resilience, and hope worldwide. His personal journey includes surviving child abuse, battling cancer at age 20, undergoing heart surgery, and coping as a suicide loss survivor. He openly shares how faith, resilience, and post-traumatic growth have played a vital role in navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

Kevin Berthia is a Suicide Survivor, Advocate, and Speaker. Kevin pours his heart into sharing his powerful story of growing up in silence, always feeling the need to hide the unbearable pain he was in. Through high school and into his early twenties, Kevin was known as the life of the party. Until his very public suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge changed everything.

Since 2013 Kevin has captivated his audiences with his candidness about how he was able to overcome his pain and fully embrace himself in order to live his best life. He lives to inspire others to break their own silence and know that help is available. Kevin's story of HOPE has touched a diverse group of audiences all around the world including several magazine outlets along with local and national news stations. Kevin’s story was also featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Red Table Talk, and Dr. Phil Show. The photo of him standing on the chord was on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle and placed on the 75 most iconic photos of the 21st Century.

Kevin believes that having surviving an attempted suicide plays a major role in the prevention of additional suicides. No one knows more about the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow.

On a regular basis, therapists encounter individuals and families navigating overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness, trauma, and even suicidal thoughts. While clinical knowledge is essential, the quality of a single conversation often determines whether someone moves toward safety, connection, and hope. 

In this powerful and interactive presentation, retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Briggs—known internationally for helping save more than 200 people from suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge—and Kevin Berthia, a suicide attempt survivor, combine their unique perspectives to explore what truly helps people in emotional crisis. 

Through compelling storytelling, evidence-informed communication strategies, and practical clinical tools, participants will learn how to slow difficult conversations, reduce emotional intensity, strengthen therapeutic alliance, and create moments that foster hope and resilience. Attendees will leave with immediately applicable skills that enhance therapeutic effectiveness with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families experiencing emotional distress. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:  

• Apply at least one communication techniques that reduce emotional escalation and strengthen therapeutic connection during moments of crisis.
• Identify at least one language and responses that increase emotional safety while avoiding common communication pitfalls that unintentionally heighten distress. 
• Integrate at least one practical, trauma-informed conversational strategies into clinical work with clients experiencing suicidal ideation, overwhelming emotional pain, or significant life crises.