The VCVC model—Validation, Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Community—is a crucial framework in addressing mental health due to its comprehensive and empathetic approach to interpersonal dynamics and emotional well-being. Validation acknowledges and respects individuals' feelings and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and acceptance that can be deeply validating and empowering. Curiosity encourages a non-judgmental exploration of one's thoughts and emotions, promoting self-awareness and insight into underlying issues. Vulnerability emphasizes the courage and honesty needed to share one's struggles, fostering genuine connections and reducing feelings of isolation. Community underpins the entire model, promoting kindness towards oneself and others, which is essential for building resilience and maintaining healthy relationships. Together, these principles create a supportive environment conducive to growth, healing, and mental well-being.

History of the Alt2Su Approach

This training is based on the Alternatives to Suicide approach, developed by the Wildflower Alliance in 2008. The approach began as peer support groups visioned, created and facilitated by and for people who have or are struggling with suicidal thoughts. It has since grown into an approach that can aid anyone (family, friends, providers, first responders, peer supporters and more) to navigate situations that involve speaking about, sitting with, understanding and moving through thoughts of wanting to die.

 
Wildflower Alliance has developed V-C-V-C as a harm reduction dialogue model, and more in-depth online training is available at: https://wildfloweralliance.org/trainings/ 

Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) is built on a foundation that centers:

• responsibility to - not responsibility for

• responses to injustice

• consent and choice

• healing in communities