Hear from our experts
Looking for a speaker, training, or expert voice?
We’re here to support your organization or audience with practical, compassionate expertise.
trusted voices in our field
Our team of professionals is here to educate, inform, and support our community through training, outreach, and media engagement.
Media & Speaking Requests
Our experienced team is available to provide expert insight on a range of behavioral health topics for media interviews, speaking engagements, and community discussions.
Community Trainings
We offer engaging, evidence-based trainings designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations better understand complex topics around behavioral health and other social services.
why work with us
Directions for Living brings deep expertise and real-world experience to every training and conversation, helping audiences better understand complex topics and feel empowered to take action.
media & speaking engagements
Connect with an expert
Our experienced professionals are available to provide expert insight on a range of behavioral health and social service topics for media interviews, speaking engagements, and community discussions.
We regularly collaborate with journalists, organizations, and community partners to help inform the public, elevate important issues, and provide clear, compassionate guidance on complex topics.
in the news
DFL has been featured in local and regional media for its leadership in behavioral health and community services. Our experts are frequently called upon to provide insight on topics impacting individuals and families across our community.
Recent coverage includes:
ABC Tampa Bay 28
ACE test can reveal how traumatic fights impact a child’s mental wellbeing
Spectrum Bay News 9
Directions for Living fulfills wish lists for hundreds of Bay area children
ABC 27 WTXL, Tallahassee: The number of Baker Act exams are down, but for children are at a historic high
community trainings
Our President and CEO, April Lott, and leadership team have delivered engaging, highly rated trainings nationwide for more than 30 years. Grounded in trauma-informed care, we equip professionals and organizations with practical tools to better support their communities.
Compassion Fatigue: When Helping Hurts
Compassion fatigue is a real and growing challenge for those in the helping professions. Even the most skilled and dedicated staff can feel its impact when working closely with children and families who have experienced significant trauma. This training equips administrators and clinicians with the tools to recognize early signs and symptoms, understand contributing factors, and create supportive, sustainable work environments. Participants will leave with practical, actionable strategies to manage stress, strengthen resilience, and promote long-term wellbeing—helping teams remain effective, engaged, and healthy in the work they do every day
Understanding Sexual Abuse Accommodation syndrome (2 part series)
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS) is a comprehensive two-part training designed to help you recognize abuse, prevent harm, and respond in ways that best support children.
Part 1: Grooming Uncovered: What Every Child-Serving Professional Needs to Know
This foundational training examines how child sexual abuse occurs, who commits it, and how it can be prevented. Participants will learn the six stages of grooming, understand the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and gain prevention-focused strategies to better protect children. The session also challenges common myths about offenders and highlights how abuse often occurs within trusted environments.
Part 2: Recognize, Respond, Support: Helping Children Impacted by Sexual Abuse
This training focuses on how children experience and respond to sexual abuse and how professionals can best support them. Participants will learn the five categories of Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome, gain insight into common but often misunderstood victim responses, and develop skills to respond to disclosures with understanding, support, and effective advocacy.
The Impact of Trauma on Family Functioning & Child Well-Being
This training explores how trauma shapes family dynamics and impacts both children and caregivers within the dependency system. The session offers candid insight into gaps in community awareness while equipping participants with a deeper understanding of trauma’s effects. Attendees will learn to recognize key indicators of trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome patterns, apply a trauma-informed lens to their work, and strengthen prevention and safety planning with families—building more responsive, informed, and supportive systems of care.
mental health first aid
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training to teach participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps trainees identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We offer Mental Health First Aid courses tailored to every role: adults supporting adults, adults supporting youth, teens supporting their peers, and first responders—empowering everyone with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.
The completion of the 8-hour course earns participants Mental Health First Aider Certification through the National Council for Behavioral Health, which is valid for three years. Certification is ideal for educators, community volunteers, social service providers, business leaders, training departments, supervisors and organizations dealing directly with the public. Anyone is able and encouraged to take this course.
request a training
Interested in bringing a training to your organization or event? Whether selecting from our existing topics above or developing a customized experience, we’re here to help. Reach out for more information.
Please note: Fees may vary based on location and training type. Discounted rates are available for nonprofit organizations.