Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) via Second Life- Day One

This intensive two-day module provides training in the assessment and treatment of suicidal ideation and behavior. Participants will receive in-depth training in cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention and will have the opportunity to practice assessment and intervention strategies. Video demonstrations and participant role-plays will be used in class to practice key assessment and treatment techniques. The module lays the foundation for working with suicidal patients by providing a detailed review of the epidemiology of suicide both in the civilian population and within the military/Veteran community. Participants will be introduced to the Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS), a nomenclature supported by the DoD/VA for self-directed violence and suicidal behavior. In addition, a review of several theories of suicide will be covered, as well as risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior. The module is designed for behavioral health providers working with Service members and Veterans who are seeking in-depth training in empirically supported treatment options they can immediately incorporate into their clinical practice. The training will provide hands-on practice activities and is geared toward an actively involved audience through discussion and in workshop activities. Participants must attend both days, as the course material is cumulative. Participants must attend using a separate computer rather than joining a group of people viewing via one computer.

This course will be held online through Second Life. If you are unfamiliar with Second Life, we HIGHLY recommend watching these brief orientation videos we have created to introduce Second Life to new participants. Full attendance on both days is required. We will take attendance manually at the start, end and throughout the workshop. Attendees must participate using a separate computer rather than joining a group of people viewing via one machine to acquire credit for attendance. To be successful in a course offered through Second Life, participants will need to complete multiple steps before the start of training. Step-by-step technical support is provided within the course itself, and trained staff are available to assist as needed.

Have or create a Second Life account (link here)
Download the Second Life Viewer application (link here)
Attend a MANDATORY CDP Open House for proficiency in Second Life. (sign-up in purchase confirmation email)

If you require technical assistance with the above steps, please feel free to contact our Technical Support Specialist, Mr. Phil Thompkins at pthompkins@deploymentpsych.org. For questions regarding the training itself, please reach out to the manager of the workshop, Mr. Aric Bowie at abowie@deploymentpsych.org.

A functioning microphone is MANDATORY to attend, in order to hear the presenters and participate in the role-play sessions. Headphones are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to reduce audio feedback and echoing effects.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate between rates of suicide in civilian and military populations and identify the clinical implications of these differences.
Categorize suicidal and non-suicidal thoughts and behaviors in relation to clinical assessment.
Communicate several warning signs for suicide that inform decisions about clinical interventions.
Apply at least one psychological theory of suicide to the process of clinical assessment and treatment planning.
Incorporate suicide risk and protective factors unique to military populations into overall risk assessment for suicide.
Scrutinize unique challenges associated with suicide risk assessment and prediction in the clinical setting.
Assess risk for suicide in a manner that is sensitive to both proximal and distal risk factors.
Collaborate with a patient to complete a safety plan.
Use means safety counseling in patient interactions to improve clinical outcomes.
Create a timeline of a patient's suicidal crisis for use in treatment.
Evaluate key negative thoughts associated with the intent to die by suicide as related to clinical practice.
Apply CBT formulation of suicide using the expanded case conceptualization model of the suicidal crisis.
Implement cognitive, behavioral and affective coping strategies utilized in CBT-SP to help patients cope with suicide urges.
Characterize the modifications to standard behavioral activation when applied within the CBT-SP protocol.
Utilize the guided imagery exercise as part of the relapse prevention protocol for CBT-SP.

Agenda:

Day One

1100 – 1115 Check-In

1115 – 1130 Introduction & Course Overview 1130 – 1150 Epidemiology of Suicide

1150 – 1230 Nomenclature

1230 – 1300 Risk and Protective Factors

1300 – 1320 Theoretical Underpinnings: Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide Risk – Dr. Thomas Joiner

1320 – 1340 Theoretical Underpinnings: Three-Step Theory of Suicide –

Drs. David Klonsky and Alexis May

1340 – 1355 Break

1355 – 1415 Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention –

Empirical support for CBT

1415 – 1500 Intro to Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention

Theory of CBT

Structure of treatment

Session structure

1500 – 1520 CBT for Suicide Prevention, Early Phase of Treatment – Overview

1520 – 1620 Lunch

1620 – 1655 Fluid Vulnerability Theory

1655 – 1825 CBT for Suicide Prevention, Early Phase of Treatment –

Conducting a suicide risk assessment

Suicide risk continuum

Suicide risk assessment role play

1825 – 1840 Break

1840 – 1910 Narrative Description

1910 – 1945 Constructing a Timeline

1945 – 2000 Questions and Wrap-up

2000 Adjourn

Please note that break times are approximate and subject to change.

This activity is in review for continuing education credits (CEs).

The Center for Deployment Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center for Deployment Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.