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

This intensive 2-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 a 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 towards an actively involved audience through discussion and in workshop activities.  Participants must attend both days, as the course material is cumulative.

Course Level: Intermediate

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

Day Two

1100 – 1130 Check-In

1130 – 1200 Nomenclature Homework Review 

1200 – 1300 Crisis Intervention

Hospitalization Safety planning

Crisis response plan

Hope Box

1300 – 1315 Break

1315 – 1445 Means Safety Counseling 

Means Safety Counseling Role Play 

1445 – 1530 Treatment Planning and Cognitive Case Conceptualization 

1530 – 1630 Lunch

1630 – 1745 Intermediate Phase of Treatment

Behavioral strategies Coping strategies 

1745 – 1800 Break

1800 – 1845 Intermediate Phase of Treatment Continued 

Cognitive strategies

1845 – 1945 Later Phase of Treatment –

Review and consolidation of skills Relapse prevention

Review of goals and treatment planning

1945 – 2000 Questions

2000 Adjourn

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

This activity is approved for 14 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.