After clinicians have assessed the client’s suicide risk level, the use of appropriate interventions is essential to manage and treat suicidal ideation. Understanding the dynamics of suicide treatment and how best to support suicidal clients is essential. This training will explain the suicide mode and learners will have a deeper understanding of the variables that lead to suicide risk. The foundations of mindfulness and its benefits for mental health will be presented. Learners will discover methods of integrating mindfulness exercises into clinical work to support suicidal clients. Attention will also be focused on the use of mindfulness for clinicians when working with suicidal clients.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the dynamics and pattern of “the suicide mode”.
- Provide a rationale for the value of mindfulness in general mental health.
- Describe specific mindfulness-based approaches for use with suicidal clients.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Suicide as a Learned Response
- Suicide viewed as a coping mechanism for distress and hopelessness
- Influenced by perceived pain as intolerable, interminable, and inescapable
- Internal and external reinforcement sustains suicidal thinking
- Clinical model: “The Suicide Mode” explains the cyclical nature of suicidal ideation
Objective #2: Foundations of Mindfulness
- Paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment
- Reduces reactivity and increases emotional awareness
- Introduced through breath, body awareness, and acceptance practices
- Enhances capacity for clients and clinicians to stay grounded in distress
Objective #3: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness to interrupt negative spirals
- Supports detachment from intrusive thoughts and emotional overidentification
- Cultivates self-compassion and reduces the need for avoidance
- Case study (Maria): MBCT helped reduce substance use and increase self-regulation
Objective #4: Clinical Impact of Mindfulness
- Reduces rumination, catastrophizing, avoidance, and cognitive reactivity
- Improves emotional regulation, self-compassion, resilience, and well-being
- Enhances cognitive flexibility and future orientation
- Supported by research as effective in reducing suicidal ideation
Objective #5: Defusion and Nonjudgmental Awareness
- Thoughts are not facts—mindfulness allows observation without attachment
- Defusion techniques: “I am having the thought that…”
- Encourages curiosity about suicidal thoughts instead of immediate response
- Shifts client identity from “I am suicidal” to “I’m noticing a suicidal thought”
Objective #6: Therapist Mindfulness and Self-Regulation
- Clinicians benefit from mindfulness to manage emotional reactions
- Reduces burnout, increases empathy, and strengthens therapeutic presence
- Tools: breath focus, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding, self-compassion statements
- Allows clinicians to approach high-risk sessions with steadiness and clarity
Objective #7: Clinical Practice and Case Integration
- Reverse case study analysis fosters reflection and skill application
- Using mindfulness to interrupt the “auto-pilot” mode in suicidal ideation
- Clients report changes in relationship with thoughts and improved coping
- Key learning includes reinforcing early warning awareness and compassion
Objective #8: Mindfulness Interventions for Clients
- Urge surfing, sensory grounding, and nonjudgmental observation
- Visualization, meditations, metaphor, movement, and breathing techniques
- Integration of DBT and ACT skills with mindfulness
- Individualized use of tools like whiteboards, videos, or self-help apps
Objective #9: Mindfulness in Medical and Crisis Settings
- Introduce small, portable skills with repetition and visual support
- Psychoeducation as intervention: normalize symptoms and skills
- Safety planning includes specific mindfulness strategies and goals
- Use structured worksheets and external tools for reinforcement
Resources and Continued Practice
- Handouts and tools: Daily Mindfulness, MAAS, Urge Surfing Guide
- Recommended books: The Power of Now, The Mindful Therapist, Sitting Together
- Websites: Now Matters Now, Self-Compassion.org, Mindfulness Studies
- Continued education through guided practices, TED Talks, and clinical supervision
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 10/09/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com