Some clients will experience suicidal thoughts that can be disturbing and create a desire to understand and rid themselves of these incidents as soon as possible. And then, sometimes we encounter clients who describe themselves as consistently having thoughts of suicide, perhaps with a desire to curb them, and perhaps also finding solace in these thoughts. What is the difference and how can we, as clinicians, better address the clients that have overwhelmingly been immersed in these thoughts for so long? In this training, we will address some of the root causes of these thoughts and find ways to redirect them without negating the needs underneath.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the root causes of chronic suicidal ideation
- Relay the science and understanding regarding these to clients
- Be able to provide interventions to assist clients with managing these thoughts with skills
Syllabus:
Introduction and Definitions
- Define suicide, suicide attempt, passive suicide, indirect suicide, parasuicide, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
- Emphasize the importance of using person-first and non-stigmatizing language
- Present national statistics on suicide and related behaviors
Objective #1: Root Causes and Psychological Patterns
- Discuss common cognitive and emotional themes linked to suicidal ideation including guilt, shame, burdensomeness, and hopelessness
- Introduce Joiner’s theory of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness
- Highlight chronic suicidality as “egosyntonic” versus acute suicidality as “egodystonic”
Objective #2: Understanding Chronic Suicidality
- Describe characteristics including multiple attempts, frequent hospitalizations, and personality disorder diagnoses
- Discuss the limited efficacy and potential harm of repeated inpatient hospitalization for chronic suicidality
- Explore neurobiological, psychological, and environmental contributors to chronic suicidal ideation
Objective #3: Complex Trauma and the Link to Suicidality
- Explain complex trauma as repeated interpersonal trauma during early development
- Discuss its impact on attachment, identity formation, and long-term emotional regulation
- Describe passive suicidality and fluctuating suicidal ideation in trauma survivors
Objective #4: Theories and Models of Suicidality
- Introduce the Diathesis-Stress Model and Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS)
- Present Acute Suicidal Affective Disturbance (ASAD) and its comparison to SCS
- Emphasize identification of acute vs chronic presentations and appropriate responses
Objective #5: Evidence-Based Treatment Models
- Outline Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques including cognitive restructuring and problem-solving
- Describe Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance
- Present the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) approach and safety planning process
Objective #6: Intervention Skills and Safety Planning
- Use the CAMS framework for collaborative safety plan development
- Identify internal and external coping strategies, supportive contacts, and steps for crisis intervention
- Develop personalized safety and follow-up plans with ongoing monitoring
Objective #7: Working with Suicidal Thoughts
- Frame suicidal ideation as a problem-solving strategy or emotion regulation attempt
- Use Socratic questioning and validation to explore underlying concerns
- Employ small steps to restore hope and capability through task-based intervention
Objective #8: Changing Cognitive Relationships
- Use CPT to address suicide-specific stuck points and challenge core beliefs
- Reframe unlovability, unbearability, and unsolvability as cognitive distortions
- Emphasize that thoughts are not facts and reinforce problem-solving alternatives
Objective #9: DBT Skill Application and Stage-Based Approach
- Introduce DBT skills for managing suicidal urges and emotional distress
- Follow DBT stages from crisis stabilization to long-term goal development
- Incorporate skills into daily life including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional resilience
Objective #10: Building Hope and Protective Factors
- Focus on connection, meaning-making, emotional regulation, and physical health
- Strengthen protective factors including community, spiritual beliefs, and clinical care
- Encourage survivor-focused practices like creating a “survivor box” and affirmations
Emerging Treatments and Resources
- Present medical interventions including ketamine, TMS, and vagus nerve stimulation
- Share practical and accessible tools from The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook and other therapeutic resources
- Highlight federal, community, and culturally specific resources for suicide prevention
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: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 6/20/2024
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.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com