Lisa Firestone, Ph.D., instructor

A need clearly exists for more extensive training in treatment of suicidal clients, since 28% of psychotherapist have at least one patient die by suicide. Despite the difficulties inherent in dealing with suicidal clients, only 40% of all graduate programs in clinical psychology offer formal training in the study of suicide. The goals of the workshop are to: (1) provide the latest findings on warning signs and risk factors for suicide, (2) offer a conceptual model and a developmental perspective on the dynamics underlying suicide; (3) Explore the internal struggle the ambivalence of suicide through expert interviews and insight provided by 3 survivors of very lethal suicide attempts. (4) Address both objective assessment and the formation of clinical judgment. (5) Inform participants about recent research on empirically validated treatment approaches. (6) Provide participants with state of the art crisis management strategies and opportunities to practice them.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

·         Recognize common legal and ethical mistakes made by clinicians dealing with suicidal clients.

·         Summarize the psychiatric, psychological and social risk factors associated with suicide, through the use of proper assessment and interview techniques.

·         Utilize an objective assessment of suicide risk, and use the results to plan effective therapeutic interventions.

·         Describe the core dynamics operating in clients at risk for suicide.

·         Recognize clients’ negative thought patterns and attitudes that influence self destructive and suicidal behavior.

·         Plan appropriate crisis interventions and case management strategies for suicidal patients, using empirically validated methodology for the long-term treatment of suicidal clients.

·         Apply the legal and ethical standards of care in the management of suicidal patients.

Program Code: WW64
6 CE Credits
Location: at MSPP, Newton

Lisa Firestone, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Director of Research and Education at The Glendon Association. She is involved in clinical training and research on suicide and violence, resulting in the development of the Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST), the (FASI) and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT), published by PAR Publications. She is co-author of The Self under Siege, Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion and Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships. Dr. Firestone is a highly regarded workshop facilitator in the topics of suicide, violence and family relations.