Suicide is the most common psychological emergency that therapists will encounter, and it is on the rise. For mental health professionals with an active clinical practice, suicide is an occupational hazard that can be both emotionally and practically devastating. Recent research has identified suicide-specific therapies that are effective in treating both suicidal ideation and behavior. Most therapists are not aware of them nor have they been trained in them, so most suicidal clients do not receive these potentially lifesaving treatments. This online course with suicidologist Dr. Lisa Firestone will provide an invaluable opportunity for therapists to become familiar with these empirically validated, evidence-based treatments for suicide that are fast becoming the standard of care.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most important techniques/tools for assessing suicidal risk
• Recognize innovative and effective suicide therapies that will allow clinicians to be more effective with suicidal clients
• Activate strategies to minimize the risk of successful lawsuits or sanctions
• Find effective coping strategies for the emotional impact of working with clients who attempt suicide or actually commit suicide
• Implement effective state-of-the-art crisis interventions for suicidal patients that will allow clinicians to practice to the standard of care
• Recognize risk factors and warning signs for suicide

Presented By: 

Lisa Firestone, PhD is the Director of Research and Education at the Glendon Association and Senior Editor for www.psychalive.org

She has been involved in clinical training and research in the areas of suicide and violence which resulted in the development of the assessments Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST )and  (FASI) and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT), for adults and adolescents. Dr. Firestone is the author of numerous articles, chapters and books including:  Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion and The Self under Siege and is a clinical psychologist in private practice and consultant on the management of high risk clients.