Burden No More: Strategies to Ease the Pain of Chronic Suicidal Thoughts

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Speaker

Kathryn H. Gordon, PhD Related seminars and products

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Kathryn H. Gordon, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: Cognitive Therapy Skills to Reduce Emotional Pain, Increase Hope, and Prevent Suicide. Prior to working as a therapist, she was a professor for ten years. She was recognized as an Inspiring Teacher for her classes about psychopathology, empirically supported therapy, and cultural diversity. Dr. Gordon is a mental health researcher who has published over eighty scientific articles and book chapters on suicidal behavior, disordered eating, and related topics. She blogs for Psychology Today and shares mental health information through her website, kathrynhgordon.com.

Speaker Disclosures
Financial: Dr. Kathryn Gordon has employment relationships with Equip and LifeStance Health. She receives a grant from The Centers for Disease Control. Dr. Gordon receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Kathryn Gordon is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the American Association of Suicidology.

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Objectives

1. Analyze the 3-step theory and interpersonal theory to improve treatment outcomes in clients with chronic suicidal thoughts  
2. Apply therapy tools adapted from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy frameworks as it relates to clinical treatment of clients with chronic suicidal ideation 
3. Identify collaborative cognitive-behavioral strategies for building hope, meaning, and purpose with clients who struggle with chronic suicidal ideation 

Outline

Understanding chronic suicidal thoughts  

• Identify the major risk factors from the 3-step theory of suicide (pain, hopelessness, connection, capacity for suicide) 
• Identify the major risk factors from the interpersonal theory of suicide (perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, capability for suicide) 
• Cultural considerations in conceptualization and care 

Cognitive-behavioral strategies to help soothe pain that drives suicidal thoughts 

• Safety planning, including identifying supportive people 
• Building hope by identifying reasons for optimism based on previous life experiences 
• Make meaning in the face of suffering by engaging in behaviors aligned with client-identified values 
• Healthy coping strategies that clients can use for emotion regulation in the face of suicidal thoughts, such as engaging in emotional uplifts and self-soothing 

Limitations of Research and Potential Risks 

• More research is needed on the effectiveness of treatments for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including strategies described in this presentation, including comparative studies that help clinicians evaluate the pros and cons of each approach (e.g., from CBT, DBT) 
• Clinicians will need to evaluate when a higher level of care is needed to remain safe 
• Clinicians should regularly assess the impact of therapeutic interventions, seek feedback from clients, and discontinue if any negative effects are observed. 

Target Audience

• Psychologists 
• Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors 
• Marriage & Family Therapists 
• Social Workers  
• Addiction Professionals 
• Psychiatrists/physicians 
• Case Managers 
• Nurses