Implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy in Working with Suicidality Clients
$27.00
Cognitive processing therapy is effective in working with people living with trauma from a multitude of origins. It uses cognitive-based processing theory, with a twist, to address the most disturbing symptoms of PTSD in a short time. In this training, we will look at the evidence of using CPT specifically to address suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Upon Completion of the Training, Participants will be able to:
- Determine the data supporting the use of CPT for suicidality.
- Identify triggers for suicidality among those with PTSD that can interfere with treatment and worsen outcomes.
- Identify three cognitive processing techniques to address “stuck points”.
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Clinical, Trauma, Evidence Based Practices, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Recording Date: 6/18/2024
Recorded Live Webinar with downloadable presentation slides and/or handouts, evaluation, and a required quiz. The learner is required to pass with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test until a satisfactory score is achieved. CE Training Workshops, LLC, provider #1770, 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: 8/2/2022 – 8/2/2025. CE Training Workshops, 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. CE Training Workshops, 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. For more information about our policies and board approval statements, please visit our FAQS page.
Stacy Blankenship, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapist completing her training at The Linehan Institute in 2015.
Implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy in Working with Suicidality Clients (1.5 HR) Syllabus:
I. Foundations and Effectiveness of CPT
- Define CPT as a short-term, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Highlight CPT’s use for PTSD, depression, self-injurious behaviors, and suicidality
- Review research demonstrating reductions in suicidal ideation during CPT
- Present supporting data from Resick, Chard, Gallagher, Barnes, and others
- Emphasize CPT’s ability to improve maladaptive cognitions linked to suicidality
II. Understanding Suicidal Ideation in PTSD
- Examine thoughts correlated with suicidality: guilt, shame, burdensomeness, unlovability
- Explore the Joiner model (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness)
- Discuss the psychological impact of trauma on thought patterns and hopelessness
- Understand natural vs. manufactured emotions and their cognitive sources
III. CPT Theory and Treatment Model
- Outline the theoretical basis of CPT in social cognitive theory
- Explain how avoidance and cognitive distortions disrupt trauma recovery
- Emphasize the use of structured interventions to promote cognitive flexibility
- Review the standard and narrative-enhanced versions of CPT
IV. Psychoeducation and Early Interventions
- Introduce clients to the nature of suicidal thoughts and cognitive constriction
- Discuss the hopelessness equation: unmanageable events + hopelessness + invasive negativity
- Use the SAFE-T model for structured suicide assessment
- Develop comprehensive safety plans using client-specific protective factors and strategies
V. Identifying and Challenging Stuck Points
- Define stuck points as rigid, trauma-related cognitive distortions
- Categorize common themes: safety, trust, power/control, esteem, and intimacy
- Use worksheets to track and challenge stuck points throughout treatment
- Apply ABC worksheets and alternative thoughts exercises for cognitive restructuring
VI. Socratic Questioning in CPT
- Use open-ended, guided questions to challenge maladaptive beliefs
- Foster insight by helping clients explore evidence, assumptions, and implications
- Develop alternative, balanced thoughts to reduce emotional reactivity
- Incorporate clarification, probing, perspective-shifting, and consequence-based inquiries
VII. Emotional Processing in CPT
- Differentiate between natural emotions (fear, sadness, anger) and manufactured emotions (shame, guilt, blame)
- Help clients understand the origins of their emotional experiences
- Validate and accept natural emotions while restructuring distorted beliefs underlying manufactured ones
- Support clients in feeling and releasing natural emotional responses
VIII. Sustaining Change and Preparing for the Future
- Revisit and update stuck points as therapy progresses
- Identify potential post-treatment cognitive traps and address termination beliefs
- Reinforce cognitive shifts and emotional resilience
- Introduce mobile tools such as the CPT Coach app for ongoing skill application
