CBT Strategies for Suicide

Course overview

CBT approaches offer effective support and intervention for clients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Participants will learn the core tenets of the CBT model as it applies to suicidality, including how cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral avoidance contribute to suicide risk. Through lecture, case examples, and guided practice, the course demonstrates how clinicians can use CBTs structured, collaborative, and transparent framework to better understand the drivers of suicidality and develop targeted, individualized treatment plans. The course also explores the concept of the "suicide mode," helping therapists recognize the cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral patterns that become activated during periods of heightened risk. Participants will be introduced to at least five CBT oriented intervention methods (including cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, problem-solving training, safety planning, and distress-management skills) that support clients in reducing suicidal urges and strengthening coping capacity.