Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention

An innovative treatment approach with a strong empirical evidence base, brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (BCBT) is presented in step-by-step detail in this authoritative manual. Leading treatment developers show how to establish a strong collaborative relationship with a suicidal patient, assess risk, and immediately work to establish safety. Proven interventions are described for building emotion regulation and crisis management skills and dismantling the patient's suicidal belief system.

The book includes case examples, sample dialogues, and 17 reproducible handouts, forms, scripts, and other clinical tools. The large-size format facilitates photocopying; purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials. For clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses.

Table of Contents

I. Background and Conceptual Foundation

1. Why Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Prevent Suicide?
2. Conceptualizing Suicide: The Suicidal Mode
3. Core Principles of Treatment with Suicidal Patients
4. Suicide Risk Assessment and Its Documentation
5. Monitoring Treatment Progress
6. An Overview of Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

II. The First Session

7. Describing the Structure of Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
8. Narrative Assessment
9. Treatment Log and Case Conceptualization
10. Crisis Response Plan

III. Phase One: Emotion Regulation and Crisis Management

11. Treatment Planning and Commitment to Treatment Statement
12. Means Safety Counseling and Crisis Support Plan
13. Targeting Sleep Disturbance
14. Relaxation and Mindfulness Skills Training
15. Reasons for Living List and Survival Kit

IV. Phase Two: Undermining the Suicidal Belief System

16. ABC Worksheets
17. Challenging Questions Worksheets
18. Patterns of Problematic Thinking Worksheets
19. Activity Planning and Coping Cards

V. Phase III: Relapse Prevention

20. Relapse Prevention Task and Ending Treatment

Appendix A. Patient Forms and Handouts

A1. The Suicidal Mode

A2. Patient Information Sheet about Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) to Prevent Suicide Attempts

A3. Treatment Plan Template

A4. Commitment to Treatment Statement

A5. Means Safety Plan

A6. Crisis Support Plan

A7. Improving Your Sleep Handout

A8. ABC Worksheet

A9. Challenging Questions Worksheet

A10. Patterns of Problematic Thinking Worksheet

Appendix B. Clinician Tools

B1. Fidelity Checklists

B2. Suicide Risk Assessment Documentation Template

B3. Crisis Response Plan Template

B4. Possible Warning Signs

B4. Common Self-Management Strategies

B5. Relaxation Script

B6. Mindfulness Script

"There are very few treatments specifically designed to reduce suicide risk. From leading figures in the field of suicide prevention, this is a timely, extremely useful book. Bryan and Rudd's evidence-based approach is accessible to any clinician trained in general principles of CBT. This book should be on the shelf of any CBT practitioner who sees patients with suicide ideation or attempts."
- David Klonsky, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada

"This is the definitive handbook for suicide prevention—it outlines the most effective treatment for reducing suicide attempts developed to date. BCBT is supported by solid scientific evidence emanating from the largest-ever clinical trials targeting high-risk suicidal patients. The book provides extensive details on the functional analysis of suicidal behavior—directly targeting suicidal thoughts and behaviors as the primary outcome—unlike typical approaches targeting psychiatric diagnoses or symptoms. A 'must read' for all behavioral health counselors."
- Alan L. Peterson, PhD, ABPP, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio