Speaker in the Spotlight at the Nov. 3 Fall Symposium on Suicide Prevention

Date: Friday, Nov. 3, 2023; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: City of Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401

SPEAKER: Geoff Smith, PsyD, Section Chief, Veterans Affairs

SESSION: Suicide Prevention - Integrating Suicide Research, Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness

Supporting people struggling with suicidal thinking and behavior is one of the most daunting aspects of practice facing Psychologists. This (3) hour workshop will provide instruction and practice with useful concepts and tools for Psychologists to help clients understand the nature of their suicidal thinking, how to unhook from the that struggle, and then move toward coping differently while building purpose, connection, and meaning as new sustainable protective factors. An overview of current rates of prevalence, general suicide risk factors, and key research by Thomas Joyner will provide a conceptual foundation and inflection points for suicide prevention interventions. Behavioral Chain Analysis (BCA) and the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) will be thoroughly discussed as vital core methods. These tools are borne of cognitive behavioral science, and yet can be enhanced by specific Evidence Based Psychotherapy (EBP) interventions. EBPs reviewed in this presentation will include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) among others. Workshop Participants will practice in small groups applying how EBPs can supercharge the BCA and SPI processes. Recent findings in cognitive neuroscience, theories of evolutionary psychology, and mindfulness practice will then be discussed to anchor recommended suicide prevention clinical interventions. Specific attention will be paid to neuro-plasticity and predictive cognition, kinship reciprocity, and mindfulness exercises for later clinical implementation. Participants will finally integrate knowledge through practice in dyads using their own clinical examples to build familiarity and confidence.

See sponsor/exhibitor opportunities here.

Happy Hour/PAC Event to Follow at 4:30 p.m. -- First Drink on CPA!!
New Terrain Brewing Company - RSVP/Register

Click here for more information and to register.