PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In this new theory of suicidal behavior, three factors are proposed that mark those most at risk of death: the feeling of being a burden on loved ones; the sense of isolation; and, perhaps chillingly, the learned ability to hurt oneself. This theory has been tested against diverse facts taken from clinical anecdotes, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology, epidemiology, genetics, and neurobiology--facts about suicide rates among men and women; white and African-American men; anorexics, athletes, prostitutes, and physicians; members of cults, sports fans, and citizens of nations in crisis. As a result of this research, the presenter will share the implications of the theory for clinical work with suicidal patients. This program is aimed at the intermediate to advanced skill level.

FACULTY: Thomas Joiner, PhD, is Distinguished Research Professor and The Bright-Burton Professor in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, where his work is on the psychology, neurobiology, and treatment of suicidal behavior and related conditions. Author of over 385 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Joiner was recently awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Residency Fellowship. He was elected Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and received the Young Investigator Award from the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the Shakow Award for Early Career Achievement from the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association, the Shneidman Award for excellence in suicide research from the American Association of Suicidology, and the Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions from the American Psychological Association, as well as research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and various foundations.  Dr. Joiner is on the Board of Advisors for the magazine “Men’s Health”, and appears in the magazine multiple times per year in the “Ask the Experts” section. He is editor of the American Psychological Association’s, “Clinician’s Research Digest”, editor of the “Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology”, and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, “Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior”, and he has authored or edited fifteen books, including, “Why People Die By Suicide”, published in 2005 by Harvard University Press, and “Myths and Misunderstandings About Suicidal Behavior”, in press, also with Harvard University Press. Largely in connection with “Why People Die By Suicide”, he has made numerous radio, print, and television appearances, including write-ups in “The Wall Street Journal”, “Men’s Health”, and “The Times of London”, a radio interview on the Leonard Lopate Show in New York, and two appearances on the Dr. Phil Show. He runs a part-time clinical and consulting practice specializing in suicidal behavior, including legal consultation for suits involving death by suicide. He grew up in Georgia, went to college at Princeton and received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• discuss the facts about the epidemiology and risk factors for death by suicide,

• discuss a new theory of suicidal behavior,

• identify the anecdotal, clinical, and scientific evidence that evaluates this new theory,

• evaluate various approaches to suicide risk assessment,

• discuss developments in the treatment of suicidal behavior,

• discuss developments in suicide prevention,

• understand the experience of people who are bereaved by suicide.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: psychologists, social workers, licensed professionals counselors, physicians, nurses, and all interested healthcare professionals.

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM             Registration, Sign-In, and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM          Why People Die by Suicide: A Comprehensive
                                             Theory and Precursors of Serious Suicidality

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM       Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM       Why People Die by Suicide: A Comprehensive
                                            Theory and Precursors of Serious Suicidality (cont’)

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM         Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM          Suicide Risk Assessment

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM          Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM          Suicide Prevention
                                          Other Clinical Issues

4:30 PM                           Program Closing and Evaluation

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

[ APA ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 6  CE credits.

[ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.  Provider #5927.

[ CME ] -- The VA Employee Education System designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ^TM.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

[ CNE ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP 11270.  This program is approved for 6 credit hours.