Suicide: Prevention, Intervention & Postvention

Why do people kill themselves? How do I ask someone if they are feeling suicidal? What do I do if they say they ARE suicidal? How do I deal with the strong emotions suicide generates? This course will provide answers for these and other questions many of crisis interventionists have about suicide. It will provide participants with basic information about suicide as well as help participants develop practical skills for prevention, intervention and postvention. Small group role plays will allow participants to apply the suggested techniques as they are learned.

This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about intervening across the suicide spectrum. Professionals from the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress may all benefit.

Program Highlights

·  Common myths about suicide

·  Risk factors for suicidal behavior

·  Frequent motivations for suicide

·  Problem solving methods

·  Effective intervention strategies

·  Elements of effective postvention

·  Elements of survivor grief

·  Community referral sources

·  “Mini-lecture” on suicide

·  Feelings and reactions of suicide survivors

Learning Objectives:

1.    Recognize 8 common myths about suicide

2.    List risk factors for suicidal behavior

3.    Identify 7 frequent motivations for suicide

4.    Explain 2 problem solving methods for someone considering suicide

5.    Apply effective intervention strategies

6.    List elements of effective postvention

7.    Identify elements of survivor grief

8.    Generate a list of community referral sources

9.    Provide a 10-15 minute “mini lecture” on suicide

Completion of “Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention” and receipt of a certificate indicating full attendance (14 Contact Hours) qualifies as a class in ICISF’s Certificate of Specialized Training Program.

This CISM program of instruction has obtained credibility, as demonstrated by the involvement of the broader psychological practice, education, and science communities in studying or applying the findings, procedures, practices, or theoretical concepts.  It is been supported using established research procedures and scientific scrutiny.  This program has been peer reviewed, published support beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.  CISM is related to ethical, legal, statutory or regulatory policies, guidelines, and standards that impact psychology, mental health emergency management and public health. 

The presenter and host organization does not have any special (commercial) interest in providing this CE program.

This program respects cultural, individual and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status.

Continuing Education Information:  Two-Day Course 14 Contact Hour; 1.4 General CEUs from UMBC or 14 CE credits for psychologists for an extra $10.00

Who should attend:  1. Anyone from an emergency response organization that has significant field experience or  2. A mental health practitioner willing to serve as a mental health specialist on the team– masters or doctorate require – prefer experience with trauma clients.

Cost:  $200 via pre-registration                       Walk-Ins:  $250.00 Cash or Check
            Students:  $80.00 with current ID only.                       $30.00 reutrned check fee

Location:  3rd Floor conference room, One Park Place, 6148 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN  37421

Directions:    See MapQuest on this site

Dates:            October 21-22, 2010              Course Times: 9am-noon, 1pm-5pm

*All course times must be attended to qualify for the Certificate of Attendance and/or APA CEs.

Meals and snacks:  Meals will be on your own.  One clock hour will be provided for lunch.  Local restaurants are also available within driving distance.  Snacks will be available during both the morning and afternoon breaks.  Bring moneys for on-site vending machines. 

Non-discrimination:  Participation in this course is not limited to mental health professionals.  There will be no discrimination due to age, gender, rank, handicapping condition, ethnic, sexual or political orientation.  All facilities will be handicap accessible.

Registration Information: Sam D. Bernard, 423.322.3297,  sambernard@parfoundation.info

Cancellation Policy:  75% of the registration fee will be refunded if greater than 15 days notice is given prior to the course date.  No refunds will be given for less than 15 days notice due to the purchasing of course materials.  Cancellation notice must be in writing via fax, e-mail or USPS.  If the class does not acquire a sufficient number of participants, all registrants will be notified within 15 days of the course date.  Inclement weather cancellation will be determined by if Hamilton County Schools are in session during the winter months.

Continuing Education:   14 APA CEs

APA CE will be awarded upon successful completion of the CAPA APA CE Application, CAPA Evaluation form and a copy of Certificate of Attendance and/or Daily Registration Sign-In Sheet along with payment via check or cash of $10.00 per course per participant.  Participant may miss a maximum of one clock hour and still receive credit per course.  No provision will be made for partial credit. $30.00 returned check fee.

If you have any other comments or wish to register any complaints regarding the content, format, or other aspects of this program, you may contact Ed Smith, CAPA Continuing Education Coordinator,

(423) 425-4438, ed-smith@utc.edu

The Chattanooga Area Psychotherapy Association (CAPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CAPA maintains responsibility for the program and its content.

About the Instructor:                                             Sam D. Bernard, Ph.D.

Sam is President of Bernard & Associates, P.C. – his private practice focusing on trauma-based clients both civilian and military.  He is Executive Director and Lead Clinician of the PAR Foundation a Chattanooga based firm specializing in Disaster Psychology and Crisis Response.  He holds a PhD in counseling psychology with a focus on disaster psychology and crisis intervention and a masters in clinical psychology focusing on psychological testing. He completed a one year internship with Crisis Management International in Atlanta, GA and a one year residency in Disaster Psychology at Erlanger Healthcare’s Level One Trauma Center in Chattanooga, TN.  He is a licensed Senior Psychological Examiner – Health Service Provider in Tennessee, National Certified Counselor, National Certified Psychologist & Traumatologist.  Sam has joined a team of instructors with FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness and Nobel Training Center / SAIC in Anniston, AL where he teaches Advanced Public Information Officer.  He is also an instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation teaching Group, Peer/Individual, Group & Peer 3-day Course, Advanced Group, Suicide, School, Pastoral, Stress Management for the Trauma Provider, Team Evolution and Management, Building Skills, Grief Following Trauma, and Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications, Strategic Response to Crisis, Emotional & Spiritual Care in Disaster, Workplace CISM, From Trauma to Addictions, and The Changing Face of Crisis & Disaster Mental Health Intervention.  In Feb 2009, Sam co-presented a day-long pre-conference workshop on “Crisis Intervention with Elderly & Disabled People” for the 10^th World Congress of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Baltimore, MD. He is an instructor with Green Cross Projects teaching various Traumatology courses and Compassion Fatigue.  A Red Cross volunteer since 1975 (15 year old), Sam has been done maintenance on CPR manikins, served as lifeguard, instructor in CPR, First Aid, HIV-AIDS Education,  AED, Advanced First Aid, and Disaster Mental Health Services.  He chaired the HIV-AIDS education committee in Kingsport, TN – his hometown and has taught Disaster Mental Health Services nationally.  Sam retired from Red Cross service after 30 years.  He is Board Certified in Comprehensive, School and University Acute Traumatic Stress Management – teaching each course and is both a Fellow and Diploate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress where he also serves on their Board of Scientific & Professional Advisors.  He is certified in Homeland Security Level III and in Crisis Intervention through the American College of Forensic Examiners International where he serves on the Board of Critical Incident Professionals. He was a responder to New York’s lower Manhattan during 9-11 for 3 weeks; consultant to Georgia Emergency Management during the Tri-State Crematory event for two months, Deputy Incident Commander for the Florida State University based Green Cross Projects response to the 2005 Tsunami and US Hurricanes Katrina & Rita; service provider in Miami to returning responders to the Haitian earthquake.  He is the clinical director of the Tri-State CISM Team; the Suicide Postvention Response Team, and the School Crisis Support Cooperative team– based in Chattanooga.  Sam is a founding member of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and was voted the 2007 and 2008 Chair of the Governor’s appointed Advisory Board - TSPN. In 2009 he was the first to receive the “Emeritus” status with TSPN.   He is a consultant to the TN Department of Agriculture and has served as an evaluator for the TN Dept of Agriculture & UT College of Veterinary Medicine’s Food Terrorism Table-Top exercises beginning in 2005 and Agri-Terrorism Table-Tops with the TN Dept of Homeland Security, TN Dept of Agriculture and TEMA.  He has been a consultant trainer for the Tennessee Department of Corrections Academy since 2003.  He has served as President of the Chattanooga Area Psychological Association and President of the Tennessee Association of Psychological Examiners.  Sam is a member of Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the US Air Force (1990) where he holds the earned rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He has served as Public Affairs Officer at the Squadron and Wing levels and holds the “master rating”.  He was CISM Officer & Clinical Director for the SE Region.  He now serves as National CISM Team Leader. Sam is a licensed private pilot. He has responded to aviation incidents nationally, on various “go” teams and is survivor of an aviation incident in Karachi, Pakistan while serving as a People-To-People High School Ambassador in 1981.  Since elementary school, Sam has enjoyed learning and performing magic – now a member of the International Brother of Magicians, he brings magic to his presentations to captivate and emphasize important concepts.  Sam has cared for both parents during their life’s end – he is an only child.  Sam is a native of Tennessee and makes his home in Chattanooga, TN.