Deliberate Practice in Assessing Self-Directed Violence
Will be published approx. on 24. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
184 pages
978-1-4338-4343-3 (ISBN)
Description
To help address the suicide public health crisis, this book presents deliberate practice exercises to reduce clinicians' fears of talking about suicide and self-injury with clients and assessing for risk with skill and empathy.
These exercises present role-playing scenarios in which two trainees act as a client and a therapist, switching back and forth under the guidance of a supervisor. The therapist improvises appropriate and authentic responses to client statements organized into three difficulty levels-beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
The first 10 exercises review skills that can be incorporated into any approach to assess self-directed violence (SDV), such as exploring the deeper meaning behind statements that indicate a desire to engage in SDV, asking scaling questions to assess the likelihood of acting on these desires, collaborative safety planning, and communicating with clients about the therapist's ethical and legal responsibilities. Two comprehensive exercises follow in which trainees integrate these skills into a transcribed session and mock therapy sessions.
Step-by-step instructions guide participants through the exercises, identify criteria for mastering the skills, and explain how to monitor and adjust difficulty. Guidelines to help trainers and trainees get the most out of training are also provided.
To demonstrate how deliberate practice can be fully integrated into a professional curriculum, this series features exercises developed and refined within the clinical training curriculum at the Sentio online/hybrid marriage and family therapy (MFT) therapist training program in California, which is where we started developing this series. These exercises, which have been tested at clinical training sites around the world, are used to enhance clinical outcomes within the first hybrid MFT program approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to fully integrate deliberate practice into its entire curriculum. By integrating these models into its hybrid MFT program in California, Sentio University demonstrates that therapist training graduate programs can use deliberate practice to bridge the gap between theory and clinical mastery through repetitive, feedback-informed practice to support the development of modern, outcome-focused clinicians.
These exercises present role-playing scenarios in which two trainees act as a client and a therapist, switching back and forth under the guidance of a supervisor. The therapist improvises appropriate and authentic responses to client statements organized into three difficulty levels-beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
The first 10 exercises review skills that can be incorporated into any approach to assess self-directed violence (SDV), such as exploring the deeper meaning behind statements that indicate a desire to engage in SDV, asking scaling questions to assess the likelihood of acting on these desires, collaborative safety planning, and communicating with clients about the therapist's ethical and legal responsibilities. Two comprehensive exercises follow in which trainees integrate these skills into a transcribed session and mock therapy sessions.
Step-by-step instructions guide participants through the exercises, identify criteria for mastering the skills, and explain how to monitor and adjust difficulty. Guidelines to help trainers and trainees get the most out of training are also provided.
To demonstrate how deliberate practice can be fully integrated into a professional curriculum, this series features exercises developed and refined within the clinical training curriculum at the Sentio online/hybrid marriage and family therapy (MFT) therapist training program in California, which is where we started developing this series. These exercises, which have been tested at clinical training sites around the world, are used to enhance clinical outcomes within the first hybrid MFT program approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to fully integrate deliberate practice into its entire curriculum. By integrating these models into its hybrid MFT program in California, Sentio University demonstrates that therapist training graduate programs can use deliberate practice to bridge the gap between theory and clinical mastery through repetitive, feedback-informed practice to support the development of modern, outcome-focused clinicians.
Reviews / Votes
"I'm thrilled to see the publication of Deliberate Practice in Assessing Self-Directed Violence. Why? Because for decades we've needed a text with clear guidance to help students and practitioners develop skills for assessing self-directed violence (aka suicide assessment). Now we have it. This book moves training and practice in assessing self-directed violence to the next level." - John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD, Director, Center for the Advancement of Positive Education, University of Montana, Missoula, and coauthor of Clinical Interviewing"Finally, a book that bridges the gap between a therapist's knowledge of self-directed violence and how to use that knowledge during times it matters most. What sets this book apart is the shift in mindset, from the assumption therapists get better over time to the fact that intentional training and repetition through deliberate practice is what's needed to bridge the gap between "I know this" and "I nailed it."" - Lisa Pescara-Kovach, PhD, Director, Center for Education in Mass Violence and Suicide; Professor, Educational Studies, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH; and coauthor of White Supremacist Violence: Understanding the Resurgence and Stopping the Spread
"This book provides a clear, evidence-informed framework for training graduate students to competently assess and treat self-directed violence. It translates complex risk assessment concepts into practical, ethical decision-making tools that are accessible without oversimplifying the seriousness of high-risk situations. Through case examples, structured exercises, and step-by-step guidance, the text builds therapist confidence while emphasizing safety, supervision, and collaboration. A major strength is its explicit focus on reducing the trepidation and unease commonly experienced by both trainees and practicing clinicians when outcomes may be severe or life-threatening. Overall, the book meaningfully increases clinical competency and readiness, making it a valuable resource for graduate education and ongoing professional development." - David J. Denino, MS, LPC, Director Emeritus, Counseling Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, and Disaster Mental Health Lead for CT/RI, American Red Cross
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Washington DC
United States
Target group
Children/juvenile
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 278 mm
Width: 212 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
476 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4338-4343-3 (9781433843433)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Robert Scholz, MA,LMFT, LPCC, founder of The Change Place, Inc., is a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor. He is well-known for his work as a trainer and consultant in assisting schools and communities prepare for and respond to major crisis events like wildfires, mass shootings, and suicides. A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Robert has trained thousands in motivational interviewing skills and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. He has authored publications on disaster mental health, addiction treatment, threat assessment, and men's mental health.
Susan R. Hall, JD, PhD, is a tenured associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She has published and presented nationally on topics related to clinical/counseling practice and training; trauma and positive psychology; and psychology, public policy and law, including two APA books: Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses and Laws Affecting Clinical Practice. Dr. Hall served on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, was treasurer for APA's Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Division 37), and received Pepperdine's Howard A. White Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Brian Van Brunt, EdD, is director of behavior and threat management for D-Prep Safety and the president of the Workplace Violence Prevention Association. Author of over a dozen books, Brian has worked as a child and family therapist, university professor, assistant deputy director of training at Secure Community Network, and president of the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment. He is an internationally recognized expert in behavioral intervention, threat assessment, crisis preparedness, mental illness, and instructional design. Brian has provided consulting services to schools around the world on student mental health, counseling, campus violence, and behavioral intervention.
Alexandre Vaz, PhD, is chief academic officer of Sentio University marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. This innovative online/hybrid California MFT degree was the first approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science for MFT licensure to fully integrate deliberate practice into its curriculum to ensure superior clinical outcomes. He is also director of clinical training for the Sentio Counseling Center, which is Sentio MFT program's guaranteed practicum site where students provide low-cost online couples therapy in California. Dr. Vaz is the author/coeditor of many books on deliberate practice and psychotherapy training.
Tony Rousmaniere, PsyD, is president of Sentio University marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. He led the development of the online/hybrid MFT program, which is the first MFT therapist training program approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science for MFT licensure that fully integrates deliberate practice. Dr. Rousmaniere is the author/coeditor of many books on psychotherapy training. He is also the executive director of the Sentio Counseling Center, which is Sentio MFT program's guaranteed practicum site where students provide sliding-scale online therapy in California, and past president of the American Psychological Association's Division 29.
Susan R. Hall, JD, PhD, is a tenured associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She has published and presented nationally on topics related to clinical/counseling practice and training; trauma and positive psychology; and psychology, public policy and law, including two APA books: Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses and Laws Affecting Clinical Practice. Dr. Hall served on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, was treasurer for APA's Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Division 37), and received Pepperdine's Howard A. White Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Brian Van Brunt, EdD, is director of behavior and threat management for D-Prep Safety and the president of the Workplace Violence Prevention Association. Author of over a dozen books, Brian has worked as a child and family therapist, university professor, assistant deputy director of training at Secure Community Network, and president of the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment. He is an internationally recognized expert in behavioral intervention, threat assessment, crisis preparedness, mental illness, and instructional design. Brian has provided consulting services to schools around the world on student mental health, counseling, campus violence, and behavioral intervention.
Alexandre Vaz, PhD, is chief academic officer of Sentio University marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. This innovative online/hybrid California MFT degree was the first approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science for MFT licensure to fully integrate deliberate practice into its curriculum to ensure superior clinical outcomes. He is also director of clinical training for the Sentio Counseling Center, which is Sentio MFT program's guaranteed practicum site where students provide low-cost online couples therapy in California. Dr. Vaz is the author/coeditor of many books on deliberate practice and psychotherapy training.
Tony Rousmaniere, PsyD, is president of Sentio University marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. He led the development of the online/hybrid MFT program, which is the first MFT therapist training program approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science for MFT licensure that fully integrates deliberate practice. Dr. Rousmaniere is the author/coeditor of many books on psychotherapy training. He is also the executive director of the Sentio Counseling Center, which is Sentio MFT program's guaranteed practicum site where students provide sliding-scale online therapy in California, and past president of the American Psychological Association's Division 29.
Content
Series Preface
Tony Rousmaniere and Alexandre Vaz
Acknowledgments
Part I Overview and Instructions
Chapter 1. Introduction and Overview of Deliberate Practice in Assessing Self-Directed Violence
Chapter 2. Instructions for the Self-Directed Violence Assessment Deliberate Practice Exercises
Part II Deliberate Practice Exercises for Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercises for Beginner Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 1. Exploring the Meaning of Client Statements
Exercise 2. Assessing Precipitating Factors
Exercise 3. Asking Scaling Questions
Exercise 4. Exploring and Encouraging Social Support
Exercises for Intermediate Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 5. Safety Planning
Exercise 6. Working With Ambivalence
Exercise 7. Using Self-Directed Violence Assessment Measures
Exercises for Advanced Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 8. Providing Rationales for Focusing on Self-Directed Violence
Exercise 9. Responding to Ruptures in the Therapeutic Alliance
Exercise 10. Communicating Therapist Boundaries and Responsibilities
Comprehensive Exercises
Exercise 11. Annotated Transcript of Self-Directed Violence Assessment in a Psychotherapy Session
Exercise 12. Mock Sessions for Self-Directed Violence Assessment in Psychotherapy
Part III Strategies for Enhancing the Deliberate Practice Exercises
Chapter 3. How to Get the Most Out of Deliberate Practice: Additional Guidance for Trainers and Trainees
Appendix A. Difficulty Assessments and Adjustments
Appendix B. Deliberate Practice Diary Form
Appendix C. Sample Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills Syllabus With Embedded Deliberate Practice Exercises
References
Index
About the Authors
Tony Rousmaniere and Alexandre Vaz
Acknowledgments
Part I Overview and Instructions
Chapter 1. Introduction and Overview of Deliberate Practice in Assessing Self-Directed Violence
Chapter 2. Instructions for the Self-Directed Violence Assessment Deliberate Practice Exercises
Part II Deliberate Practice Exercises for Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercises for Beginner Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 1. Exploring the Meaning of Client Statements
Exercise 2. Assessing Precipitating Factors
Exercise 3. Asking Scaling Questions
Exercise 4. Exploring and Encouraging Social Support
Exercises for Intermediate Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 5. Safety Planning
Exercise 6. Working With Ambivalence
Exercise 7. Using Self-Directed Violence Assessment Measures
Exercises for Advanced Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills
Exercise 8. Providing Rationales for Focusing on Self-Directed Violence
Exercise 9. Responding to Ruptures in the Therapeutic Alliance
Exercise 10. Communicating Therapist Boundaries and Responsibilities
Comprehensive Exercises
Exercise 11. Annotated Transcript of Self-Directed Violence Assessment in a Psychotherapy Session
Exercise 12. Mock Sessions for Self-Directed Violence Assessment in Psychotherapy
Part III Strategies for Enhancing the Deliberate Practice Exercises
Chapter 3. How to Get the Most Out of Deliberate Practice: Additional Guidance for Trainers and Trainees
Appendix A. Difficulty Assessments and Adjustments
Appendix B. Deliberate Practice Diary Form
Appendix C. Sample Self-Directed Violence Assessment Skills Syllabus With Embedded Deliberate Practice Exercises
References
Index
About the Authors