Deliberate Practice in Assessing Self-Directed Violence

“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

Robert Scholz, MA, LMFT, LPCC Founder of The Change Place, Inc., Robert Scholz is a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor. He is renowned for his expertise in training and consulting for schools and communities on crisis event preparedness and response, including wildfires, mass shootings, and suicides. As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Robert has equipped thousands with motivational interviewing skills and other evidence-based therapeutic techniques. His publications address disaster mental health, addiction treatment, threat assessment, and men’s mental health.

Susan R. Hall, JD, PhD Susan R. Hall is a tenured associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Her extensive publications and national presentations cover clinical/counseling practice and training, trauma and positive psychology, and the intersection of psychology, public policy, and law. She has authored two APA books: Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses and Laws Affecting Clinical Practice. Dr. Hall has also served on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, held the position of 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 Brian Van Brunt is the director of behavior and threat management for D-Prep Safety and the president of the Workplace Violence Prevention Association. With over a dozen books to his name, Brian’s career includes roles 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, and has consulted with schools globally on student mental health, counseling, campus violence, and behavioral intervention.

Alexandre Vaz, PhD Alexandre Vaz is the chief academic officer of Sentio University’s marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. This program is notable for being the first online/hybrid MFT degree approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science to fully integrate deliberate practice for enhanced clinical outcomes. He also serves as the director of clinical training for the Sentio Counseling Center, the program’s practicum site where students offer low-cost online couples therapy in California. Dr. Vaz is a prolific author and coeditor of numerous books on deliberate practice and psychotherapy training.

Tony Rousmaniere, PsyD Tony Rousmaniere is the president of Sentio University’s marriage and family therapy (MFT) program in California. He spearheaded the development of the online/hybrid MFT program, which was the first MFT therapist training program approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science for MFT licensure to fully integrate deliberate practice. Dr. Rousmaniere is an author and coeditor of many books focused on psychotherapy training. He also holds the position of executive director of the Sentio Counseling Center, the program’s practicum site offering sliding-scale online therapy in California, and is the past president of the American Psychological Association’s Division 29.

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