Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Intervention for Suicidal Symptoms

Abstract

We introduce continuous identity cognitive therapy (CI-CT), a novel suicide intervention. CI-CT was developed based on evidence that suicidal individuals have difficulty viewing and experiencing continuity with their perceived future self, and having meaningful and achievable personal goals. CI-CT integrates aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with modality-specific techniques focusing on the individual's perceived present-to-future life story. The intervention guides the development of a meaningful life story with a vivid and positive future self. The results of an open-label pilot/feasibility trial (N = 17) for U.S. Veterans with a serious mental illness indicate that CI-CT is feasible, acceptable to Veterans, and may help with suicidality, depression, hopelessness, and future self-continuity. Reductions in clinical symptoms were associated with improvement in future self-continuity and were largely maintained at the 1-month follow-up. These results, along with high retention rates and positive Veteran feedback, support further exploration of the utility of CI-CT.