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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Cornealius Stamps

LCSW, LCSW-C

Understanding the Impact of Client Suicide on Clinicians: Navigating Personal and Professional Impact

Concentration -

  • Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
  • 1:00 pm
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Abstract

Suicide is a profoundly impactful event that brings immense tragedy, fear, and complexity to those it touches. This presentation will explore the unique personal and professional challenges clinicians face when experiencing suicide loss, whether involving a patient or a loved one. It will examine the emotional toll, the potential impact on a clinician’s work and professional identity, and the legal and ethical issues that may arise following a patient’s suicide factors that can further complicate the grieving process. While many people understand the importance of suicide prevention, the concept of suicide postvention might be less familiar. Suicide postvention involves providing both immediate and ongoing support to those affected by a suicide loss. This critical process not only promotes healing after such a tragic event but also plays a vital role in organizations when addressing burnout and reducing the risk of further suicides among those left behind.

Biography

Ms. Cornealius Stamps, LCSW, LCSW-C is a Georgia native and a dedicated mental health professional with a strong foundation in education and clinical expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in History from Paine College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Kentucky’s School of Social Work, where she is advancing her research in suicide prevention and postvention strategies.
With over seven years of experience as a Clinical Counseling Program Analyst for the Department of the Navy’s Counseling, Advocacy, and Prevention Program, Cornealius specializes in training professionals in Suicide Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention. Her dedication to improving therapy access and effectiveness is underscored by her expertise in PTSD treatment and her commitment to research-driven solutions.
Cornealius also provides supervision to interns and pre-licensed clinicians, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. Her therapeutic approach integrates a diverse range of evidence-based techniques, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Gottman Methods, EMDR and Strengths-Based/Solution-Focused Therapy.
Her primary research focus is on postvention as a critical component of suicide prevention. Her doctoral capstone project, “Understanding the Impact of Client Suicide on Clinicians and Organizational Interventions to Mitigate Its Effects,” explores the profound impact of client suicide on mental health professionals and the development of strategies to support clinician well-being.