What is CCT?

CCT (Contextual- Conceptual Therapy) is a unique educational approach to suicide prevention. Fredric Matteson developed CCT through his 25-year experience with over 16,000 suicidal patients at St. Francis Hospital in Seattle, Washington.  Matteson's holistic approach combines expressive arts techniques, education, and therapy. CCT can be used in conjunction with traditional methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

What does CCT do?

CCT teaches people to understand the root of their suicidal thinking, guides them to see themselves and their relationships in a new way, and provides personalized tools for ongoing self-care. 

Who is it for?

People who benefit from CCT include those with a history of suicide attempts, and/or major depression. CCT is also suitable for people struggling with despair, and/or suicidal thoughts. The CCT Center does not accept clients who are actively suicidal, in crisis, psychotic, or unwilling to get help. We offer individual, family, and group counseling.

How does it work?      

- CCT uses metaphors and visual cues (maps, flash cards, pictures) to engage people and disrupt negative patterns.                       

-  Writing, art, and experiential exercises make CCT interesting and interactive.

- 26 homework assignments provide the therapist and the client additional insight and opportunities for breakthroughs.                            

THE INVISIBLE ICE CUBE

An example of one of the many visual cues Matteson uses in his CCT work, this invisible box is the one that resonates most universally with the 16,000 suicidal people Matteson has worked with.