Counseling for Suicide: Client Perspectives

✍ Scribed by Barbara L. Paulson; Michelle Worth

• Book ID: 102287426
• Publisher: American Counseling Association
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 186 KB
• Volume: 80
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1556-6678
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2002.tb00170.x

✦ Synopsis

The purpose of this study was to describe key therapeutic processes that facilitated overcoming suicidal ideation and behaviors in previously suicidal clients. A research method called “concept‐mapping” was used to develop an understanding of what was helpful in counseling. Thirty‐five (9 male, 26 female) previously suicidal clients (M = 38 years) performed card sorts on 65 statements derived from qualitative interviews of 9 (2 male, 7 female) previously suicidal individuals (M = 42 years). Participants identified 3 therapeutic processes that contributed to overcoming their suicidal thoughts and behaviors: (a) validating relationships, (b) working with emotions, and (c) developing a new identity.