When spontaneous suicidal ideation happens, it can feel incredibly scary and people can feel overwhelmed and sometimes panic or move into deep depression. I will be the lantern in the darkness for you to find yourself again.
In my experience suicidal thoughts are the mind's way of letting us know that we are overwhelmed by our emotional, mental & psychological pain. Supporting people around this issue requires empathy, understanding & compassion. This is important because individuals need to feel able to be open & honest about suicidal ideation & thoughts. As a professional I have worked with countless people around this issue, which often goes hand in hand with depression and/or a trauma background. I feel I have the skill to build the necessary relationship to effect change & to help people who are vulnerable to harm to learn to protect themselves.
Psychologist, Doctorate in Psychology, DPsych, MSc with Distinction, BSc First Class Honours.
Suicidal thinking can in itself be a frightening experience. Therapy helps to understand where the thoughts are coming from- how they developed- allowing you to make sense of them, and to take the necessary action to reduce and move on from the associated feelings.
Licensed Professional Counsellor, CBT, Mindfulness, Counselling, Inner Child Truma
AS Counsellor working with Suicidal Thoughts.
Firstly ask the client "Are you having any thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If yes how long have you had these thoughts when they happen?.
Ask how serious do you feel about carrying out these thoughts. Or if you left here right now how what us the likelihood that you would follow through with your thoughts about killing your self.
For plan. I would ask. Have you given though to how you would kill/harm yourself.
As a Counsellor I would use 0-10 scale to measure how often do they have these thoughts. After I have asked these questions I would have a much better understanding of my clients current level of suicidality. Then I will be able to know if I can work with my client or refer them to their GP or someone else more experience in Suicidal cases.