The death of a patient by suicide is the professional event most feared by psychologists (Pope & Tabachnick, 1993). Fortunately, evidence has accumulated for the effectiveness of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for the treatment of suicidal patients, although other interventions are promising as well (Calati […]
While sports can be an empowering opportunity for individuals to learn socialization, group cohesion, and other forms of prosocial skills, such as negotiation, courage, fairness, and work ethic, communities are starting to challenge the age-old adage of sports building good character (Sun & Tai, 2022). There has been an increase in stories reporting unethical behavior […]
Nine days before my first internship application was due, I learned that an ex-patient of mine, Theodore (name changed for confidentiality), died by suicide. I know receiving this kind of news can never come at a good time, but this was a particularly vulnerable time for me. I was feeling insecure, questioning myself, scared about […]
Claiming the lives of over 48,000 Americans per year, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2018). This number alone may present as shocking to many; however, this number only depicts the amount of deaths due to suicide. It does not take into account the estimated 1.4 million suicide […]
What leads a person to engage in self-harm behaviors has long perplexed psychologists. People identify various reasons for engaging in self-harm, which include transforming their emotional pain into physical pain, channeling anger, escaping from recurring traumatic thoughts/ feelings, and regulation of affect (Whisenhunt et al., 2016; White et al., 2003). Self-harm is commonly confused with suicidal intent. The American Psychiatric Association makes an important distinction between the two by […]
The science of language is the study of how humans communicate and understand meaning. It does this by examining the ways in which words influence and reflect internal and external processes and behavior, as well as social interaction and connectivity (Krieger & Gallois, 2017; Mehl & Pennebaker, 2003). The average person speaks 150-160 English words […]
Most states in the U.S. require a psychotherapist to break confidentiality when a client verbalizes suicidal intent (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013). The purpose of this paper is to share a personal reflection on suicidal ideation within the therapeutic relationship, and to question whether a psychotherapist’s ethical responsibility and personal morality are consistently clear-cut. […]
Dr. Firestone talks about her work in suicide risk assessment, her theory and approach to therapy, experiences of partners in couples counseling, and her views on the future of psychotherapy. About Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. Dr. Firestone is clinical psychologist in California, Director of Research and Education at the The Glendon Association, and contributor to the […]
Abstract The treatment of suicidal individuals requires special attention to therapist interventions that promote a viable treatment alliance in the context of shared responsibilities for patient safety. Three core principles in the treatment process (alliance building, enhancing curiosity about the function of suicidal thoughts and urges, as well as enhancing experience and expression of intense […]
Abstract This practice review focuses on the challenges of conducting sensitive and accurate assessments of the relative risk for suicide attempts and completed suicides. Suicide and suicide attempts are a frequently encountered clinical crisis, and the assessment, management, and treatment of suicidal patients is one of the most stressful tasks for clinicians. An array of […]