Suicide Prevention
I have worked with actively suicidal people. The approach I use is to validate the client’s reasons for being suicidal.
I encourage them to identify the positive factors, such as good friendships, even work, that have given them a reason to live so far.
If an active suicidal threat is present, my work is to identify the client’s plan, reduce their ability to enact that plan, and ask them to phone for supportive company to be with them immediately after the session. If necessary and possible, I will ask the client to attend A&E immediately, possibly calling an ambulance.
Solution-focused strategies are suited to emergency suicidal ideation situations.