Week 5 Assignment 2
- 1. Crisis ManagementChrystal M. DubayArgosy University PSY483John ColyarApril 4, 2010
- 2. IndexIntroductionAssessment toolsSuicide how to help them copeTypes of InterventionsDuty to warn ConcernsConclusionReference
- 3. IntroductionThis is an informatative presentation for those counselors that are new and current.Gives counselors the methods and understanding of suicide with clients.Also, help the counselor with understanding on how to help the client cope with suicide and suicidal thoughts. It’s the counselors duty to warn.Talk about different types of intervention for suicide.
- 4. Assessment ToolsMany clients will become suicidal at times especially if there is substance abuse issue. Using assessment tools to determine weather or not a client is having suicide thoughts or may actually be suicidal is important. There is a strong related issue between suicide and substance abuse that needs to be addressed. People who attempt or commit suicide can be divided into four groups: completers, attempters, threateners, and parasuicidals (Argosy University Online, 2010). Completers are those who actually succeed to kill themselves.Attempters are those who try to commit the act, but usually doesn’t succeed. Threatenersare those who threaten suicide, use it as a weapon, and may or may not follow through (Argosy University Online, 2010). Last , but not least parasuicidals are those who are trying to be rid of emotional pain rather than trying to kill themselves when they harm themselves(Argosy University Online, 2010). These can all be assessed by asking the client questions such as have you ever thought about killing yourself? Or have you ever try harming yourself? Another way to assess suicide is to use the “SAD PERSONS” scale. There are ten factors that play into the “Sad Persons Scale” and those are sex ,age, depression, loss of rational thinking, lack of social support, lack of a spouse, substance abuse, sickness, presence of an organize plan and previous attempts (Argosy University Online, 2010). These can be looked at through their background and asking certain questions to understand the assessment.
- 5. Suicide how to help them copeWith suicide it is important to let the client know that the counselor is there to help and not critized them. Help them understand that therapy sessions are a safe place to talk about anything, including suicidal attempts or thoughts. Counselors need to make every reasonable attempt, legally and ethically, to keep a client from committing suicide (Argosy University Online, 2010). Probably asking how do counselors to keep a client from committing suicide? Catching them with their feelings and assessing and asking questions.These efforts include appropriate screening, assessing for immediate risk, remaining with the person during a high-risk time, involving family and friends in continuous supervision, and making an involuntary hospitalization(Argosy University Online, 2010) Watching the clients acts and catching them before is important to assess them right there.
- 6. Types of InterventionsIt is important to know the types of intervention for suicide and some of those types are:More frequently visits to the counselor.Involving family members is a must because they need to know what is going on as well. If the risk appears low, the counselor might ask the client to sign an agreement to not attempt suicide for a specific period of time(Argosy University Online, 2010). The client may agree to take some action, such as calling the counselor, when the urge to inflict self-injury arises (Argosy University Online, 2010). If it is a more serious risk the counselor may have to hospitalized the client or prescribing medication to cope with depression. Knowing the signs before hand is important to helping the client to get help.
- 7. Duty to warn As a counselor it is our duty to warn if there is a serious issue with our clients.If we see our client reaching out in any way it is our duty to help them. If we see signs that they are wanting to commit suicide it is our duty to let someone know. Remember, confidentiality is waived in situations where a client appears at risk of committing suicide and it may be appropriate to notify close friends and family of the client’s intent(Argosy University Online, 2010). Also, remember to document everything especially when it comes to suicide because as a counselor you have to protect yourself legally and having everything document is a must.
- 8. ConcernsThere maybe some concerns when dealing with suicidal clients and it is prompt to address these concerns directly.Concerns such as how long should I assess the person who is suicidal?In order to manage the suicidal tendencies of a client, a counselor must regularly assess the client for suicide risk(Argosy University Online, 2010).So once a client has had a suicidal issues they should be assessed for as long as they are being treated. As far as new counselors and concerns about suicide they should know the warning signs and be aware of their clients issues and past issues with suicide.
- 9. Conclusion When it comes to suicidal clients it is important to assess and stay alert when problems start to arise. Know when to warn family members and friends.If any concerns about the issue counselors should consult other consolers on issues they may have. Know the types of interventions that are needed for either high risk or low risk suicidal clients.
- 10. Reference:Argosy University Online. (2010). Suicide Risks. Retrieved April 5, 2010 from http://myeclassonline.com/re/DotNextLaunch.asp?courseid=4013881