Supporting clients after a suicidal crisis involves several key strategies:

  • Establish Safety: Ensure that the client feels safe in the therapeutic environment. Reassess their current risk level and update their safety plan if necessary.
  • Validate Emotions: Allow clients to express their feelings about the crisis, validating their experiences without judgment. Acknowledge the complexity of their emotions, including relief, guilt, or confusion.
  • Encourage Expression: Facilitate discussions about what led to the crisis, helping clients articulate their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
  • Rebuild Trust: Recognise that a crisis can impact the therapeutic relationship; work on rebuilding trust and rapport through consistent support and open communication.
  • Implement Coping Strategies: Collaborate with clients to identify and implement coping strategies that they can use during moments of distress, reinforcing their sense of agency.