Counselor Self- Assessment Project Description

uO7d2 Suicidal Clients It is imperative to identify and challenge biases that may interfere with the counselor’s ability to effectively assess and treat clients in crisis. A suicide assessment approach has several components. In my reading of a suicidal client, as a counselor, I must do a thorough assessment of intent. I see potential areas of gathering of information that is related to the risk factors, protective factors and the warning signs. The collective information is related to the client’s ideation of the crisis. In the scenario of the suicidal client, the client gave clear precise information that the counselor was able to assess theoretically. The counselor was able to clinically evaluate based on the risk factors of all data that was formulated. Suggesting that she talk with the clients husband when he got in from work was evident that the counselor felt personal contact was extremely important to the client as an intervention and creating a network of supporters for the client as well. In my role as the counselor I would discuss what plans and actions that would reflect the client’s actual intent and what the client consciously and unconsciously withholds from me. Sometimes the most serious suicidal intent may be the most likely to withhold information. I also would have to examine myself as an effective suicidal crisis counselor, asking the question of how I see suicide. Do I see it as a violation against God’s law? Just as I might have trouble relaying the message of ineffectiveness, the client may be hesitant to openly share. This process is potentially challenging to me, as it would lessen support for the client and prevent the client changing behaviors to lessen the suicide attempt. Steps I feel might help me to overcome challenges that might help my role as a counselor: 1- Have the client tell how they feel about taking their life (would it be a sign of weakness or guilt or shame) 2- have the client express how they

References: Okun, B.E., & Kantrowitz, R.E. (2008). Effective Helping, Interviewing and Counseling Techniques (7thed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning