Suicide Intervention Strategies in Grief and Christian Counseling
In the previous article, we discussed assessment. The final element of assessment is types of intervention required to prevent suicide that Grief and Christian Counselors can use.
There are two types of intervention. The first is Low-Risk Intervention and the second is High-Risk Intervention. High and Low is determined by level of depression, amount of risk factors and number of suicidal thoughts.
Low level intervention requires first and foremost a no suicide contract. This removes stress from the spiritual child and allows them to be free of a dangerous and impulsive decision. The second requires follow up meetings as you nurse the person out of the situation. This may also involve other LPC assistance. Finally, family and friends are needed to lift the spirits of the person. Faith is also key here.
Higher risk symptoms involve more drastic interventions. The plan is very identifiable, doable and even has a possible time frame. Obviously a no suicide contract should be made but the extent of family and friend intervention is much higher. Sometimes an intervention circle may be needed where family and friends form a vigil around their the person. In other cases, police should be called at times or admittance. However, sometimes emergency responses can only do so much or hospitals can only hold someone so long due to observance rules or insurance issues. In these cases, family is most key. The one thing to remember is as a counselor you should never put yourself in harms way especially if a weapon is involved.
It is the hope after help has arrived that post counseling and medicines can alleviate the suicidal thoughts. Ultimately the greatest healing comes from God and this in some cases takes the most time, especially since only the person can open himself to God’s grace. However, is this not the role of the Christian counselor? To shower the love of God on those who suffer?
Hopefully with proper assessment and correct intervention methodologies, a grief counselor can prevent the death of a person.
Please also consider training in grief counseling.