Assessing safety risk in therapy, especially with trauma cases, is crucial. During the intake session, it is important to ask direct questions about suicidal or homicidal thoughts, intentions, and plans (Shebib, 2020). Having open discussions helps rule out immediate risk. During ongoing sessions, I would monitor for changes in my clients behaviour, mood swings, or expressions of hopelessness, as these could be indicators of
heightened risk.
Collaborating with other professionals becomes necessary when the client's needs exceed my scope or expertise (CCPA, 2021). Some indicators might include severe suicidal ideation, a specific and detailed plan, or imminent danger to self or others. If the client has complex trauma or severe symptoms I would refer them to a psychiatrist, a specialized trauma therapist, or a crisis intervention team as this might be the best option (Slay-Westbrook, 2017).
In my area, the Crisis Text Line is a valuable resource for immediate support. It provides
24/7 crisis intervention via text message, connecting individuals in crisis with trained crisis counselors. They can guide individuals to safety and provide resources for further assistance, making it an excellent resource to share with clients in need of immediate support.
