SOWK 435-Discussion-Suicidal Risk
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Liberty University *
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435
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Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by JamaicanMousePerson1988
Describe how you would assess a client for suicidal risk. Include commentary on faith as a protective factor against suicide.
Suicide risk is a topic that all counselors must be prepared to handle appropriately. If I were to advise someone who is suicide, I would use realistic but accessible strategies. As we all know, this is an important issue to address, but we must also remember that these individuals need continual attention and care. These stages may involve constantly monitoring suicidal thoughts and discussing them honestly and calmly, encouraging the client to voice his or her emotions, ensuring that these sentiments are respected and understood, providing support and empathy, and
giving genuine hope. There are numerous methods for assessing suicide risk. The most crucial thing is to inquire directly about thoughts of self-harm or suicide (Brown, 2020). It is also vital to consider the severity of symptoms, a history of suicide attempts, availability of resources, and any present crisis scenario. Another method for assessing suicide risk is to utilize a screening instrument like the Suicide Risk Assessment Scale. This scale has questions on demographics, mental history, and present symptoms. For example, inquiries concerning if the individual has a strategy, whether they have the resources to carry it out, and whether they intend to execute their plan.
Faith may help prevent suicide. Religion provides a feeling of purpose and meaning in life for many individuals. It may also create a sense of community and connection. When dealing with a client in danger of suicide, it might be beneficial to examine their religious beliefs and how they can provide strength during this challenging time (Gearing & Alonzo, 2018). For example, you may inquire about their personal connection with God, how often they attend religious services, and if they have a church or other spiritual group where they can seek assistance.
A passage of scripture that comes to mind is, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For
just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Brown, L. A. (2020). Suicide in foster care: A high-priority safety concern. Perspectives on
psychological science
, 15
(3), 665-668.
Gearing, R. E., & Alonzo, D. (2018). Religion and suicide: new findings. Journal of Religion
and Health
, 57
(6), 2478-2499
New International Bible.
(2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)
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