Suicidal Ideation Counselling in Bebington

Photo of Kate Louise McDonald, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Kate Louise McDonald
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bebington CH63
So if you've reached this point I'm guessing you feel like you need some extra support and professional guidance. Life at times for all of us can seem overwhelming and our minds are like overfilled jugs of water or that junk draw that we have in our homes that just doesn't shut. Whatever your issue is, I believe I can help you. Together we can unfold what is going on for you, at your pace and then with my support, we can look at new ways of coping and reach a goal that you would love to achieve. The answers you're looking for, are already inside you. I help you find them, organize them and achieve them.
So if you've reached this point I'm guessing you feel like you need some extra support and professional guidance. Life at times for all of us can seem overwhelming and our minds are like overfilled jugs of water or that junk draw that we have in our homes that just doesn't shut. Whatever your issue is, I believe I can help you. Together we can unfold what is going on for you, at your pace and then with my support, we can look at new ways of coping and reach a goal that you would love to achieve. The answers you're looking for, are already inside you. I help you find them, organize them and achieve them.
0151 453 3084 View 0151 453 3084
Photo of Stephanie Anne Edwards, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Stephanie Anne Edwards
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bebington CH63
I believe each of us have the capacity to grow to reach our true potential. What can influence or inhibit our positive growth? Our life experiences are affected by childhood events, our relationships with parents. siblings, other family members, friendships, work etc, Our soil can be contaminated by others in our lives when we experience childhood trauma, grief, loss, shame and witnessing violence. being in abusive relationships, life and death situations. These experiences influence us as we grow up, our emotions, our beliefs, our thoughts and our behaviours. This can make us feel depressed, anxious, derailed and scared.
I believe each of us have the capacity to grow to reach our true potential. What can influence or inhibit our positive growth? Our life experiences are affected by childhood events, our relationships with parents. siblings, other family members, friendships, work etc, Our soil can be contaminated by others in our lives when we experience childhood trauma, grief, loss, shame and witnessing violence. being in abusive relationships, life and death situations. These experiences influence us as we grow up, our emotions, our beliefs, our thoughts and our behaviours. This can make us feel depressed, anxious, derailed and scared.
07723 441602 View 07723 441602
Photo of Neil Cadwallader - Inscape Psychotherapy, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Inscape Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bebington CH63
Waitlist for new clients
Psychotherapy can help support you with a range of concerns. You could be feeling troubled by something in your life. You could be feeling low or anxious, perhaps from a bereavement, trauma or abuse. You may find it difficult to sustain healthy relationships. You may be experiencing chronic pain, an addiction to something that is doing you harm, or trying to come to terms with a frightening medical diagnosis. You may also hope to understand and love yourself and others better, to become more authentic, to understand the pain of being human, or to seek spiritual fulfilment.
Psychotherapy can help support you with a range of concerns. You could be feeling troubled by something in your life. You could be feeling low or anxious, perhaps from a bereavement, trauma or abuse. You may find it difficult to sustain healthy relationships. You may be experiencing chronic pain, an addiction to something that is doing you harm, or trying to come to terms with a frightening medical diagnosis. You may also hope to understand and love yourself and others better, to become more authentic, to understand the pain of being human, or to seek spiritual fulfilment.
0151 541 4056 View 0151 541 4056
Photo of Robert Hack, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Robert Hack
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bebington CH63  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Thank you for reading my profile. I provide warm and safe space for you to share your story and explore what’s happening for you. Whether that’s something that’s happening now, or something from your past, I’m here to listen and help you find a way forward. I work with all types of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, trauma and abuse. Ultimately, I can help you find relief.
Thank you for reading my profile. I provide warm and safe space for you to share your story and explore what’s happening for you. Whether that’s something that’s happening now, or something from your past, I’m here to listen and help you find a way forward. I work with all types of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, trauma and abuse. Ultimately, I can help you find relief.
0151 453 6371 View 0151 453 6371

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Hannah O'Neill, BACP, Counsellor
Hannah O'Neill
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Prenton CH43
You might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, shame, feeling depressed, feeling constantly anxious and on edge. You might have a combination of these along with other issues that you need to work through. What you’re feeling might have been triggered by a traumatic, life altering event or you might not know why you’re feeling this way. Counselling can help from lots of different starting points. You don’t have to be at rock bottom to seek help or maybe that is where you are and that is okay too. You’ve taken the first steps to search for a counsellor. I know it takes a lot of courage, sometimes all you’ve got.
You might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, shame, feeling depressed, feeling constantly anxious and on edge. You might have a combination of these along with other issues that you need to work through. What you’re feeling might have been triggered by a traumatic, life altering event or you might not know why you’re feeling this way. Counselling can help from lots of different starting points. You don’t have to be at rock bottom to seek help or maybe that is where you are and that is okay too. You’ve taken the first steps to search for a counsellor. I know it takes a lot of courage, sometimes all you’ve got.
0151 453 1796 View 0151 453 1796
Photo of Lyndsay MacAulay, MBACP, Counsellor
Lyndsay MacAulay
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birkenhead CH41
Hi, my name is Lyndsay, I specialise in working with kids, teens, and young adults who are dealing with a variety of problems in their lives -school, EBSA, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, friendships, family break down, identity issues, neurodivergence, social media, anxiety, low mood, depression,or grief and loss to name but a few. I work with recent and historic sexual, emotional and physical abuse and trauma.
Hi, my name is Lyndsay, I specialise in working with kids, teens, and young adults who are dealing with a variety of problems in their lives -school, EBSA, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, friendships, family break down, identity issues, neurodivergence, social media, anxiety, low mood, depression,or grief and loss to name but a few. I work with recent and historic sexual, emotional and physical abuse and trauma.
0151 453 1319 View 0151 453 1319
Photo of Stephen McLaughlin, MBACP, Counsellor
Stephen McLaughlin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L15
I support clients struggling with anxiety, anger, trauma, overwhelm, and difficulty feeling and expressing emotions. I have experience working with suicidal ideation. You may feel stuck or alone, struggling to make sense of your own thoughts or feelings, to recover from past experiences, or how to feel okay in the here and now. I am interested in the stories that we tell ourselves, and how those stories help or hinder us as we navigate through life. I will work with you to better understand your story so that you can make real changes in your life, in your relationships with others, and in your relationship with yourself.
I support clients struggling with anxiety, anger, trauma, overwhelm, and difficulty feeling and expressing emotions. I have experience working with suicidal ideation. You may feel stuck or alone, struggling to make sense of your own thoughts or feelings, to recover from past experiences, or how to feel okay in the here and now. I am interested in the stories that we tell ourselves, and how those stories help or hinder us as we navigate through life. I will work with you to better understand your story so that you can make real changes in your life, in your relationships with others, and in your relationship with yourself.
01923 961664 View 01923 961664
Photo of Szabolcs Gálvölgyi, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Szabolcs Gálvölgyi
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
My competence is in working with: anxiety, low mood and depression, loss or bereavement, difficulties with emotional recognition/identification/expression, break ups, loneliness, isolation, living abroad/away from home, anger-management difficulties, different forms of abuse, eating- and sleeping difficulties, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behaviour.
Welcome to my page! My name is Szabolcs - I acknowledge that it is a difficult name; do not worry if you do not know how to pronounce it. I am a fully qualified practitioner and I provide psychological therapy to adults and adolesents. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, a Master of Science degree in counselling psychology, and I also regularly attend further training. I offer my therapeutic services to women as well as to men, and in addition to working with the below difficulties, I am also open to hear about what you are seeking support for. You can book in for a FREE initial consultation as well.
My competence is in working with: anxiety, low mood and depression, loss or bereavement, difficulties with emotional recognition/identification/expression, break ups, loneliness, isolation, living abroad/away from home, anger-management difficulties, different forms of abuse, eating- and sleeping difficulties, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behaviour.
Welcome to my page! My name is Szabolcs - I acknowledge that it is a difficult name; do not worry if you do not know how to pronounce it. I am a fully qualified practitioner and I provide psychological therapy to adults and adolesents. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, a Master of Science degree in counselling psychology, and I also regularly attend further training. I offer my therapeutic services to women as well as to men, and in addition to working with the below difficulties, I am also open to hear about what you are seeking support for. You can book in for a FREE initial consultation as well.
01296 323423 View 01296 323423
Photo of Jayden Josh James - Talking Therapies UK, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Talking Therapies UK
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L17  (Online Only)
  I can help with Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Depression, Eating Difficulties, Coping with stress, phobias, panic disorder, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, and much more!.
My name is Jayden I am an advanced Psychotherapist with over 12 years experience of delivering psychological treatment for a range of mental health difficulties ranging from mild-moderate to severe and enduring.
  I can help with Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Depression, Eating Difficulties, Coping with stress, phobias, panic disorder, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, and much more!.
My name is Jayden I am an advanced Psychotherapist with over 12 years experience of delivering psychological treatment for a range of mental health difficulties ranging from mild-moderate to severe and enduring.
01923 961827 View 01923 961827
Photo of Gillian Ann Charlton - Bayswater Counselling Services, MBACP, Counsellor
Bayswater Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wallasey CH45
Gillian has experience working with a wide range of presenting issues, including low self-esteem; depression; self-harm and suicidal ideation; stress & anxiety; sexual trauma including rape and historic abuse; PTSD; strong feelings of guilt, shame and anger; work or school related issues and bereavement.
Gillian’s approach is extremely client focused whilst promoting integrative counselling including CBT, tailored to suit the individual needs of her clients. She offers a professional and confidential space where clients can explore and understand their experiences and the root to their problems, helping them to process difficult and strong emotions whilst assisting them to break the cycle of negative thinking and subsequent behaviors. Gillian collaboratively works with her clients to facilitate personal growth which encourages her clients to feel more positive about themselves enabling them to live a fuller and happier life.
Gillian has experience working with a wide range of presenting issues, including low self-esteem; depression; self-harm and suicidal ideation; stress & anxiety; sexual trauma including rape and historic abuse; PTSD; strong feelings of guilt, shame and anger; work or school related issues and bereavement.
Gillian’s approach is extremely client focused whilst promoting integrative counselling including CBT, tailored to suit the individual needs of her clients. She offers a professional and confidential space where clients can explore and understand their experiences and the root to their problems, helping them to process difficult and strong emotions whilst assisting them to break the cycle of negative thinking and subsequent behaviors. Gillian collaboratively works with her clients to facilitate personal growth which encourages her clients to feel more positive about themselves enabling them to live a fuller and happier life.
07395 556368 View 07395 556368
Photo of Stacy Scarisbrick, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Stacy Scarisbrick
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wirral CH60
I have worked in many different environments which has provided me with the skills to support people who are struggling with Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Sexual Abuse, Loss, Relationship, self-harm, post natal depression, suicidal ideation, and bereavement.
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor, with my core model being person centered. I also have a level 5 qualification in cognitive behavior therapy, and I believe By being able to offer a variety of different counselling approaches it enables me to support client with their individual needs. I believe that one of the most important attributes that a counsellor can have, is the ability of providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, to allow clients to work through their problems or concerns, and that is what I strive to offer. I am also a registered member of the British Association of counselling and psychotherapy.
I have worked in many different environments which has provided me with the skills to support people who are struggling with Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Sexual Abuse, Loss, Relationship, self-harm, post natal depression, suicidal ideation, and bereavement.
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor, with my core model being person centered. I also have a level 5 qualification in cognitive behavior therapy, and I believe By being able to offer a variety of different counselling approaches it enables me to support client with their individual needs. I believe that one of the most important attributes that a counsellor can have, is the ability of providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, to allow clients to work through their problems or concerns, and that is what I strive to offer. I am also a registered member of the British Association of counselling and psychotherapy.
0151 453 1770 View 0151 453 1770
Photo of Lisa Major - Sentio Psychotherapy Practice, MA, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sentio Psychotherapy Practice
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
Alongside this, I have experience of counselling on a range of different issues including grief, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, abuse, trauma, relationship breakdown.
You may have your own unique reasons for wanting counselling or you might not be sure what the problem is or why you are feeling the way you are. All of this is ok. Counselling is about gaining a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, fears, motivations & defences. It's about helping you to gain more awareness into your life and find more growthful ways of living. Finding the right counsellor is an important first step in this journey. My free initial consultation is an opportunity for you to decide whether I am the right fit for you and to ask any questions you may have.
Alongside this, I have experience of counselling on a range of different issues including grief, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, abuse, trauma, relationship breakdown.
You may have your own unique reasons for wanting counselling or you might not be sure what the problem is or why you are feeling the way you are. All of this is ok. Counselling is about gaining a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, fears, motivations & defences. It's about helping you to gain more awareness into your life and find more growthful ways of living. Finding the right counsellor is an important first step in this journey. My free initial consultation is an opportunity for you to decide whether I am the right fit for you and to ask any questions you may have.
0151 453 6637 View 0151 453 6637
Photo of Claire Crilly, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Claire Crilly
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L18  (Online Only)
Front Line Workers Specialism: Is the toll of your work grinding you down? Do you experience burnout? Has witnessing death and trauma impacted you in ways which are difficult to describe? Is there a sense of losing who you once were? Witnessing devastation, shift work, mistrust in management, lack of sleep, feeling undervalued, high workloads, poor work culture, relationship difficulties, dynamic stressful working environments and intrusive negative memories all contribute to an ever increasing proportion of emergency service workers suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide ideation and suicide. So who helps the helper?
Front Line Workers Specialism: Is the toll of your work grinding you down? Do you experience burnout? Has witnessing death and trauma impacted you in ways which are difficult to describe? Is there a sense of losing who you once were? Witnessing devastation, shift work, mistrust in management, lack of sleep, feeling undervalued, high workloads, poor work culture, relationship difficulties, dynamic stressful working environments and intrusive negative memories all contribute to an ever increasing proportion of emergency service workers suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide ideation and suicide. So who helps the helper?
01923 961134 View 01923 961134
Photo of Janine Marie Hayter Mbacp, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Janine Marie Hayter Mbacp
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Ellesmere Port CH66
Hi, I am Janine and I am an experienced psychotherapist/counsellor who works with adults and young people from my private therapy room at Hooton Business Centre which is on the Cheshire/Wirral border. I offer one to one therapy sessions to clients and couples counselling for couples as well as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for organisations who's staff members have experienced a critical incident/traumatic event. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, self harm, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, personality disorders, trauma, relationship issues, low self esteem or bullying issues.
Hi, I am Janine and I am an experienced psychotherapist/counsellor who works with adults and young people from my private therapy room at Hooton Business Centre which is on the Cheshire/Wirral border. I offer one to one therapy sessions to clients and couples counselling for couples as well as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for organisations who's staff members have experienced a critical incident/traumatic event. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, self harm, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, personality disorders, trauma, relationship issues, low self esteem or bullying issues.
07723 501932 View 07723 501932
Photo of Phil Stewart, MBACP, Counsellor
Phil Stewart
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wirral CH60
I have experience of working with people with a wide range of issues including chronic illness and disability, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, issues around self-esteem and identity, both male and female domestic abuse, relationships, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity including autism and ADHD, discrimination, suicidal ideation and working around trauma.
Hello my name is Phil. Thank you for taking an interest in my profile and may I acknowledge your courage in seeking help. I have been a client myself and I never underestimate just how difficult it can be to reach out and take the first step. I am a Person Centred Counsellor. This model of counselling is based on the theory that each of us has within us the natural resources to live life as fully as we can. Sometimes we lose connection with these resources and one way to reconnect is through a therapeutic relationship which is collaborative, compassionate, authentic and free from judgment.
I have experience of working with people with a wide range of issues including chronic illness and disability, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, issues around self-esteem and identity, both male and female domestic abuse, relationships, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity including autism and ADHD, discrimination, suicidal ideation and working around trauma.
Hello my name is Phil. Thank you for taking an interest in my profile and may I acknowledge your courage in seeking help. I have been a client myself and I never underestimate just how difficult it can be to reach out and take the first step. I am a Person Centred Counsellor. This model of counselling is based on the theory that each of us has within us the natural resources to live life as fully as we can. Sometimes we lose connection with these resources and one way to reconnect is through a therapeutic relationship which is collaborative, compassionate, authentic and free from judgment.
0151 541 5314 View 0151 541 5314
Photo of Lynne Christine Hutton, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Lynne Christine Hutton
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
I have a specialism in Bereavement and with clients bringing various issues: anxiety, depression, Suicidal thoughts, bereavement, stress, addictions,relationship issues including domestic violence, family issues, sexual/emotional/physical abuse, gender transitioning,bullying school/work, menopause, sexual difficulties, PTSD,chronic illness/pain, divorce.
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions? I aim to provide a safe space, and my full presence to listen to you. I am a Person-Centred/Experiential Counsellor with a 1st Class BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, working in an emotion-focused way. I am passionate about counselling. I offer a warm, empathic, non-judgemental space, which will hopefully enable you to share whatever you wish, to help to empower you to make positive change in your life. specialisms:Bereavement, Neurodiversity, Anxiety, Self-harm, Depression,Children in care/ safeguarding/Child Protection,victims of the Manchester terrorist attack.
I have a specialism in Bereavement and with clients bringing various issues: anxiety, depression, Suicidal thoughts, bereavement, stress, addictions,relationship issues including domestic violence, family issues, sexual/emotional/physical abuse, gender transitioning,bullying school/work, menopause, sexual difficulties, PTSD,chronic illness/pain, divorce.
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions? I aim to provide a safe space, and my full presence to listen to you. I am a Person-Centred/Experiential Counsellor with a 1st Class BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, working in an emotion-focused way. I am passionate about counselling. I offer a warm, empathic, non-judgemental space, which will hopefully enable you to share whatever you wish, to help to empower you to make positive change in your life. specialisms:Bereavement, Neurodiversity, Anxiety, Self-harm, Depression,Children in care/ safeguarding/Child Protection,victims of the Manchester terrorist attack.
07723 712736 View 07723 712736
Photo of Helen Forbes, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Forbes
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Prenton CH43
Choosing the right therapist for you is important. You might want to talk to several people before you make your decision. We can chat by phone, or you can come and meet me to help you understand if we're a good fit. We can meet in my garden room, or we can walk and talk in Birkenhead Park.
Choosing the right therapist for you is important. You might want to talk to several people before you make your decision. We can chat by phone, or you can come and meet me to help you understand if we're a good fit. We can meet in my garden room, or we can walk and talk in Birkenhead Park.
0151 453 3478 View 0151 453 3478
Photo of Clare Chambers, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Clare Chambers
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Liverpool L18
Hi I'm Clare, thankyou for visiting my profile. I am a person centred integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist based in Liverpool. I'm a supervisor in training. I have experience of mental health difficulties and I'm passionate about helping others to understand their experiences of life's ups and downs. Life is hard and for some of us, it is harder still. Relationship difficulties, adverse childhood experiences, abuse (past or present), addiction, displacement, poor mental or physical health, feeling burnt out, being bullied or exhausted by the many demands of family and modern life. If you have felt such issues I can help you.
Hi I'm Clare, thankyou for visiting my profile. I am a person centred integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist based in Liverpool. I'm a supervisor in training. I have experience of mental health difficulties and I'm passionate about helping others to understand their experiences of life's ups and downs. Life is hard and for some of us, it is harder still. Relationship difficulties, adverse childhood experiences, abuse (past or present), addiction, displacement, poor mental or physical health, feeling burnt out, being bullied or exhausted by the many demands of family and modern life. If you have felt such issues I can help you.
01923 961172 View 01923 961172
Photo of Rachel Perry - Rapport Counselling, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Perry - Rapport Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wirral CH60
Hello and thanks for stopping. I love what I do. 'Extremely easy to talk to'...'turned things around for me'...'helped save my life' being a few client comments. I'm 11 years qualified. During that time I've worked with serving police officers and civilian staff at Merseyside Police, those supported by Victim Support Homicide Service, VI Form students, Occupational Health & EAP clients. I know that being a counsellor is something that was always meant for me because I have an affinity with people and being able to be 'with' them. This and my life experience gives me the perfect grounding to be the best that I can be for my clients.
Hello and thanks for stopping. I love what I do. 'Extremely easy to talk to'...'turned things around for me'...'helped save my life' being a few client comments. I'm 11 years qualified. During that time I've worked with serving police officers and civilian staff at Merseyside Police, those supported by Victim Support Homicide Service, VI Form students, Occupational Health & EAP clients. I know that being a counsellor is something that was always meant for me because I have an affinity with people and being able to be 'with' them. This and my life experience gives me the perfect grounding to be the best that I can be for my clients.
0151 317 5014 View 0151 317 5014
Photo of Dave Chambers, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Dave Chambers
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1  (Online Only)
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist based in Manchester, offering online counselling to individuals and couples in the UK. My approach is warm and friendly and I work with care and compassion. I offer a safe space, free from judgement, where you can be yourself and explore any issues that may be causing confusion, discomfort or distress. You will decide what we talk about and we will always work at a pace that is comfortable for you. It is important that you feel at ease working with me, so I offer a free first session (50 minutes), so you can see how I work and decide whether you wish to continue.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist based in Manchester, offering online counselling to individuals and couples in the UK. My approach is warm and friendly and I work with care and compassion. I offer a safe space, free from judgement, where you can be yourself and explore any issues that may be causing confusion, discomfort or distress. You will decide what we talk about and we will always work at a pace that is comfortable for you. It is important that you feel at ease working with me, so I offer a free first session (50 minutes), so you can see how I work and decide whether you wish to continue.
01707 244854 View 01707 244854

See more therapy options for Bebington

Suicidal Ideation Counsellors

How does therapy for suicidal ideation work?

Stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances can give rise to suicidal thinking. Therapy can address the events at the core of an individual’s suffering. Understanding why a person may be suicidal can help the therapist and the patient discover alternative methods of coping. A person with suicidal ideation may be mired in catastrophic thinking, and treatment like cognitive behavioural therapy is a good choice for breaking such patterns. In addition, treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy can help a person manage their distress through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for suicidal ideation?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and not act on dangerous urges.

Are there specific medications to be combined with therapy?

The use of medication for suicidal thoughts must be aligned with the underlying cause; conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis may be at the root of suicidal ideation. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for symptoms, which may include antipsychotics such as aripiprazole or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for suicidal ideation?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. Still other patients, especially those with co-occurring conditions like major depression and anxiety, may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months. In some cases, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm.