This episode is from the archives that are available at www.BearClanllc.com.  It’s a re-cast of Episode 18, addressing how counselors can stabilize kids after an incident involving suicidal ideation or gestures.

The role of a counselor is fundamentally different than the role of a therapist in these situations.  The counselor’s focus is on helping the client see the suicidal ideation or gesture as a symptom and then helping the client cope with that symptom.  It’s not about understanding where the symptom comes from – leave that for the individual sessions with a therapist. 

Next episode I’ll be back with the beginning of a new episode arc in the group-level interventions learning pathway.  The focus will be on how to incorporate treatment interventions into every part of the residential shift.    

In the meantime, I hope this episode helps you, and your program, to effectively intervene and support your most overwhelmed clients when they are in crisis.