Psychotherapy and suicide
Hendin, H.
American Journal of Psychotherapy 35(4): 469-480
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9564 PMID: 7325261 Document Number: 174081
In contrast to most current strategies for treating suicidal patients, which consist largely of intensive measures for management and control, psychodynamic psychotherapy is described as a potentially highly effective method of treatment for this patient population. Elaborating the thesis that successful therapy cannot be conducted with suicidal patients unless the therapist understands the ways in which the patient uses his potential death as part of his adaptation, several specific countertransference issues which often prevent such understanding are discussed. Numerous case examples are provided with illustrate approaches to successful psychotherapy with young, middle-aged and elderly suicidal individuals.