Citation

Winter D, Bradshaw S, Bunn F, Wellsted D. Counsell. Psychother. Res. J. 2014; 14(1): 64-79.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1080/14733145.2012.737004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Scope of review: The paper reports a meta-synthesis of 13 qualitative studies of counselling and psychotherapy with people at risk of suicide. Publication time span: The studies considered were reported between 1997 and 2006. Publication origin: Seven studies were conducted in the UK, four in the USA, one in Canada, and one in Sweden.

FINDINGS: Themes in clients' and therapists' accounts of the process of counselling or psychotherapy were therapist qualities; therapy components; theoretical framework; and therapy techniques. Themes in their accounts of the effectiveness of counselling and psychotherapy were decrease in self-destructive behaviour, and quality of life. Themes in clients' views of barriers to effective counselling or psychotherapy were therapist characteristics; therapy components; secrecy; and transferring to the real-life situation. Secrecy was also identified as a barrier by therapists, as were responsibilities of the profession; training; and the nature of suicide and self-harm. Facilitators of successful counselling and psychotherapy as identified by clients were responsibility; support; and teaching therapy skills to family members, the latter also being identified by therapists. © 2012 © 2012 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Language: en

Keywords

qualitative; suicide; systematic review; prevention; psychotherapy; counselling