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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the impact that working with suicidal clients has on health professionals.
DESIGN: This research study used an online survey, which covered a broad range of questions in relation to the impact of working with suicidal clients.
METHOD: A total of 110 practitioners completed the online survey. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
RESULTS: The findings highlighted how overwhelmed practitioners felt at the time of their client's death, expressing shock, sadness, anger, guilt and helplessness. In addition, the findings revealed that even several years later practitioners were still marked by the experience, expressing statements such as, 'you don't forget', 'thinking about it produces a feeling of horror' and 'it creates anxiety and apprehension when I encounter similar patients'.
CONCLUSIONS: Analysis from a mixed-methods, pluralist perspective suggests that there is no single answer to supporting practitioners when a client dies. The research highlights that continuing professional development providers and practitioners should understand that such reactions are to be expected, and therefore prepared for. Pressures of work and lack of time were particularly emphasised as negatively impacting on respondents' ability to take appropriate measures for their own self-care and ability to continue to practise effectively. It is our opinion that organisations that do not take this into account are operating in a way that is short-sighted. This adds to the likelihood of potentially serious negative effects for the personal well-being and professional functioning of the individual practitioners directly affected. © 2020 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Language: en |