Counseling Suicide Survivors: Issues and Answers

Abstract

Survivors of the suicidal death of a loved one form a neglected group with individual needs and collective problems. Their vulnerability to subsequent episodes of depression with or without suicidal behavior has been suggested by follow-up studies. Their psychological situation is distinct from the bereavement following natural death in both intrapsychic and interpersonal ways. Issues prominent in Psychotherapy with survivors are identified. A case of the psychotherapy of a family subsequent to the suicide of one of its members is presented to highlight these issues. Suggestions are offered for helping the survivors deal with their feelings and the process of bereavement Follow-up is provided to enable the reader to gauge the success of the psychotherapeutic routine.