Suicidal Ideation Counselling in Bristol

Photo of Zoe Newton, Counsellor, BACP
Zoe Newton
Counsellor, BACP
Bristol BS1
I've previously worked with clients experiencing depression, suicidal feelings, anxiety, addiction, anger, low self-esteem, and trauma.
I'm a person-centred counsellor. This means I focus on how we can work together to create change in your life, particularly through how we interact and communicate. Our sessions will be client led which means you get all the say on what you share, and I will be there with you to support and explore.
I've previously worked with clients experiencing depression, suicidal feelings, anxiety, addiction, anger, low self-esteem, and trauma.
I'm a person-centred counsellor. This means I focus on how we can work together to create change in your life, particularly through how we interact and communicate. Our sessions will be client led which means you get all the say on what you share, and I will be there with you to support and explore.
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Photo of Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling), Counsellor, MBACP
Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling)
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I have witnessed the high mental health conditions, suicidal ideation, including self-harm, and loss faced by LGBT+ individuals that I have counselled, along with the hurdles my son has encountered during his transition.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
I have witnessed the high mental health conditions, suicidal ideation, including self-harm, and loss faced by LGBT+ individuals that I have counselled, along with the hurdles my son has encountered during his transition.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
01275 409794 View 01275 409794
Photo of Noemia Ventura Purcell, Counsellor, MBACP
Noemia Ventura Purcell
Counsellor, MBACP
Bristol BS8
My counselling approach is collaborative, which can help individuals with a wide range of issues such as, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, lack of confidence and other related conditons.
Counselling provides a confidential and safe space to talk about anything that may be worrying you. It can often help you to understand more about the difficult or troubling thoughts that can be a common experience at any time in our lives. My aim is to listen attentively, in confidence, and to be non-judgemental. I offer personal support to enable my clients to explore their inner-selves and their feelings in order to help them to achieve personal growth.
My counselling approach is collaborative, which can help individuals with a wide range of issues such as, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, lack of confidence and other related conditons.
Counselling provides a confidential and safe space to talk about anything that may be worrying you. It can often help you to understand more about the difficult or troubling thoughts that can be a common experience at any time in our lives. My aim is to listen attentively, in confidence, and to be non-judgemental. I offer personal support to enable my clients to explore their inner-selves and their feelings in order to help them to achieve personal growth.
0117 456 5531 View 0117 456 5531
Photo of Joel DaCosta, Counsellor, BACP
Joel DaCosta
Counsellor, BACP
Bristol BS3
I have experience working with many different themes, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss/bereavement, self-harm, suicidal ideation, domestic/sexual abuse, identity, gender/sexuality, and hopelessness.
I'm a humanistic counsellor, meaning I place our therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work. I'll work collaboratively with you at your own pace, through a relational and intersectional lens, because culture, upbringing, class, gender and beliefs all have an impact on, and inform our human experience, and need to be considered.
I have experience working with many different themes, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss/bereavement, self-harm, suicidal ideation, domestic/sexual abuse, identity, gender/sexuality, and hopelessness.
I'm a humanistic counsellor, meaning I place our therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work. I'll work collaboratively with you at your own pace, through a relational and intersectional lens, because culture, upbringing, class, gender and beliefs all have an impact on, and inform our human experience, and need to be considered.
07766 596606 View 07766 596606
Photo of Harry Norman, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Harry Norman
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS9
I work with people with a wide variety of complaints including stress, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low confidence, mood issues, post traumatic stress, depression and suicidal thoughts etc.
Having put my own psychological difficulties behind me, I am grateful being able to help other human beings move on in life. So how can we turn crisis into opportunity and difficulties into resilience? Difficulties such as stress, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low confidence, mood issues, post traumatic stress and depression. I am interested in people with a “difficult diagnosis”, or described as a "difficult case" or those described as autistic or neurodivergent. About eighty percent of my clients are satisfied in eight sessions or less.
I work with people with a wide variety of complaints including stress, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low confidence, mood issues, post traumatic stress, depression and suicidal thoughts etc.
Having put my own psychological difficulties behind me, I am grateful being able to help other human beings move on in life. So how can we turn crisis into opportunity and difficulties into resilience? Difficulties such as stress, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low confidence, mood issues, post traumatic stress and depression. I am interested in people with a “difficult diagnosis”, or described as a "difficult case" or those described as autistic or neurodivergent. About eighty percent of my clients are satisfied in eight sessions or less.
0117 463 9355 View 0117 463 9355
Photo of Carly Read, Counsellor, MA, BACP
Carly Read
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Bristol BS6
I'm skilled at working with issues like self-harm, suicidal ideation, abuse, neurodiversity, school stress, child hood trauma, body image issues, bullying (including cyber bullying) identity, social anxiety and low self-esteem.
Hi I’m Carly. I’m an integrative therapist which means I don’t believe there’s a one size fits all approach to therapy so I will work to tailor therapy to you. I specialise though in working with children & young people, survivors of trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community. I have years of experience working for charities such as Women's Aid, The NSPCC and Off The Record, Bristol. I’m also an artist, and a believer in the healing power of creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
I'm skilled at working with issues like self-harm, suicidal ideation, abuse, neurodiversity, school stress, child hood trauma, body image issues, bullying (including cyber bullying) identity, social anxiety and low self-esteem.
Hi I’m Carly. I’m an integrative therapist which means I don’t believe there’s a one size fits all approach to therapy so I will work to tailor therapy to you. I specialise though in working with children & young people, survivors of trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community. I have years of experience working for charities such as Women's Aid, The NSPCC and Off The Record, Bristol. I’m also an artist, and a believer in the healing power of creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
0117 456 3051 View 0117 456 3051
Photo of Ruth Taylor, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Ruth Taylor
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Bristol BS9
I've worked particularly with anxiety, depression, relationships, bereavement, trauma, suicide, and disordered eating.
Experiences in life can sometimes prevent us from living our life as fully as we would like to or in the way we wish. Anxiety, depression and other issues can leave us feeling confused and stuck, unable to move forward and take charge of our lives. ​ I offer one-one counselling in a private, confidential and safe space. This can help you explore and understand your experiences, your feelings and your thoughts. It can help you consider and deal with the dilemmas and decisions you face and it can help you understand your patterns, to see new perspectives for your future and to regain the confidence to make the changes you want to. ​
I've worked particularly with anxiety, depression, relationships, bereavement, trauma, suicide, and disordered eating.
Experiences in life can sometimes prevent us from living our life as fully as we would like to or in the way we wish. Anxiety, depression and other issues can leave us feeling confused and stuck, unable to move forward and take charge of our lives. ​ I offer one-one counselling in a private, confidential and safe space. This can help you explore and understand your experiences, your feelings and your thoughts. It can help you consider and deal with the dilemmas and decisions you face and it can help you understand your patterns, to see new perspectives for your future and to regain the confidence to make the changes you want to. ​
0117 456 2423 View 0117 456 2423
Photo of Andi Lee Smart, Counsellor, MA, PNCPS Acc.
Andi Lee Smart
Counsellor, MA, PNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I work with clients experiencing challenges related to abuse, addiction, AIDS/HIV, bullying, neurodiversity, suicidal feelings, and trauma.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Sessions are delivered through a person-centered, strength-based approach. This means that in our sessions, we focus on your needs, wants, and wishes. I work flexibly and integratively, drawing on a variety of therapeutic modalities to best suit your individual circumstances and preferences. This tailored approach ensures that our work together aligns with what is most helpful and meaningful for you. Together, we will build a ‘resilience toolbox’ to help you manage future stress, anxiety, and/or trauma.
I work with clients experiencing challenges related to abuse, addiction, AIDS/HIV, bullying, neurodiversity, suicidal feelings, and trauma.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Sessions are delivered through a person-centered, strength-based approach. This means that in our sessions, we focus on your needs, wants, and wishes. I work flexibly and integratively, drawing on a variety of therapeutic modalities to best suit your individual circumstances and preferences. This tailored approach ensures that our work together aligns with what is most helpful and meaningful for you. Together, we will build a ‘resilience toolbox’ to help you manage future stress, anxiety, and/or trauma.
0117 463 5609 View 0117 463 5609
Photo of Emma Reeves, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Emma Reeves
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Bristol BS6
I am specialised in working with trauma and have worked with a wide range of issues with clients: sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical abuse, bereavement, suicide, adoption, looked after children/ young people.
I am Art Psychotherapist providing art therapy sessions to adults and young adults in Bristol. I have 15 years experience practicing as an Art Psychotherapist with children, young people and adults in the voluntary sector. I am currently working within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I am familiar with working with the wide range of symptoms arising from trauma such as: anxiety, depression, self harm, behavioural difficulties, dissociation, hyperactivity, hypervigilance, eating difficulties, social difficulties, anger, aggression, etc. I am specialised in working with trauma.
I am specialised in working with trauma and have worked with a wide range of issues with clients: sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical abuse, bereavement, suicide, adoption, looked after children/ young people.
I am Art Psychotherapist providing art therapy sessions to adults and young adults in Bristol. I have 15 years experience practicing as an Art Psychotherapist with children, young people and adults in the voluntary sector. I am currently working within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I am familiar with working with the wide range of symptoms arising from trauma such as: anxiety, depression, self harm, behavioural difficulties, dissociation, hyperactivity, hypervigilance, eating difficulties, social difficulties, anger, aggression, etc. I am specialised in working with trauma.
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Photo of Ceinwen Birrell, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Ceinwen Birrell
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Bristol BS5
Trauma effects our mental health in many ways, but typically in anxiety, depression, addiction, self harm, suicidal ideation and relationship issues, all of which I can help you with.
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials such as clay, painting, drawing and collage materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and too consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire.
Trauma effects our mental health in many ways, but typically in anxiety, depression, addiction, self harm, suicidal ideation and relationship issues, all of which I can help you with.
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials such as clay, painting, drawing and collage materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and too consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire.
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Photo of Vicki Bowker, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Vicki Bowker
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Bristol BS8
I have experience in working with, and can help in, the following areas, amongst others: Depression and low mood, Stress, Anxiety, Drug and alcohol use, Addiction, Women's Health, including endometriosis and menopause, Suicidal thoughts, Race and racism, Grief, Relationship issues, Disordered eating, Phobias, Financial issues, Self esteem, Self worth
Hello, I'm Vicki, a fully qualified counsellor and member of the NCPS. Times can feel hard, like that feeling when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, when the stress feels too much, when getting out of bed feels like an achievement, or feeling like no-one understands what we’re going through. Carrying these feelings can be heavy and make us feel like we’re facing an uphill battle. Through counselling, we can explore how you’re feeling, work through what’s bothering you, and talk about life’s challenges in a compassionate, safe and warm space, all while allowing you to be authentically yourself.
I have experience in working with, and can help in, the following areas, amongst others: Depression and low mood, Stress, Anxiety, Drug and alcohol use, Addiction, Women's Health, including endometriosis and menopause, Suicidal thoughts, Race and racism, Grief, Relationship issues, Disordered eating, Phobias, Financial issues, Self esteem, Self worth
Hello, I'm Vicki, a fully qualified counsellor and member of the NCPS. Times can feel hard, like that feeling when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, when the stress feels too much, when getting out of bed feels like an achievement, or feeling like no-one understands what we’re going through. Carrying these feelings can be heavy and make us feel like we’re facing an uphill battle. Through counselling, we can explore how you’re feeling, work through what’s bothering you, and talk about life’s challenges in a compassionate, safe and warm space, all while allowing you to be authentically yourself.
0117 463 2987 View 0117 463 2987
Photo of Holly Robinson, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Holly Robinson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Bristol BS2
My areas of experience are mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and OCD, domestic, racial and sexual abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, disordered eating, identity issues, self-worth, bereavement and loss, work, relationship and family issues.
Hi, my name is Holly - I am an Integrative Counsellor with a specialist interest in working in the areas of sexual abuse, shame and identity. An example of clients that I may see at my practice (but are not limited to) are survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence, their loved ones, sex workers and those impacted by sexually intrusive thoughts, images or compulsions. I also work with clients who have challenges with or are looking to explore different aspects of their identity.
My areas of experience are mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and OCD, domestic, racial and sexual abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, disordered eating, identity issues, self-worth, bereavement and loss, work, relationship and family issues.
Hi, my name is Holly - I am an Integrative Counsellor with a specialist interest in working in the areas of sexual abuse, shame and identity. An example of clients that I may see at my practice (but are not limited to) are survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence, their loved ones, sex workers and those impacted by sexually intrusive thoughts, images or compulsions. I also work with clients who have challenges with or are looking to explore different aspects of their identity.
01454 801654 View 01454 801654
Photo of Karen Christie, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Karen Christie
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Bristol BS2
Some of the most common issues I've worked with are anxiety, depression, relationship issues (past or current), bereavement, anger, guilt, shame, trauma & suicide.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or finding life too hard to manage? If you're going through a difficult time & looking for help, you are welcome to contact me. Counselling offers a confidential place to explore feelings without any pressure or judgement. This process can help reduce confusion and help make life more manageable. I am an experienced, qualified & Integrative Counsellor, which means I work with different theoretical concepts and models depending on my clients’ needs and ways of experiencing. My core style is Person Centred which means I truly believe we all have sufficient resources within to lead fulfilling lives.
Some of the most common issues I've worked with are anxiety, depression, relationship issues (past or current), bereavement, anger, guilt, shame, trauma & suicide.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or finding life too hard to manage? If you're going through a difficult time & looking for help, you are welcome to contact me. Counselling offers a confidential place to explore feelings without any pressure or judgement. This process can help reduce confusion and help make life more manageable. I am an experienced, qualified & Integrative Counsellor, which means I work with different theoretical concepts and models depending on my clients’ needs and ways of experiencing. My core style is Person Centred which means I truly believe we all have sufficient resources within to lead fulfilling lives.
0117 463 0489 View 0117 463 0489
Photo of Caroline O'Brien, Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Caroline O'Brien
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS2
I specialise in supporting clients with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia; clients impacted by family difficulties including parental addiction and trauma; and clients struggling with anxiety, self-harm, and suicide ideation.
People attend counselling for all sorts of reasons. For some of us it helps to have someone outside of friends and family to share our thoughts with and reflect on the challenges we face. Counselling can also be a refuge when crisis hits and we need help to understand and process our experiences. Whatever it is that brings you here, I welcome you and offer you space to think and to connect. My approach is warm and grounded. I work integratively, meaning that I draw on a range of counselling approaches and work with you to agree aims and a pace that is supportive.
I specialise in supporting clients with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia; clients impacted by family difficulties including parental addiction and trauma; and clients struggling with anxiety, self-harm, and suicide ideation.
People attend counselling for all sorts of reasons. For some of us it helps to have someone outside of friends and family to share our thoughts with and reflect on the challenges we face. Counselling can also be a refuge when crisis hits and we need help to understand and process our experiences. Whatever it is that brings you here, I welcome you and offer you space to think and to connect. My approach is warm and grounded. I work integratively, meaning that I draw on a range of counselling approaches and work with you to agree aims and a pace that is supportive.
0117 463 7189 View 0117 463 7189
Photo of Peter James Begbie, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Peter James Begbie
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Bristol BS4
I have worked with people with issues such as relationship issues, low self esteem, anxiety, suicidal ideation, depression as well as sexuality and or gender issues.
My approach to working with people is integrative. I adapt how I approach each person depending on what issues they bring to the counselling sessions. I work with people of different ages and backgrounds. I work mostly with people 18 and older. I work alongside people to enable them to look at their issues to help bring about positive change in their lives.
I have worked with people with issues such as relationship issues, low self esteem, anxiety, suicidal ideation, depression as well as sexuality and or gender issues.
My approach to working with people is integrative. I adapt how I approach each person depending on what issues they bring to the counselling sessions. I work with people of different ages and backgrounds. I work mostly with people 18 and older. I work alongside people to enable them to look at their issues to help bring about positive change in their lives.
0117 463 1536 View 0117 463 1536
Photo of Fayola Edmunds, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Fayola Edmunds
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Bristol BS7
I have years of experience working with anxiety, depression or feelings of overwhelm, being stuck, relationship & family issues, anger, suicidal ideation, low mood, trauma, guilt, shame and purposes, through counselling, peer support groups and working in a rape crisis centre with victim survivors.
Hi, I am Fayola, a friendly, open and empathetic counsellor, based in north Bristol, offering in-person and online sessions. Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in life? Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, anxiety, relationship or family issues, feeling lonely or unsure of what's troubling you, I can help you gain new insight and find healing tools that work best for you, offering a deeper understanding of yourself, and your experiences. I have a passion for supporting people, and our relationship will give you the opportunity to express yourself, be heard, build confidence, esteem and make your own decisions.
I have years of experience working with anxiety, depression or feelings of overwhelm, being stuck, relationship & family issues, anger, suicidal ideation, low mood, trauma, guilt, shame and purposes, through counselling, peer support groups and working in a rape crisis centre with victim survivors.
Hi, I am Fayola, a friendly, open and empathetic counsellor, based in north Bristol, offering in-person and online sessions. Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in life? Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, anxiety, relationship or family issues, feeling lonely or unsure of what's troubling you, I can help you gain new insight and find healing tools that work best for you, offering a deeper understanding of yourself, and your experiences. I have a passion for supporting people, and our relationship will give you the opportunity to express yourself, be heard, build confidence, esteem and make your own decisions.
0117 463 2392 View 0117 463 2392
Photo of Kayla Dunkley, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Kayla Dunkley
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Bristol BS6
My areas of experience cover anxiety, overwhelm, anger, depression, trauma, abuse, dissociation, avoidance and suicidal ideation.
An integrative approach to therapy acknowledges that everyone is unique, so it would be unrealistic to expect the exact same therapeutic approach to work for every person. By taking into account your personal frame of reference, and the way you function and feel, I will collaborate with you and draw from the relevant approaches that best fit you.
My areas of experience cover anxiety, overwhelm, anger, depression, trauma, abuse, dissociation, avoidance and suicidal ideation.
An integrative approach to therapy acknowledges that everyone is unique, so it would be unrealistic to expect the exact same therapeutic approach to work for every person. By taking into account your personal frame of reference, and the way you function and feel, I will collaborate with you and draw from the relevant approaches that best fit you.
01275 409703 View 01275 409703
Photo of Natasha Menoni - Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
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Photo of Mary Mulherin, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Mary Mulherin
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Mary (she/her), I'm passionate about supporting people with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and relationship issues.
My core training is Transactional Analysis which focuses on improving relationships. I help you get the best out of life, by recognising of the impact of your childhood experiences on your everyday life. You will become more confident, more aware and calmer. You will be able to assess situations and handle your emotions, with healthy coping mechanisms.
Hi, I'm Mary (she/her), I'm passionate about supporting people with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and relationship issues.
My core training is Transactional Analysis which focuses on improving relationships. I help you get the best out of life, by recognising of the impact of your childhood experiences on your everyday life. You will become more confident, more aware and calmer. You will be able to assess situations and handle your emotions, with healthy coping mechanisms.
01245 950493 View 01245 950493
Photo of Gregory Hamlin, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Gregory Hamlin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
I have extensive experience working with bereavement, anxiety, depression, victims of narcissistic abuse and those suffering with suicidal feelings.
We all have times in our lives when our thoughts and feelings can become overwhelming and we need someone to talk and think with. Sometimes something has happened in life, like a break up or bereavement and other times you might not be sure where these difficult feelings are coming from. Therapy offers a safe and confidential space to discuss anything on your mind, helping you to gain more self-understanding and work through whatever is troubling you.
I have extensive experience working with bereavement, anxiety, depression, victims of narcissistic abuse and those suffering with suicidal feelings.
We all have times in our lives when our thoughts and feelings can become overwhelming and we need someone to talk and think with. Sometimes something has happened in life, like a break up or bereavement and other times you might not be sure where these difficult feelings are coming from. Therapy offers a safe and confidential space to discuss anything on your mind, helping you to gain more self-understanding and work through whatever is troubling you.
020 8106 0865 View 020 8106 0865

See more therapy options for Bristol

Suicidal Ideation Counsellors

How does therapy for suicidal ideation work?

Stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances can give rise to suicidal thinking. Therapy can address the events at the core of an individual’s suffering. Understanding why a person may be suicidal can help the therapist and the patient discover alternative methods of coping. A person with suicidal ideation may be mired in catastrophic thinking, and treatment like cognitive behavioural therapy is a good choice for breaking such patterns. In addition, treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy can help a person manage their distress through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for suicidal ideation?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and not act on dangerous urges.

Are there specific medications to be combined with therapy?

The use of medication for suicidal thoughts must be aligned with the underlying cause; conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis may be at the root of suicidal ideation. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for symptoms, which may include antipsychotics such as aripiprazole or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for suicidal ideation?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. Still other patients, especially those with co-occurring conditions like major depression and anxiety, may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months. In some cases, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm.