Suicidal Ideation Counselling in London

Photo of Claudine Therese Astles - Claudine Astles, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Claudine Astles
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW1W
I have worked with adult survivors of sexual abuse and people struggling with ideas of suicide as well as supporting clients to overcome low self esteem, anxiety, and manage the pressures life brings to us all.
The first step towards asking for help can be the hardest. Get in touch and we can take it together. My name is Claudine Astles and I work with clients in the Victoria area of central London, SW1, and also online. I am committed to offering a safe, non-judgemental space in which we can use counselling and therapy to explore your concerns, fears, and anxieties, and work together to help you reconnect with joy. I work with individuals on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, with the aim of enabling you to enhance your life and to live it more fully.
I have worked with adult survivors of sexual abuse and people struggling with ideas of suicide as well as supporting clients to overcome low self esteem, anxiety, and manage the pressures life brings to us all.
The first step towards asking for help can be the hardest. Get in touch and we can take it together. My name is Claudine Astles and I work with clients in the Victoria area of central London, SW1, and also online. I am committed to offering a safe, non-judgemental space in which we can use counselling and therapy to explore your concerns, fears, and anxieties, and work together to help you reconnect with joy. I work with individuals on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, with the aim of enabling you to enhance your life and to live it more fully.
020 3974 2441 View 020 3974 2441
Photo of Georgia Davison, BACP, Psychotherapist
Georgia Davison
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
London W11
After several years of working predominantly with clients who are considering suicide and/or who have been victims of abuse and crimes.
Regardless of whether in a crisis or not, therapy is a carved out space solely for you. A space of exploration, reflection and contemplation. I am here to honour that space and walk alongside you as we explore together the foundations that make you who are. I offer a versatile, updated form of therapy that adapts to our every day nomadic and digital needs. My work is focused on empowering victims of abuse through their own narrative and working in preventative measures with perpetrators. My online digital therapy practice, ONIS, provides a special focus on therapy for those in the Entertainment Service Industries.
After several years of working predominantly with clients who are considering suicide and/or who have been victims of abuse and crimes.
Regardless of whether in a crisis or not, therapy is a carved out space solely for you. A space of exploration, reflection and contemplation. I am here to honour that space and walk alongside you as we explore together the foundations that make you who are. I offer a versatile, updated form of therapy that adapts to our every day nomadic and digital needs. My work is focused on empowering victims of abuse through their own narrative and working in preventative measures with perpetrators. My online digital therapy practice, ONIS, provides a special focus on therapy for those in the Entertainment Service Industries.
020 4538 4727 View 020 4538 4727
Photo of Irene Brown-Martin, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Irene Brown-Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SE14
I am a accredited Psychotherapist and Supervisor trained in a variety of psychological and counselling therapies. I utilise a variety of evidence based practices, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy to treat adults, adolescents and young adults, with depression identify and address problems in their relationships. My clinical interests include treating anxiety, trauma, race-based traumatic stress, unresolved childhood trauma, as well as with children and young people with a range of difficulties including mood and behavioural problems. I have extensive experience in the assessment and management of self harm and suicidal ideation.
I am a accredited Psychotherapist and Supervisor trained in a variety of psychological and counselling therapies. I utilise a variety of evidence based practices, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy to treat adults, adolescents and young adults, with depression identify and address problems in their relationships. My clinical interests include treating anxiety, trauma, race-based traumatic stress, unresolved childhood trauma, as well as with children and young people with a range of difficulties including mood and behavioural problems. I have extensive experience in the assessment and management of self harm and suicidal ideation.
020 4538 8269 View 020 4538 8269
Photo of Mervyn Reid, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Mervyn Reid
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE1
As an Adult, Child, Young Person, Couple and Family/Systemic Counsellor, I bring a lot of experience and a vast range of skills to support a wide range of people and presentations, from suicide and self-harm, depression and anxiety to trauma and self-identity work.
Hello, and well done making it this far. I am a light-hearted Counsellor, Trainer & Supervisor who is very easy to talk with. I have 20+ years of experience working with couples, young people, children, individuals, and families. I work via face-to-face, telephone or online sessions using an integrative approach that helps us apply the best support at the best time. As a client-directed Counsellor, I take your lead, tailoring our sessions to suit your needs—Telephone & Online services across the UK and Ireland. Give me a call or a text to arrange your free 15-minute consultation. Clinical Supervision & Consultation offered.
As an Adult, Child, Young Person, Couple and Family/Systemic Counsellor, I bring a lot of experience and a vast range of skills to support a wide range of people and presentations, from suicide and self-harm, depression and anxiety to trauma and self-identity work.
Hello, and well done making it this far. I am a light-hearted Counsellor, Trainer & Supervisor who is very easy to talk with. I have 20+ years of experience working with couples, young people, children, individuals, and families. I work via face-to-face, telephone or online sessions using an integrative approach that helps us apply the best support at the best time. As a client-directed Counsellor, I take your lead, tailoring our sessions to suit your needs—Telephone & Online services across the UK and Ireland. Give me a call or a text to arrange your free 15-minute consultation. Clinical Supervision & Consultation offered.
028 9694 3156 View 028 9694 3156
Photo of Nelson Davis, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Nelson Davis
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE3
I also have specialism, dealing with suicidal ideation, and helping families deal with suicide's aftermath.
It can be a huge step to decide to talk to a counsellor/psychotherapist about personal issues so it is important to find someone you are comfortable with, who will not judge you but accept you for who you are. I offer office based and/or telephone therapy. The relationship between therapist and patient is fundamentally important. I liken psychotherapy to being in a clothing shop changing room where we get a unique view of ourselves from all angles.  Likewise therapy is about helping someone to glimpse  and explore hidden parts of themselves or just helping them make sense of their distress.
I also have specialism, dealing with suicidal ideation, and helping families deal with suicide's aftermath.
It can be a huge step to decide to talk to a counsellor/psychotherapist about personal issues so it is important to find someone you are comfortable with, who will not judge you but accept you for who you are. I offer office based and/or telephone therapy. The relationship between therapist and patient is fundamentally important. I liken psychotherapy to being in a clothing shop changing room where we get a unique view of ourselves from all angles.  Likewise therapy is about helping someone to glimpse  and explore hidden parts of themselves or just helping them make sense of their distress.
028 9590 9787 View 028 9590 9787
Photo of Lynda Chebbihi, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lynda Chebbihi
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W14
I am a qualified Applied Psychologist and Psychotherapist, specialised in trauma (including childhood trauma). I offer a safe and confidential space to explore together any posttraumatic symptoms, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues and grief. I engage to meet your experiences with full acceptance, care, and empathic understanding to help you find your own innate resources to adapt and feel good about yourself.
I am a qualified Applied Psychologist and Psychotherapist, specialised in trauma (including childhood trauma). I offer a safe and confidential space to explore together any posttraumatic symptoms, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues and grief. I engage to meet your experiences with full acceptance, care, and empathic understanding to help you find your own innate resources to adapt and feel good about yourself.
01224 945576 View 01224 945576
Photo of Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling), MBACP, Counsellor
Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London E1  (Online Only)
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends. I can offer a non-judgemental, gentle, accepting confidential space for you to share your issues and concerns, knowing you will not be rejected or discriminated against. I have lived experience of transgender identities, as my son is transgender. 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. I would like to walk with you along your pathway, and consider myself privileged to do so.
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends. I can offer a non-judgemental, gentle, accepting confidential space for you to share your issues and concerns, knowing you will not be rejected or discriminated against. I have lived experience of transgender identities, as my son is transgender. 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. I would like to walk with you along your pathway, and consider myself privileged to do so.
01275 409794 View 01275 409794
Photo of Joanna Kalapus, MBACP, Counsellor
Joanna Kalapus
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W5
I have specialist training and a lot of experience supporting individuals with mental health issues such as; Depression, PTSD, Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and supporting people who are experiencing feelings of emotional distress or despair, including those which may lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
I'm a compassionate and fully qualified Person-Centred / Humanistic Counsellor with extensive experience guiding individuals overcome significant life challenges: divorce, affairs, relationship problems, physical and emotional abuse, domestic violence... Whether you're seeking greater motivation, emotional stability, or a stronger sense of self-worth, I'm here to support you. Through our collaborative journey, I'll create a safe space for you to explore your unique experiences and discover your own inner strength. Together, we can navigate your challenges and unlock your potential for a more fulfilling life.
I have specialist training and a lot of experience supporting individuals with mental health issues such as; Depression, PTSD, Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and supporting people who are experiencing feelings of emotional distress or despair, including those which may lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
I'm a compassionate and fully qualified Person-Centred / Humanistic Counsellor with extensive experience guiding individuals overcome significant life challenges: divorce, affairs, relationship problems, physical and emotional abuse, domestic violence... Whether you're seeking greater motivation, emotional stability, or a stronger sense of self-worth, I'm here to support you. Through our collaborative journey, I'll create a safe space for you to explore your unique experiences and discover your own inner strength. Together, we can navigate your challenges and unlock your potential for a more fulfilling life.
020 4538 5495 View 020 4538 5495
Photo of Ben Scanlan, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ben Scanlan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SE1
This range of experiences has seen me work with people who are suicidal and have been labelled in a variety of ways - ultimately all of them have been looking for a greater understanding of life.
Life is difficult. Do more, be more. Be what others want. I offer a space where we examine where you are in life, what's brought you here, what it's like being you and you in relation to others, and how you're contributing to where you're at. How will we do this? Through our relationship, where I'll offer support, care, empathy and challenge to help you examine life.
This range of experiences has seen me work with people who are suicidal and have been labelled in a variety of ways - ultimately all of them have been looking for a greater understanding of life.
Life is difficult. Do more, be more. Be what others want. I offer a space where we examine where you are in life, what's brought you here, what it's like being you and you in relation to others, and how you're contributing to where you're at. How will we do this? Through our relationship, where I'll offer support, care, empathy and challenge to help you examine life.
020 3962 1562 View 020 3962 1562
Photo of Fiona Davis-Coleman, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Fiona Davis-Coleman
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW13
I work with clients experiencing a wide range of symptoms including depression, anxiety, bereavement, grief, addictions, anger, agoraphobia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and work-related stress.
I work as an integrative psychotherapist and will tailor our sessions to your needs. I believe that we are all capable of transforming our lives. Profound and fundamental change occurs with the realisation that the most important relationship we will ever have is the relationship with ourselves.
I work with clients experiencing a wide range of symptoms including depression, anxiety, bereavement, grief, addictions, anger, agoraphobia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and work-related stress.
I work as an integrative psychotherapist and will tailor our sessions to your needs. I believe that we are all capable of transforming our lives. Profound and fundamental change occurs with the realisation that the most important relationship we will ever have is the relationship with ourselves.
020 3910 6051 View 020 3910 6051
Photo of Simon Kasprowicz, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Simon Kasprowicz
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London N4
In my time as a therapist I have helped my clients gain understanding of loss, bereavement, anger, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationships and personal development.
The challenges and choices we all face in our lives are as unique as we are. We all have our own paths, problems, opportunities and solutions. Whatever brought you here today, therapy can help you find the path that is right for you.
In my time as a therapist I have helped my clients gain understanding of loss, bereavement, anger, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationships and personal development.
The challenges and choices we all face in our lives are as unique as we are. We all have our own paths, problems, opportunities and solutions. Whatever brought you here today, therapy can help you find the path that is right for you.
020 3962 0871 View 020 3962 0871
Photo of Tim Williamson, MBACP, Counsellor
Tim Williamson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N2
I work primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and bereavement (I have particular experience in bereavement by suicide).
It was Mr Miyagi in the movie “The Karate Kid” who said, “You know, but you do not understand.” We are often aware of the feelings and thoughts we are having, the behaviours they are causing and the distress that can generate. We can even know the traumas that have happened that we can attribute them to. But we can’t understand or articulate them enough to change them and heal. Perhaps this is the way you feel? Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety, depression or both for some time and everyday life is more challenging than you want it to be? Maybe you’ve experienced a traumatic event that you can’t seem to get over?
I work primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and bereavement (I have particular experience in bereavement by suicide).
It was Mr Miyagi in the movie “The Karate Kid” who said, “You know, but you do not understand.” We are often aware of the feelings and thoughts we are having, the behaviours they are causing and the distress that can generate. We can even know the traumas that have happened that we can attribute them to. But we can’t understand or articulate them enough to change them and heal. Perhaps this is the way you feel? Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety, depression or both for some time and everyday life is more challenging than you want it to be? Maybe you’ve experienced a traumatic event that you can’t seem to get over?
07480 488746 View 07480 488746
Photo of Shannon Moore Ma. Advanced Child Adolescent Counsellor, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Shannon Moore Ma. Advanced Child Adolescent Counsellor
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW1A  (Online Only)
Shannon's Safe Space! As a child and adolescent counsellor with a Master's degree in Advanced Counselling Practice and experience working with over 2300 young people, as well as an additional background in education, I understand the challenges young people may face. In this space, I provide Crisis and Emotional Wellbeing Counselling to children and young adults aged 5 – 25. Whether my clients are dealing with trauma, experiencing suicidal ideation, struggling with anxiety or relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, I'm here.
Shannon's Safe Space! As a child and adolescent counsellor with a Master's degree in Advanced Counselling Practice and experience working with over 2300 young people, as well as an additional background in education, I understand the challenges young people may face. In this space, I provide Crisis and Emotional Wellbeing Counselling to children and young adults aged 5 – 25. Whether my clients are dealing with trauma, experiencing suicidal ideation, struggling with anxiety or relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, I'm here.
020 3816 3165 View 020 3816 3165
Photo of Deon Remzi, MBACP, Counsellor
Deon Remzi
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE3
As an integrative counsellor, I merge various humanistic and psychodynamic therapeutic modalities to offer comprehensive support. Offering long & short term therapy specialising in, Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, Family issues, Early years parenting, Suicide, Bereavement & Relationship issues. My practice is built on a foundation of compassion, believing in the inherent capacity for growth and healing within you. Cultural awareness is paramount, as I deeply value and honour your diverse background, experiences, and identities. By embracing your unique cultural differences, I ensure that my therapeutic approach is inclusive.
As an integrative counsellor, I merge various humanistic and psychodynamic therapeutic modalities to offer comprehensive support. Offering long & short term therapy specialising in, Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, Family issues, Early years parenting, Suicide, Bereavement & Relationship issues. My practice is built on a foundation of compassion, believing in the inherent capacity for growth and healing within you. Cultural awareness is paramount, as I deeply value and honour your diverse background, experiences, and identities. By embracing your unique cultural differences, I ensure that my therapeutic approach is inclusive.
020 7123 9359 View 020 7123 9359
Photo of Simone Ayers - Simone Ayers Online Counselling & Supervision , BACP, Counsellor
Simone Ayers Online Counselling & Supervision
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
London EC1N  (Online Only)
Right now you may feel desperate, lost, empty, stressed, anxious or fed up. Whatever difficulty has prompted you to seek Counselling does not define who are you are and the journey you want to take in life. Together we will explore your feelings of being stuck, alone or in darkness as you strengthen your own resources to create greater wellbeing, resilience and satisfaction. No person is the same or brings identical experiences but frequent issues I work with include depression, anxiety, loss & bereavement, trauma, suicidal thoughts, work or school stress and relationship tensions. I work with clients aged 13+ and with Couples.
Right now you may feel desperate, lost, empty, stressed, anxious or fed up. Whatever difficulty has prompted you to seek Counselling does not define who are you are and the journey you want to take in life. Together we will explore your feelings of being stuck, alone or in darkness as you strengthen your own resources to create greater wellbeing, resilience and satisfaction. No person is the same or brings identical experiences but frequent issues I work with include depression, anxiety, loss & bereavement, trauma, suicidal thoughts, work or school stress and relationship tensions. I work with clients aged 13+ and with Couples.
07480 536516 View 07480 536516
Photo of Sulafa Yassin, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sulafa Yassin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W5
I work with cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, thoughts of suicide/self harm with adults, children and adolescents.
Starting counselling can seem hard for some but those first steps can have a positive lasting impact. I understand that things can feel overwhelming at first but hopefully I can help you to work through any anxieties about counselling so that I can support you through your personal journey. With me, your therapeutic journey is the priority. I work with you to help understand your difficulties better and find ways of managing similar difficulties in the future. I work with children, adolescents and adults using various approaches depending on the individual's needs, largely person centred and cognitive behaviour approaches.
I work with cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, thoughts of suicide/self harm with adults, children and adolescents.
Starting counselling can seem hard for some but those first steps can have a positive lasting impact. I understand that things can feel overwhelming at first but hopefully I can help you to work through any anxieties about counselling so that I can support you through your personal journey. With me, your therapeutic journey is the priority. I work with you to help understand your difficulties better and find ways of managing similar difficulties in the future. I work with children, adolescents and adults using various approaches depending on the individual's needs, largely person centred and cognitive behaviour approaches.
020 4538 4424 View 020 4538 4424
Photo of Sheryl Noik, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sheryl Noik
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London NW11
I specialise in childhood bereavement, relationship issues, chronic illness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, divorce, self-harm, suicide ideation, sexual and gender identity, OCD, ASD and ADHD.
Hello, my name is Sheryl and I am an Integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship issues, struggling with parenting or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. Therapy is a safe, non-judgemental space where you can bring your worries, explore thoughts and share your feelings, and be heard with compassion and empathy. I work with adults, couples and adolescents.
I specialise in childhood bereavement, relationship issues, chronic illness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, divorce, self-harm, suicide ideation, sexual and gender identity, OCD, ASD and ADHD.
Hello, my name is Sheryl and I am an Integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship issues, struggling with parenting or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. Therapy is a safe, non-judgemental space where you can bring your worries, explore thoughts and share your feelings, and be heard with compassion and empathy. I work with adults, couples and adolescents.
020 3835 3016 View 020 3835 3016
Photo of Philippa Devas, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Philippa Devas
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SW3
I can help with a number of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma recovery, suicidal ideation, narcissistic personality disorder, eating disorders and addiction.
Beginning therapy and finding a therapist can be a daunting process, although just taking the first step of reaching out to one is the most courageous step. I offer a confidential safe space - either in person on online - to talk about your concerns or anything which is currently troubling you at the same time and day each week. The regularity of sessions and the relationship between client and therapist which develops is part of the journey of healing that therapy can provide. I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist with experience of working with people to help them heal and feel better about themselves.
I can help with a number of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma recovery, suicidal ideation, narcissistic personality disorder, eating disorders and addiction.
Beginning therapy and finding a therapist can be a daunting process, although just taking the first step of reaching out to one is the most courageous step. I offer a confidential safe space - either in person on online - to talk about your concerns or anything which is currently troubling you at the same time and day each week. The regularity of sessions and the relationship between client and therapist which develops is part of the journey of healing that therapy can provide. I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist with experience of working with people to help them heal and feel better about themselves.
020 8138 8415 View 020 8138 8415
Photo of Ilona Bondar, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Ilona Bondar
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SW11
I am an MSc-trained psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor, specialising in early adulthood (18 to 40). I offer a safe & confidential space to help you cope with various emotional difficulties that surface in this important period of life. I can provide support for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, bereavement, traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, pregnancy, gender & sexuality, identity issues, performance anxiety, and career uncertainty. I currently work in private practice, having previously held a full-time position with the NHS. Prior to that, I worked as a psychotherapist at UCL.
I am an MSc-trained psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor, specialising in early adulthood (18 to 40). I offer a safe & confidential space to help you cope with various emotional difficulties that surface in this important period of life. I can provide support for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, bereavement, traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, pregnancy, gender & sexuality, identity issues, performance anxiety, and career uncertainty. I currently work in private practice, having previously held a full-time position with the NHS. Prior to that, I worked as a psychotherapist at UCL.
020 3856 4422 View 020 3856 4422
Photo of Amanda Sandeman, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Amanda Sandeman
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London WC1H
In an ideal world, we would feel unconditionally loved and accepted, free to be openly ourselves, able to develop and maintain meaningful relationships and eager to explore the world around us. The reality is that many of us have had challenging experiences in our lives and we carry inner hurts and wounds. You may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety and/or panic attacks. You may feel depressed, stressed, worthless or have suicidal thoughts. Feelings of anger, sadness, grief, tearfulness or loneliness may be unbearable, perhaps due to bereavement, trauma, abuse or family issues. Maybe you struggle with low self-esteem.
In an ideal world, we would feel unconditionally loved and accepted, free to be openly ourselves, able to develop and maintain meaningful relationships and eager to explore the world around us. The reality is that many of us have had challenging experiences in our lives and we carry inner hurts and wounds. You may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety and/or panic attacks. You may feel depressed, stressed, worthless or have suicidal thoughts. Feelings of anger, sadness, grief, tearfulness or loneliness may be unbearable, perhaps due to bereavement, trauma, abuse or family issues. Maybe you struggle with low self-esteem.
020 3994 2205 View 020 3994 2205
1
...

See more therapy options for London

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.