Working with people who are suffering or suicidal, helping them always involves solving various problems, including ethical dilemmas. Many of these are still considered intractable among the professional communities of doctors, psychologists, lawyers, and social workers.
The article focuses mainly on helping people with suicidal thoughts (Hodges, 2011). The main goal of the counseling psychologist is to help expand the patient’s thinking and move away from a death-oriented life position. The therapist can help the client deal with feelings and understand what drives him to death. Therefore, I think that it is necessary to show the client his potential and show social support in dealing with the despair and heartache of a suicidal person. In this regard, I support the author that it is necessary to talk with clients about death and not be afraid of it.
At the beginning of the article, the author raises the issue of the need to warn strangers about a suicidal client. I am not convinced that it is necessary to inform outsiders in all cases, but only when it threatens the safety of third parties or if it is necessary by law. The workshop counselor must understand the legal and ethical requirements to report suicidal incidents when appropriate (Hodges, 2011). It is important to indicate to the client why the specialist is obliged to provide information to unauthorized persons. Therefore, I believe that the advice given in the article is that it is necessary to have a list, for example, of legal acts to refer to in case of emergency.
I assume that informed consent is essential in any counseling as it can improve the collaboration between the professional and the client. To ensure that clients are fully informed about what assistance will be provided to them in their crisis, it is also necessary to discuss possible disclosure of their confidentiality at the very beginning of counseling with them. The counselor’s response to a traumatized person, whether suicidal, traumatic, or otherwise, must be highly individualized. Therefore, it is essential not to be afraid to talk about problems with clients and discuss them. It increases the likelihood of recovery, as the worker will help the patient come to a decision that will reduce the client’s stress level.
Reference
Hodges, S. (2011). The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual: A resource for graduate counseling students. Springer Pub. Co.