Psychotherapy with Suicidal People: The Commonalities

Abstract

This review article outlines the research basis for an effective approach to psychotherapy with suicidal people. It answers the question, “Is psychotherapy effective with suicidal people?” Based on the notable historical publications and the most recent (Lambert, 2004), it is shown that psychotherapy works, largely because there are commonalities (i.e., common factors) that may be the overriding important factor in all forms of psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship is primary; this and other common factors are illustrated with suicidal people. Patient qualities, therapist qualities, and a multi-modal or multi-component approach are reviewed. On an empirical basis, it is concluded that one has to be person-centered (or patient centered): You have to know whom you are treating.

Keywords:

• common factors
• evidence-based
• multi-modal
• person-centered
• psychotherapy
• suicide
• therapeutic
• relationship

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Antoon A. Leenaars

Antoon A. Leenaars, Windsor, Canada. Parts of this text are included in Leenaars, A. Psychotherapy with suicidal people: Common factors. In K. Michel (Ed.) (2006), Effective treatments for suicidal people: the Aeschi papers. Book in progress.