Using Interpersonal Theory of Suicide for suicide and risk assessment

Counselors often identify having a suicidal client as one of the most difficult and worrisome experiences they face in clinical practice. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) can help counselors understand how failed belongingness and perceived burdensomeness contribute to a person acquiring the capability to attempt lethal self-harm. ITS posits that people attempt suicide because they want to die and because they can; they have overcome the natural barriers that protect someone from intentionally inflicting lethal self-harm. Further, ITS provides a theoretical basis for counselors to understand why people want to die and develop the capability to enact lethal self-harm, as well as suggests methods of risk assessment and prevention interventions. This webinar will introduce ITS, explain concepts and application of this approach, and discuss ways to use its methods to conduct suicide risk assessment, including several interventions designed to reduce suicidal desire.