Using Interpersonal Theory to become suicide savvy

Having a suicidal client is one of the most anxiety-producing situations for counselors. The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) can help counselors understand how failed belongingness and perceived burdensomeness contribute to a person’s desire to die. ITS also provides a way to assess whether or not a person has acquired the capability to enact lethal self-harm. In this workshop, the presenters will discuss ways to use ITS to conduct a suicide risk assessment and specific interventions to reduce suicidal desire.