A listening perspective in psychotherapy with suicidal patients: Establishing convergence in therapists and patients private theories on suicidality and cure

Abstract

Listening and exploring divergences in private theories of cure mattered for the creation of a viable working alliance directed at the patient's efforts to live their life.

The relationship between the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy and suicidal experiences: A systematic review

“…In contrast, experiences of suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts did not seem to influence the formation of the therapeutic alliance early on in some psychotherapies. Comparably, qualitative findings suggest that directly addressing suicidal experiences may not detrimentally influence the development of the therapeutic alliance, but highlight that sensitive listening, responding at appropriate times and creating a safe space for therapeutic discussion are the key facilitators of therapeutic alliance formation as perceived by both clients and therapists (Østlie et al, 2018). Therefore, the present review findings are comparable to the wider therapeutic alliance literature which presents mixed findings on the impact of the severity of mental health problems and the strength of therapeutic alliance throughout the course of psychotherapy (Strunk et al, 2010; Zilcha‐Mano et al, 2014).…”

A call for change from impersonal risk assessment to a relational approach: professionals’ reflections on the national guidelines for suicide prevention in mental health care in Norway

“…The importance of and request for an emphasis on relations are well known (Østlie et al, 2018;Rasmussen & Dieserud, 2018). It is thus timely to ask why the national guidelines did not highlight relational aspects and why this still needs to be requested.…”

“…For example, White et al (2016) envisage a future with relational, strengths-based, culturally responsive and social justice-oriented approaches. The importance of relational aspects and approaches to suicide prevention in mental healthcare has been emphasized in several qualitative studies (Østlie et al, 2018;Rasmussen & Dieserud, 2018;Talseth et al, 2003;Vatne & Nåden, 2016, 2018. Emphasizing the therapeutic alliance, "the active and purposeful collaboration between patient and therapist" (Michel, 2011, p. 14), is one example of a relational approach to suicide prevention.…”

The model of dynamic balance in therapists' experiences and views on working with suicidal clients: A qualitative study

“…This is important, as it has been previously noted that the client in a suicidal crisis needs to be heard, taken seriously and understood (Kuzmanić, 2011). As the reasons for suicidal behaviour may not be straightforward, therapeutic work strives towards a shared understanding of the client's experience (Østlie, Stänicke, & Haavind, 2018). Our study shows that the therapists' skilfulness in balancing between the general and the specific is helpful in advancing this process while strengthening the therapeutic alliance at the same time.…”