The Family Debriefing Model: An Adapted Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for Parents and Older Sibling Suicide Survivors

Abstract

The Family Debriefing Model is described. The Family Debriefing Model combines solution-focused interventions with an adaptedCritical Incident Stress Debriefing model and was specifically designed to facilitate treatment with parents and adult-and adolescent-siblings who survive a family member's suicide.

Interventions for Suicide Survivors: A Review of the Literature

“…Turning to studies of suicide specific intervention programs, a search was conducted of the PsychLit and the Suicide Information and Education databases for studies related to suicide bereavement and intervention/treatment. While numerous positive descriptions of groups or programs for survivors exist (Apel & Wrobleski, 1987; Freeman, 1991; Juhnke & Shoffner, 1999), only a handful of empirical studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of these programs. Given the dearth of methodologically rigorous research, we have included in this review any study that involved some type of objective evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention, regardless of the utilization of control groups or random assignment.…”

Solution‐Focused Therapy for Families Coping with Suicide

“…The current solution‐focused applications also speak to recent research that has found that families who have lost a loved one to suicide have significant resiliency (Clark & Goldney, 1995; Davis & Nolen‐Hoeksema, 2001; Kaslow & Aronson, 2004; Murphy et al., 2003). In contrast to prevailing treatment approaches that are largely cognitive‐behavioral and psychoeducational (e.g., Dunne & Dunne‐Maxim, 2004; Forde & Devaney, 2006; Juhnke & Shoffner, 1999; Kubany, 1998; Maples et al., 2005; Roberts et al., 1998), solution‐focused therapy highlights families’ existing or potential resources and emphasizes the resiliency of families coping with suicide.…”

“…(1998). Juhnke and Shoffner (1999) have described a critical incident stress debriefing model for families that incorporates solution‐focused techniques. Each of these approaches is similar insofar as they are designed in a cognitive‐behavioral, structured, and/or educational format.…”

“…Maples et al (2005) have described a team approach involving counselors, administrators, parents, and teachers following the suicide of a middle school child using a four-stage model developed by Roberts et al (1998). Juhnke and Shoffner (1999) have described a critical incident stress debriefing model for families that incorporates solution-focused techniques. Each of these approaches is similar insofar as they are designed in a cognitive-behavioral, structured, and ⁄ or educational format.…”

“…The impact of suicide on families is significant as family members left behind frequently experience devastating effects, including depression (Ellenbogen & Gratton, 2001), posttraumatic stress (Stroebe, Hansson, & Stroebe, 2001), physical disorders (Bailley, Kral, & Dunham, 1999), and social stigma (Cvinar, 2005). The prevailing treatment approaches for families coping with the loss of a family member from suicide are largely cognitive‐behavioral and psychoeducational (e.g., Dunne & Dunne‐Maxim, 2004; Forde & Devaney, 2006; Juhnke & Shoffner, 1999; Kubany, 1998; Maples, Packman, & Abney, 2005; Roberts, Lepkowski, & Davidson, 1998). In this article, it is proposed that solution‐focused therapy provides an effective alternative approach for families coping with suicide.…”