Being transformed: Delivering a psychotherapeutic group intervention targeting repeat suicide attempts.

Clients who make repeat suicide attempts have complex needs, are at high risk of
completed suicide and pose a range of challenges for clinicians. Targeted interventions are required. Acceptability, the perceived appropriateness of an intervention,
is associated with successful implementation, engagement and effectiveness of
interventions. Despite the advantages of group interventions, there is limited
research into the acceptability of groups with this population. Using
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this paper reports on facilitators’ experiences (n = 9) of the acceptability of a therapeutic group intervention (PISA – a
Psychoeducational/psychosocial Intervention for persons who make recurrent
Suicide Attempts). Analysis of focus group data revealed how involvement with
the intervention profoundly influenced facilitators’ perceptions of and approach to
their work with this client group. They embraced the model, developed a deeper
appreciation of clients’ resources and became unburdened from sole responsibility
for the clients, the therapeutic process and outcomes. PISA provided a model that
helped facilitators to work in a focused, compassionate and creative manner as they
addressed the central concern of these clients, their suicidal desire, with newly
found confidence and eagerness. PISA was experienced as acceptable to facilitators
as it was useful to them and deemed appropriate and beneficial to the target
population.