Is counseling ready for rational suicide? A study of perceived competence

Many counselors believe suicidal ideation in a terminally ill client can be rational (Rogers et al, 2001). One hundred and fifty-three counselors rated their perceived competence to counsel individuals who are rationally suicidal. Data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. Findings suggest participants with more education, more years of service, and more experience with terminally ill clients rated themselves more competent to work with rationally suicidal clients. Implications for counselors and counselor educators are discussed.