The author uses case examples to illustrate that the psychotherapist’s best chance for helping suicidal clients lies in understanding & helping them with the problems that are making them suicidal, particularly the way in which they use the threat of death. Emergency measures thought to be necessary to prevent suicide & to make therapy possible may actually render therapy impossible. Suicidal clients can work in psychotherapy & should be given the opportunity to do so. (9 refs.) (LH)