Is There Life After Suicide? The Systemic Belief Approach for “Survivors” of Suicide

Following suicide of a loved one the lives of survivors can be plagued with anger, sadness, shame, guilt, health problems, & agonizing questions. This report presents the Systemic Belief approach to assisting survivors. A case example illustrates the influence beliefs have on survivors’ lives. Constraining beliefs are challenged & facilitative beliefs are coevolved through the healing impact of family systems nursing interventions such as therapeutic letters, interventive questions & rituals.