The Effects of Suicide on the Private Practitioner: a Professional and Personal Perspective

This article explores the effects of suicide on the private practitioner. It discusses how burnout & vicarious traumatization impact upon the therapist who treats the chronically suicidal patient. 2 clinical examples illustrate the impact of working with imminent suicide & the aftermath of a patient’s death from a personal perspective. Recommendations are made to help private practitioners maintain equilibrium when working with these overwhelming case situations. (30 refs.)