The Hazards of Treating Suicidal Patients (IN: A Perilous Calling: the Hazards of Psychotherapy Practice, edited by M B Sussman)

The hazards inherent in treating suicidal patients are ever present & troublesome, personally & professionally. This chapter first addresses the risks by exploring the various clinical issues that make the treatment of suicidal patients so professionally challenging. Its focus then shifts to countertransference issues that can make the treatment of these patients so personally challenging. Finally, ways of working through the various hazards are explored & discussed. (36 refs.)