Suicidal Thoughts

Did you know that suicidal thoughts are incredibly common? Many people are afraid to admit to thoughts of death or suicide, in part because the thoughts are terrifying in and of themselves, but also out of a fear of how people will react. I have worked as a 911 dispatcher as well as a crisis hotline employee (including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). I have extensive training in crisis counseling, including suicide intervention. Talking about it is the first step to healing.

Being at a place where it feels like there are no other options and to lose hope in life, is one of the worst human experiences. As your therapist, I will sit with you in this pain. I will hold your hand through this and at your pace, we will find the hope and meaning you once held. It is my goal to take away the shame and power around these thoughts and give that power back to you. I am also certified in ASIST, the world's leading suicide prevention program.

I have experience working with children and teens who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or self harm. I strongly believe in the importance of involving all family members in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and teens struggling with suicidal ideation.

I have extensive experience with suicidal thoughts, and am specifically trained to help with self-harm/self-injury.

It's extremely hard to find accurate data on how prevalent suicidal ideation is, but it's more common than you think. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. I believe simply saying out loud that you are struggling with suicidal thoughts can be freeing and lead to a path of healing.

I have worked throughout my career at multiple crisis locations/agencies and clinics which were designed to help treat and support people who are frequently in crisis which will often include people whom are suffering from chronic suicidal ideation. Having worked with people with these thoughts, I bring both an ability to treat and support people but also an ability to remain objective and manage a crisis effectively.

I get it; wanting to die is scary and admitting you want to die is even scarier. I want you to know, I'm not scared to talk about it. I believe most people know what it's like to not want to wake up or not want to exist anymore. I'm more suspicious of people who say they have never felt that way. Feeling suicidal makes sense to me for a lot of reason, AND I want to help you turn the volume down on those ideas. Let's talk about options before you go with the most permanent one on the table.

It's ok, we can go there. It's possible to have suicidal thoughts and still be in your power and decide what to do with them.

Suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behavior

I have worked with chronically and acutely suicidal people my entire career. I know from personal experience just how pervasive suicidal thoughts can be, and I use that experience to connect with people on a deeper level. I want my patients to feel comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts confidentially without the fear of their therapist panicking and reporting them. My goal is always to help you get the support you need with a sense of agency and empowerment.

When individuals become overwhelmed to the point of thinking of harming themselves, then it is time to stop everything and re-examine our lifestyle. I have worked to become proficient at making clients realize that problems - and thoughts of harm - are transient and that there are many other solutions and practices that can make life more meaningful.

I spent about 7 years working in crisis and have taken several trainings in psychological first aid and suicidality. I also ran several support groups for two years that focused on suicidality, building coping skills, and gaining control in their lives. I also strongly believe in dismantling the societal stigma and understanding how larger systemic issues contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. I believe that "contracting for safety" is harmful and will never be a requirement.

My approach to suicidal thoughts is multifaceted, integrating evidence-based techniques, a compassionate therapeutic relationship, and a holistic understanding of the individual’s experience. An essential aspect of my specialization is creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Establishing trust is critical, as individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts often feel isolated and misunderstood. I strive to build a strong and accepting therapeutic alliance.

I specialize in working with clients who struggle with suicidal thoughts. I create a safe space to find methods to cope with these thoughts, identify triggers for these thoughts, and find your reason for living. In addition, I also specialize in working with friends/family who are suicide loss survivors.

Thoughts of not wanting to be alive or wanting to be dead are valid experiences and discussing them is an important way to work towards healing. As a therapist, I am comfortable exploring these uncomfortable feelings with you.

The harsh inner critic tells you that suicidality is the answer. Unexplored intrusive thoughts of self-harm are part of your personal Shadow, erupting from the unconscious to attack you without warning. In Jungian Therapy we get to know your Shadow in a safe space, welcoming in its voice with curiosity. Shadow-work explores the origins of shame, blame, and violence, connecting with your wounded Inner Child, realizing their Dreams, and releasing the “stuckness” of life energy to move forward.

I see you suffering in silence. You want to avoid another grippy sock vacation, but also want to have these thoughts out loud so you can help them heal. It's not easy, holding onto this alone. I have found that most of the time, these thoughts just want to help escape the pain or have your needs met. I can offer a space to do that, as long as you come honestly and can keep yourself safe (and I can help with that last part). Take a look at my program, let's walk a new path.

You feel overwhelmed and isolated when struggling with suicidal thoughts. I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help you navigate these intense feelings. You experience a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore your emotions and identify underlying issues. My approach includes mindfulness-based strategies and solution-focused therapy, aimed at empowering you to find hope, build resilience, and rediscover your sense of purpose and worth.

I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing suicidal ideations currently and/or chronically. My approach with clients is very authentic and genuine using in-depth therapeutic modalities and highly investing in my clients which provides an effective and lasting treatment for suicidality.