Suicidal Thoughts

I have experience working with clients who are actively suicidal both in outpatient and inpatient settings. I hope to support those who are experiencing the worst days of their lives and provide encouragement to keep going.

"Suicidal ideation" is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of experiences. For some, they have passing thoughts of not wanting to wake up. For others, they have been considering a plan to end their life. The suicidal part of us is not the enemy, it is a part wanting to protect us from pain, loss, depression, life circumstances, etc. If we can befriend this part of us, we can find other ways to meet its goals that don't involve self harm or ending ones life.

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.

I have specialized in crisis work and decreasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors throughout my career. I have been considered a lead trainer in the hospital setting for other mental health therapists, teaching risk assessment, safety planning, and harm reduction, as well as specific strategies for working with folks struggling with suicidality.

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 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.

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.

Suicidal thoughts and depression can feel overwhelming and all encompassing when you are dealing with them on your own. As a therapist, I aim to provide a nonjudgmental space to begin exploring the ‘why’ behind the feelings you are having and develop a plan to help ease these feelings.

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.

I worked at a hospital part time doing mental health evaluations for clients who were suicidal and received top notch training on how to help with this issue. I feel completely comfortable in offering help to those who struggle in this way.

I believe that comprehensive therapy for suicidal ideation is so much more than writing down a safety plan on a piece of paper and calling it a day. It is my goal to meet my clients where they are in their journey, and help them find their own meaning and hope. I am certified through ASIST, the world's leading suicide prevention program, and use these techniques regularly in sessions where suicidality is a concern.

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.

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.

Using DBT, I work with individual to shift their relationship with their thoughts, and build a life worth living.

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