Clinician Perspectives of the Therapeutic Use of the Self-confrontation Procedure with Suicidal Clients

This research investigated clinician perspectives of the therapeutic use of the self-confrontation procedure with suicidal clients. The self-confrontation procedure, which involves the use of video playback of interviews with clients who have experienced suicidal ideation and attempts, has previously been used for research purposes. The current research sought to build on the use of the self-confrontation procedure by asking mental health clinicians how they might use the method in a therapeutic context. These professionals developed an understanding of the procedure through experiential activities, practice, readings, and discussion. They first identified the challenges in working with suicidal clients, and then developed ideas about how the self-confrontation method could be useful in overcoming these challenges.