Psychotherapist reactions to the suicide of a patient.
A patient's suicide may evoke the therapist's personal grief and influence professional competence or suicide prevention skills. The incidence of suicide by patients in therapy is examined and empirical studies of therapist response--which commonly includes grief, guilt, self-blame, anger, fear, and self-doubt--are reviewed. Bereavement theories and support programs are described.
Department of Nursing, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
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Valente
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001601:Bereavement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention