title: A Novel Therapy for People Who Attempt Suicide and Why We Need New Models of Suicide.
abstract: This paper presents a model of suicidal behaviour based on suicide as a goal-directed action, and its implications. An action theoretical model has guided the authors in the development of a brief therapy for individuals who attempt suicide (ASSIP-Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program). Key elements are an early therapeutic alliance, narrative interviewing, psychoeducation, a joint case conceptualization, safety planning, and regular letters over 24 months. In a randomized controlled trial, ASSIP was highly effective in reducing the risk of suicide reattempts. The therapeutic elements in this treatment are described and possible implications for future directions in clinical suicide prevention discussed.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Psychiatry, Outpatient Department, 3008 Bern, Switzerland. konrad.michel@spk.unibe.ch.
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, 3400 Burgdorf, Switzerland. ladislav.valach@hispeed.ch.
authors.forename: Ladislav
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valach
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Psychiatry, Outpatient Department, 3008 Bern, Switzerland. anja.maillart@spk.unibe.ch.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gysin-Maillart
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology
keywords: action theory; attempted suicide; narrative interview; psychotherapy; suicide; suicide prevention