"I'm haunted by it:" experiences of licensed counselors who had a client die by suicide. Issue 2 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jorgensen, Maribeth F.; Bender, Sara; McCutchen, Ashley
• Is Part Of: Journal of counselor leadership and advocacy. Volume 8:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Client death -- clinician bereavement -- suicide bereavement -- ambiguous loss and suicide; Counseling -- Periodicals; Leadership -- Periodicals; 361.06
• DOI: 10.1080/2326716X.2021.1916790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2326-716X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how licensed professional counselors (LPCs) experienced a client death by suicide. Data was collected through interviews with seven LPCs. The following four themes emerged: (1) elements that influenced grief; (2) impact on identities; (3) messages from self and others; and (4) healing strategies. The authors provide suggestions for clinicians, agencies, clinical supervisors, and training programs regarding pre-and-postvention support and advocacy.