Psychotherapy with Suicidal People: The Commonalities

This review article outlines the research basis for an effective approach to psychotherapy with suicidal people. It answers the question, “Is psychotherapy effective with suicidal people?” Based on the notable historical publications and the most recent (Lambert, 2004 Lambert , M. , Bergin , A. , & Garfield , S. (2004). Introduction and historical overview. In M. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield's handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change () , 5th edition (pp. 3–15). New York : John Wiley & Sons. [Google Scholar]), it is shown that psychotherapy works, largely because there are commonalities (i.e., common factors) that may be the overriding important factor in all forms of psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship is primary; this and other common factors are illustrated with suicidal people. Patient qualities, therapist qualities, and a multi-modal or multi-component approach are reviewed. On an empirical basis, it is concluded that one has to be person-centered (or patient centered): You have to know whom you are treating.