Table of Contents
Introduction to the Author 10
1 Lived Experience: How it Impacts on our Services 11
2 The Relationship with Clients 15
Building a strong connection with clients 15
Creating an enduring connection 21
Recognising the experience of the individual 26
Providing individualised care 27
Celebrating unique individuals 32
Communicating care non-verbally 35
Connecting with the families of people at risk 36
3 The Safety Net 41
4 How to Balance Protecting Clients with Giving them Control 53
'It's your decision' 53
Being in control 59
5 Responding Effectively to Clients in Severe Distress 67
Post-traumatic responses, distress and fear: supporting clients effectively 67
Responding to clients expressing intense anger 74
6 Assessing Risk Accurately 79
Formal training in assessing risk 79
Knowledge of the client 82
7 Men and Suicide 93
8 The Team 105
Team members: personal qualities, skills and training 105
Support staff and their vital role in helping to save lives 110
Changing the power balance between clinician and service user 111
9 Working with other Services 117
The barriers 117
Working in partnership 123
10 The Future 131
Zero suicide: a helpful term or a hindrance? 131
New crisis services 136
References 143
