The AC Podcast

178: Supporting Clients with Suicide Ideation in Coaching and Supervision

In this Episode

Jo Birch, therapist and supervisor, and Professor Andrew Reeves, researcher, therapist and coach, join host Maxine Bell, to explore the sensitive topic of suicide and suicide ideation in relation to coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of coaches being prepared to support clients having suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the need for clear contracting, professional boundaries and direct communication.

The conversation highlights the emotional impact of suicide, the complexity of addressing it, and the significance of transparency and understanding. Jo and Andrew encourage bravery and honesty in conversations about suicide, and recommend seeking training and support to navigate these challenges effectively. A highly practical and helpful conversation.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention
• Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support
• Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123
• SHOUT - Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline
• UK Helplines
• Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

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You Will Learn

• How coaches can work effectively with suicidal clients
• How supervision can be helpful to support coaching with suicidal clients
• The importance of self-awareness/reflexivity in supporting ourselves in our work

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Guest Bio's

Jo Birch is well-known as a collaborative editor, author, and for advancing professional discourse and practice. Following her specialist nursing career in Child & Family Neuropsychiatry, Jo became a psychotherapist and supervisor. Later, designing innovative mental health services, she introduced coaching as a shared language between key decision-makers and inner-city communities, including people with long-term mental health issues. Jo incorporates psychological understanding into her work with C-Suite executives and trains senior coaches globally to become supervisors.

 

Andrew Reeves is Professor of Counselling Professions and Mental Health at the University of Chester, a BACP senior accredited counsellor/psychotherapist, an EMCC senior accredited coach and coach Supervisor, and a registered social worker. He has worked in a full range of settings, including mental health crisis services, schools, universities and private practice, as well as writing and researching about suicide for over 25 years. Andrea has published extensively, including many book chapters, articles and seven books.

 

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