Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs
THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS CONDUCTING SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR YOUTH: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH
Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of counseling professionals conducting suicide risk assessments for youth kindergarten through 12th grade receiving a suicide risk assessment recommendation. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized to capture the perceptions of the participants in this study. Fifteen (15) in depth, semi-structured interviews and a focus group with seven (7) returning participants were the primary sources of data for this study. Five (5) themes emerged: Care, Supervisory Relationship, Challenges, Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma and Transcendent Growth Experiences. Implications for the counseling profession may encompass enhanced organizational development, supervision, training and clinical preparation for counseling professionals providing a vital service to youth and their families.
