Bracketing and Stabilization: Interventative Steps in Counseling the Suicidal Client

Abstract

After a brief review of the descriptive literature on crisis theory, the author suggests that its stress on the rapid establishment of “cognitive re-structuring” of a client's perceptions is inappropriate for work with many types of suicidal clients. A discussion of the pathological nature of suicide follows which indicates the generally poor or defensive ego-functioning level of suicidal clients at the moment of initial crisis contact. Bracketing and stabilization are suggested as alternative means by which to rapidly effect an increased client ability to get a grasp on own orientations and perspectives of need and time. Stress on client's ability to control is also seen as an important initial counseling step. People upon whom this theory is based are adolescents yet it could apply to adults as well.