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 Suicide is the ultimate abrogation of self – as such, it represents the extreme end of the continuum of self-destructive mental processes.
[From Suicide and the Inner Voice]
Glendon announces two new DVDs:
The key to understanding suicide and self-destructive behavior comes from the awareness of the destructive thought processes that control such behaviors. Being cognizant of how self-critical thoughts can lead to a self-destructive downward spiral enables clinicians to better assess risk and design interventions for depressed and suicidal clients.
What is happening in the mind of someone who is suicidal?
Part of the individual wants to live; part wants to die. But it’s the part that wants to die that is in control at this moment. This part is governed by a negative thought process that colors the perception of self, others, and life in general. Understanding this fundamental ambivalence and the associated destructive thought processes is key to assessing risk and intervening effectively in suicidal crises.
What is the relationship between suicide and other forms of self-destructive behavior?
Suicide represents the final submission to self-destructive machinations. Negative reactions against the self are an integral part of each person’s psyche, ranging from critical attitudes and mild self-attacks to severe assaults on the self. The latter includes feelings and attitudes that predispose physical injury to the self and eventually the complete obliteration of self.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with someone who is suicidal?
You should do nothing to increase the person’s guilt and negative sense of self, and do everything possible to support the person’s positive sense of self and connect with the part of the person that wants to live.
DOCUMENTARIES FOR PROFESSIONALS:
BOOKS:
ASSESSMENT TOOLS:
- Our research has led to the development of the FAST and FASI, instruments used by clinicians to assess self-destructive behavior and suicide intent.
ARTICLES & CHAPTERS:
- Firestone, L. (2006). Suicide and the inner voice. In T. Ellis (Ed.), Cognition and suicide: Theory, research and practice. (pp. 119-147). American Psychological Association.
- Firestone, L. (2004). Voice therapy: A treatment for depression and suicide. In R. Yufit and D. Lester (Eds.), Assessment, treatment, and prevention of suicidal behavior. (pp. 235-277).Wiley.
- Firestone, L. & Catlett, J. (1998). The treatment of Sylvia Plath. Death Studies, 22(7), 667-692.
- Firestone, R.W., & Firestone, L. (1998). Voices in suicide: The relationship between self-destructive thought processes, maladaptive behavior, and self-destructive manifestations. Death Studies, 22(5), 411-443.
- Firestone, R.W., & Seiden, R.H. (1990). Psychodynamics in adolescent suicide. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 4(3-4), 101-123.
- Firestone, R.W., & Seiden, R.H. (1990). Suicide and the continuum of self-destructive behavior. Journal of American College Health, 38(5), 207-213.
- Firestone, R.W., & Seiden, R.H. (1987). Microsuicide and suicidal threats of everyday life. Psychotherapy. 24(1), 31-39.
- Firestone, R.W. (1986). The "inner voice" and suicide. Psychotherapy, 23(3), 439-447.
WORKSHOPS:
BROCHURES, PRESENTATIONS, HANDOUTS & POSTERS:
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