In this episode of The Validation Lounge I talk to Dr Emily Duval Psy.D., LPCC (CA), MBACP (UK).

Emily is a Suicide Postvention Specialist, she is co- chair of the San Diego Suicide Prevention Council Post-Vention sub committee. A Psychotherapist working in private telehealth, an Executive Coach and she also works for the San Diego Beharvioral health services.

Emily was a contributing editor to the book. A Winding Road: A Handbook for Those Supporting the Suicide Bereaved, John Peters and Michelle Linn-Gust.

If the content of this podcast is upsetting for you and you would like to access further support these organisations may be of help:

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (UK) www.uk-sobs.org.uk

Sibling Survivors of Suicide http://siblingsurvivors.com Online Forum http://www.allianceofhope.org

TERMS TO AVOID, REASONS AND PREFERRED PHRASING

“Successful/failed attempt”: This presents a confusing message about the outcome. Use “death by suicide”.

“Committed suicide”: This implies a criminal offense. The preferred phrasing is “died by suicide”. “Completed suicide”: This is more common in academic research or healthcare settings when making distinctions with “attempted suicide”.

For conversational purposes, “died by Suicide” is recommended.

“Triggered”: With the high number of firearm deaths, the preferred term is “activated.”

Figure 12. Table referencing use of sensitive language for suicide. (Duval, 2020)

References for content discussed:

Family Systems Therapy explanation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/therapy-types/family-systems-therapy

Integrative Therapy explanation: https://www.verywellmind.com/integrative-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5201904

James Gilligan book ‘Violence’

Peter Levine ‘Waking the Tiger’

Piero Ferrucci - quote ‘Eliminate Something superfluous from your life. Break a habit. Do something that makes you feel insecure. Carry out an action with complete attention and intensity, as if it were your last’

This podcast was recorded a while back when Donald Trump was president