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Learning Resources
Required Readings
James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017).
Crisis intervention strategies
(8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Chapter 8, “Crisis of Lethality” (pp. 203-239)
Chapter 12, “Personal Loss: Bereavement and Grief” (pp. 373-
428)
Briggs, K. (2014, March).
The bridge between suicide and life
[Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_briggs_the_bridge_betwe
en_suicide_and_life?referrer=playlist-
let_s_end_the_silence_around_s
Discussion: Suicide and Loss
Sometimes experiencing a crisis leads people to consider
suicide. It is important for social workers and human service
professionals to feel comfortable with the topic of suicide and
confident in their ability to assess potential lethality and
intervene with the appropriate level of care.
For this Discussion, reflect on the following scenario. Then
consider how you might intervene with Paul.
Scenario: Paul is a recent widow after his wife of 45 years
passed away from cancer. Paul admits that he has been

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struggling to manage his grief and admits that he has been
having suicidal thoughts since his wife died.
By Day 4
Post
a description of the feelings you experience when thinking
about working with a suicidal client. Explain what questions
you would ask Paul to assess his suicidality and why it would
be important to obtain this information. Finally, explain how
you would intervene to address both the suicidal thoughts and
the grief that he is experiencing from his loss.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific
references to the resources.