The Suicide Prevention Movement: The Humanistic Approach

Hello Professor and Classmates, The act/movement that I have chosen to discuss is the Suicide Prevention Movement. This movement started in the early 1960’s. As a teacher assistant daily I observe the behaviors of students and as a part of my observations at times we have to take action to prevent suicide. According to Kanel (2014), this movement grew rapidly, and many community centers offered 24-hour hotlines. What’s significant about this movement is the fact that it points out how not only medical and psychoanalytic treatments were available to help people but also how caring people were willing to volunteer their time 24 hours a day to be a part of telephone counseling programs. That alone gave rise to this change in the history of crisis intervention. Sometimes all a person needs is just a listening ear. Several times I

According to Kanel (2014), the humanistic approach and person-centered therapies have much to offer crisis intervention. This style of helping stresses the importance of trusting clients to realize their potential in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Optimism and hope that clients will recognize and overcome blocks to growth are the foundations for trying to help someone work through a difficult situation. An example of how I would use this approach in my work would be a student who believes that because he received a lower grade than normal on a test that he is a failure. Once he receives the grade he begins to give up and not put forth effort to achieve the grade he is going for. Crises are seen as blocks to growth and the potential for growth (Kanel, 2014). I would begin with this student by encouraging him and helping him believe in himself. By making him believe in himself this would give him the will power and determination to put forth the effort to achieve that grade that he is longing