Analysis of a Standardized Suicide Intervention Training for Counselor Trainees

• Published in: Teaching and supervision in counseling Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 127 - 145
• Main Authors: Shannonhouse, Laura, Rumsey, Amanda D., Elston, Nikki, Mize, Mary Chase, Hightower, Jennifer, Lin, Yung-Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision 01-09-2019
• Subjects: applied suicide intervention skills training; quantitative content analysis; training outcomes; within-subjects design
• ISSN: 2637-6911; 2637-6911
• DOI: 10.7290/tsc010209

The present study evaluates the impact of an evidence-based suicide intervention model and how pedagogical practices of counselor education programs may prepare counselors-in-training (CIT) to respond to clients who are considering suicide. Using content analysis to explore pre and post-training data, the researchers examined the impact of the 14-hour evidence-based Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) on 54 CITs (76% female, 24% male; 58% White, 20% African American, 11% Latinx/Hispanic, 11% Other), with a mean age of 30 years (SD =8.6). Further data were collected 6 months later, after CITs had the opportunity to utilize suicide intervention skills during their clinical experiences. Content analysis yielded several changes between pre- and post-training data which elucidate the process of suicide intervention skill acquisition. CITs also reported having frequently applied their skills during clinical internship with clients considering suicide. Findings support the use of ASIST in the preparation of future counselors.