Reference no: EM133264272

Imagine that you are working as a relationship counsellor, and have started working with Hiram and Dani. They have been together several years, and during their individual intakes and initial joint session, it appeared that they were both caring and responsive within their relationship. Each independently described that their reasons for attending counselling was to learn how to better manage the stress and distress involved with current infertility, and how each can support themselves and the other.

There was no indication of risk during assessment or the initial joint appointment, although it was apparent that Hiram's mental health was a concern for both himself and Dani. Hiram responded in the negative to a general screening question about suicide ideation (as did Dani). However, at the next session, Dani says that something has come up that they need to speak with you about. She urges Hiram to tell you something, but he looks very distressed and tells her, "You say it." Dani tells you that when Hiram was a teenager, he attempted suicide after being sexually assaulted. She had become increasingly concerned about Hiram's mental health over the last week, and eventually asked Hiram whether he was having thoughts of suicide again. Hiram acknowledged that he was. Dani says that they agreed to talk about it in their session with you, and need your help to decide what to do next.

Hiram sits with his head down while Dani says this. When you tell Hiram that you need to ask him some questions, he nods.

a) How would you go about assessing Hiram's suicide ideation? Write four questions you would ask.