Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation can feel frightening, isolating, and overwhelming, but having these thoughts does not mean you want to die. Often, they reflect a desire for relief from pain, distress, or a sense of being trapped. Therapy offers a confidential, nonjudgmental space to talk openly and begin finding support.

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about death or not wanting to exist, which may range from passive wishes to be gone to more frequent or distressing thoughts about self-harm. These thoughts can arise during periods of depression, trauma, anxiety, grief, chronic stress, major life transitions, or feelings of hopelessness or burdensomeness. Experiencing suicidal ideation is more common than many people realize.

Therapy for suicidal ideation may be helpful if you:

• Have thoughts about not wanting to be alive

• Feel overwhelmed by emotional pain or hopelessness

• Experience intrusive or recurring thoughts of death

• Feel like a burden to others

• Struggle to imagine a future you want to live

• Are afraid to talk about these thoughts elsewhere

  Our approach prioritizes safety, dignity, and collaboration. We work to understand the context and meaning of suicidal thoughts rather than judging or rushing to eliminate them.

  Therapy may include:

  • Creating a personalized safety and support plan

  • Identifying triggers and warning signs

  • Strengthening coping and grounding skills

  • Addressing underlying depression, trauma, or anxiety

  • Reducing shame and isolation through open dialogue

  • Building reasons for living that feel authentic to you

  In therapy, we may focus on helping you feel less alone with your thoughts, increasing emotional regulation, and finding ways to reduce distress during difficult moments. Many clients also work on reconnecting with meaning, strengthening supportive relationships, and developing a sense of hope that feels realistic—not forced.