Transforming self-blame for survivors of suicide loss

Someone who loses a loved one to suicide is referred to as a survivor of suicide loss. When survivors of suicide – whether a parent, family member, partner, or friend – carry self-blame for their loss, the grief process can be complex, problematic, or stuck. They can lose their internal connection with their loved one or engage in problematic behaviours as a form of punishment or reparation. When self-blame is deep, as is often the case with suicide loss, reassurance to lift self-blame is likely to be ineffective and can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation related to the experience.  

In this training, clinicians will receive step-by-step instruction and a script for an individual chair-work intervention. A video demonstration will also be included in the workshop.  

No prior training is required and participation can be active or passive. This training meets the criteria towards certification through the International Institute for EFFT. Given its sensitive nature, this training will not be recorded.

Learning objectives:

• Identify markers of self-blame narratives
• Explain cognitive and emotional drivers of self-blame
• Apply tools and techniques to transform problematic self-blame that is post-suicide loss using experiential chair-work