Provide Multiple Counseling Sites in the School

Provide Multiple Counseling Sites in the SchoolExperiencing a student suicide can be an extremely emotional and traumatic situation for many individuals. A primary goal of the school suicide postvention plan is to reduce trauma to students, faculty and staff. In addition, suicide contagion is well established among adolescents. Thus, multiple strategies should be utilized to reduce the likelihood of further suicides and ensure individuals receive the help they need.

Schools should therefore provide multiple counseling sites in the school which allow students to verbalize and process their feelings. Reaching out and contacting community mental health professionals as well as school counselors from nearby schools can assist the school in providing multiple counseling sites.

The use of small process groups for students are quite effective in allowing students to express their feelings, share their overall thoughts and concerns and learn about effective coping strategies.

School professionals should encourage students to continue processing their feelings with their parents.

Students should be educated regarding the fact that different people respond to trauma differently and that different people grieve differently. Each individual may handle and cope with the situation in a different manner. The most important point is for each individual to find ways that are comfortable, safe and effective in expressing their feelings.

Counselors in each of the counseling sites should provide students with school and community resources regarding suicide, grieving, trauma and coping.

Counseling sites in the school should also be used for faculty, staff and parents. All individuals who wish to share their feelings should be encouraged to attend.