Childhood suicidal ideation through a narrative therapy lens

Children can experience distress for many reasons, often triggered by challenges or problems in their lives. This distress, which can range from mild to serious, is typically temporary. Children often find ways to cope and hold onto hope that things will improve. However, in some cases, distress can escalate into despair—a deeper and more persistent state of sadness and hopelessness where children struggle to imagine a better future. This prolonged despair can leave them feeling stuck and, for some, may lead to thoughts of suicide. 

In this podcast episode, host Amanda Kemperman joins narrative therapist and social worker David Newman to explore childhood suicidal ideation through a narrative therapy lens. Offering valuable insights and approaches for support, David discusses how he negotiates conversations with young people, ensuring their hardships are shared and heard, while inviting them to explore what is underpinning their experiences. 

David was also interviewed as part of the development of Emerging Minds’ recent online course Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation. 

In this episode, you will learn about: 

• negotiating the conversation, asking for permission and accountability [03:31] 

• what children want when experiencing suicidal ideation [06:43]  

• how to talk about how hard it is [10:24] 

• knowledge, skills and values through the absent but implicit framework [24:24]
   

Further information and resources from Emerging Minds:  

Online course 

Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation   

Podcast episodes 

Working with children affected by suicide – part one  

Working with children affected by suicide – part two   

Podcast episodes for families

How to support children who are experiencing distress 

Supporting children with big feelings  

Note: A practice paper and webinar recording will also be available soon.