Crisis Support and Safety Planning
Support When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed
There may be times when emotional distress becomes overwhelming. You may feel hopeless, unable to cope, or uncertain about how to stay safe. You may also experience thoughts of suicide or urges to harm yourself.
You do not have to wait until you are in an emergency to talk about these experiences.
At DC Therapy, we can provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore emotional distress, assess current safety, identify immediate supports, and develop a personalized safety plan when clinically appropriate.
Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
When a client experiences suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or other significant safety concerns, a risk assessment may be completed to better understand the situation and determine the level of support needed.
A safety plan may include:
-
Identifying warning signs that distress is increasing
-
Exploring coping strategies that can help reduce emotional intensity
-
Identifying people and supports the client can contact
-
Discussing ways to access professional and crisis support
-
Identifying steps to increase safety during periods of heightened risk
-
Developing a plan for what to do if safety concerns become more urgent
Safety planning is collaborative and individualized. The goal is to help you identify practical steps and supports you can use when emotions feel overwhelming.
If You Are in Immediate Danger
Therapy is not a replacement for emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, believe you may act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or require urgent medical attention, please contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are experiencing an immediate crisis, please do not wait for a scheduled therapy appointment. Seek immediate crisis or emergency support.
During therapy, we can also work together to develop strategies and supports that may help you manage future periods of intense distress more safely.