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When Your Client Dies By Suicide: An interview with Dr. Nina Gutin

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Curt and Katie chat with Nina J. Gutin, Ph.D. about to discuss the emotional, professional, and systemic impact of client suicide on clinicians. We break down the common reactions of guilt and blame, highlight the importance of postvention support, and explore strategies to navigate grief and maintain clinical confidence.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about the impact of client suicide on clinicians

Losing a client to suicide is a devastating and often isolating experience for mental health professionals. We asked suicide expert, Dr. Nina Gutin to join us to talk about how therapists can take care of themselves when they have a client die by suicide.

What do therapists need to know about client suicide and its impact on clinicians?

The stigma and self-blame clinicians often experience after losing a client.
The importance of using “died by suicide” instead of stigmatizing language.
Statistics on clinician loss: One in five mental health professionals—and up to one in two psychiatrists—will experience a client suicide.
The need for postvention protocols and structured support in mental health workplaces.
How reducing caseloads and fostering support networks can help mitigate the long-term professional impact.

Processing Guilt and Self-Blame After a Client Suicide

How hindsight bias can make clinicians feel responsible for a client’s death.
Shifting from guilt to remorse or regret as a healthier perspective.
The fear of legal repercussions and how to navigate it after a client suicide.
Best practices for reaching out to a client’s family with compassion and professionalism.

The Professional and Emotional Toll of Client Suicide on Therapists

How losing a client to suicide can shake a clinician’s confidence and clinical identity.
The importance of workplace support and structured postvention after a client death.
Why systemic change is necessary to ensure therapists receive the help they need.

Resources and Support for Clinicians

The Coalition of Clinician Survivors – A support network offering:
A listserv for peer support.
A bibliography of research and clinical resources.
Postvention protocols to guide clinicians and organizations.
Dr. Nina Gutin’s email – For clinicians seeking consultation ([email protected]).

Breaking the Stigma and Advocating for Systemic Support

How the stigma around suicide impacts both clients and clinicians.
The need for better suicide prevention and postvention training in clinical programs.
How organizations can prepare for and respond to client suicides to support their clinicians effectively.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

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