Assessing and Treating Suicidal Thinking and Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Play Therapy Guide for Mental Health Professionals


in Clinical and School-Based Settings By Leslie W. Baker, MA, LMFT, RPT-STM


Routledge, 2024 ISBN-13: 978-1032410821


  presents a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention among youth. It emphasizes the importance of mental health professionals, caregivers, and educators in recognizing and addressing suicidal ideation in children and adolescents. The guide advocates for thorough assessments and evidence-based interventions to help young individuals express emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.


The book explores legal, ethical, and cultural shifts in suicide prevention, addressing critical issues like racial disparities, the impact  collaboration among psychiatrists, therapists, and families to manage complex cases. Additionally, managing therapist countertransference and prioritizing self-care is presented as crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.


Key therapeutic interventions, such as the "Land of Safety" game, Six- Part Story-Making, and digital play tools are highlighted for assessing at-risk youth. The book promotes culturally inclusive approaches tailored for minoritized and oppressed communities, emphasizing the impact of  proactive suicide prevention, advocating for comprehensive training and collaboration to foster safe environments. Overall, the guide provides a holistic, evidence-based approach for use in clinical and school-based settings, ensuring the well-being of both youth and therapists.


ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Alec Bustos, MEd, LMSW, CSW-I, is a First-Generation Latinx therapist in private practice in Nevada. Fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language, he specializes in children and teens facing trauma, depression, anxiety, and neurodivergence, and is passionate about collaborating with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ families. bustoshalec@gmail.com


& Mary Ruth Cross, MS, LMFT, RPT-STM


REVIEW


www.a4pt.org | December 2024 | PLAYTHERAPY | 15


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