A Transpersonal Theory of Healing Following Youth Suicide

Abstract

Youth suicide is a complex and perplexing public health problem. This article presents a brief overview of related literature, describes a transpersonal theory of healing following youth suicide, and provides practice implications. Individual healing is conceptually described as a transpersonal journey characterized by the inter-relationships among three healing patterns: Self-reflection (thinking), Self-care (acting), and Selftranscendence (being). During our interactions with survivors, as professionals, we need to be mindful that we do not inadvertently and prematurely abort the self-transcendent healing pattern. One way of facilitating healing is to be fully present with survivors in each and every moment.