Which response aligns with the authors' recommended approach to a client who discloses suicidal thoughts?

• A. Dismiss the feelings and advise to stop thinking about it
• B. Empathetically validate and normalize the disclosure
• C. Dismiss the concern and advise doing nothing
• D. Immediately hospitalize without consent

Answer: (B)

When a client discloses suicidal thoughts, the best first move is to respond with empathetic validation and to normalize the disclosure. This approach shows the client that their feelings are heard, taken seriously, and not judged, which helps reduce shame and isolation and invites open, honest dialogue. Validating their experience communicates care and support, laying the groundwork for a collaborative risk assessment and safety planning.

After validating, you would explore the level of risk with direct questions about intent, plan, means, and timing, while also identifying supports and developing a safety plan. This response aligns with ethical practice and common counseling standards that prioritize safety through collaboration rather than dismissal or coercion.

Choosing to dismiss or ignore the feelings, or to act without consent (such as forcing hospitalization) without a clear, imminent-danger basis, does not reflect appropriate therapeutic engagement and can increase risk by eroding trust and delaying needed help.