Techniques in Counseling Homicidal Clients

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that in 2008 there were over 14,000 homicides committed in the United States. Therapists are employed in a variety of settings, providing counseling services for many different groups of people. Homicidal clients will generally be incarcerated in a prison or jail or hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. When working with this population, there are many questioning techniques that can be used to increase positive outcomes from the therapeutic journey.

Homicidal Assessment

• When working with a homicidal client, it is crucial that therapists complete a homicidal assessment. A homicidal assessment will help determine the threat level of the intent and will also give the counselor information, such as the names and locations of the people being threatened. Although counselors are required to keep information private by strict federal confidentiality laws, the application of this law does not apply to clients that are deemed a threat to themselves or others. In the case of working with a homicidal client, the therapist is required to notify local police departments and the people being threatened.

Active Listening

• Active listening is an important technique to use when working with homicidal clients. Active listening occurs when a therapist says little to the client but shows interest in what he is saying. Active listening will allow the therapist to clarify information, understand the homicidal client's feelings and attitudes and determine any cognitive distortions. When using the active listening technique, if questions need to be asked, therapists should do so in the form of open-ended interrogatives. Open-ended questions allow the homicidal client to provide the therapist with detailed responses and deeper information.

Body Language

• Homicidal clients will provide more information to therapists that use body language that is open and non-judgmental. Body language includes facial expressions, the proximity to the client, placement of your arms and legs and the angle of your body in relation to the client's. Therapists that show emotions, such as fear, anger and displeasure, will not only block the client from sharing his feelings, but also can make him angry and detract from the therapeutic relationship. Therapists should demonstrate to their homicidal clients that they are open to listening to any information and are non-judgmental. To accomplish this, therapists should sit facing the client while not crossing their arms. Facial expressions and tone of voice should remain calm at all times.