Paraklesis Counselling

Are you feeling Suicidal?

It takes a lot of courage to admit to yourself that you are so desperate that you could take your own life. It takes even more courage to admit it to another human being – in admitting you have already taken the first step to staying safe.

We would like to contract with you to decide to live a long life, with more pleasure and less unhappiness than you have now. Please consider completing the Anti-Suicide Contract below and discuss it with your own counsellor/therapist.

Counsellors are committed to the principles of compassionate care and therapeutic excellence, but because of the nature of especially online therapy and therapy in general, we are not able to ensure your safety at all times. Please take care and be safe.

You Are NOT Alone - there is Hope!

You have taken the courage to admit to yourself that you are so desperate that you could harm yourself or even take your own life – in admitting you have already taken the first step to staying safe. Now take the next steps and read on.

We wish to support you, but online support alone is not a sufficient or suitable approach. Rather, immediately schedule a next appointment for counselling with your own therapist/counsellor.

If your need is more immediate, even if you have felt this way for some time, or if you have already signed a anti-suicide contract, we urge you to take care of your needs right now.

• Immediately call a trusted friend or relative or person listed on your anti-suicide contract and ask them to talk with you or come over right away

• Call your local city’s 24-hour crisis line. The number is usually listed in the telephone book on the inside front cover (or ask Siri on your iPhone).

• Find emergency numbers and crisis centres online:

-  International Locations (example, Befrienders.org) or Online Lifeline
- Distress Centre Calgary (Main Crisis Line: (403) 266-4357)
- Crisis Centres Serving Alberta
- Or call 1-800-SUICIDE;   National suicide crisis hotline – 1-800-784-2433; Rape/sexual violence hotline – 1-800-656-4673
- Call 911 (Available in most areas to reach police or ambulance.)

Please complete the ant-suicide contract below!

If you have not yet filled out and signed an anti-suicide contract, please complete the Anti-Suicide Contract below – fill it out and digitally sign it. You will receive a confirmation e-mail that you have accepted the contract, and a copy of the contract will be included.

Please phone the people that you indicated would be your emergency contact numbers (or meet with them personally), and tell them about the contract and your choice to choose life. Take your contract with to the following counselling session and discuss the contract with your counsellor and/or family physician.

Please Note: We reserve the right to contact your local police department or hospital based on your claim that you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or crisis, or in the event that you are deemed disoriented or incapacitated. This is done to ensure your safety and the safety of others as well as to verify the follow through of any necessary emergency services.

Disclaimer

Paraklesis Counselling cannot be held responsible for helping you manage a crisis using online resources. Because of the delays associated with the use of online resources, we do not function as a crisis centre. If you experience an emotional crisis (intense feelings of distress), emergency or life-threatening situation, or any other crisis you need to take appropriate action and find help— online support is not enough. Rather than turning to our online support for help in an emergency or crisis, we advise that you follow the suggested actions in our emergency and safety plan. Although Paraklesis will still come alongside you - you must manage the emergency/crisis by using resources other than those offered by us online.