Example of a Standard Suicide Contract

Date:_______
I agree to keep myself completely safe from harm including accidental or self inflicted damage or injury, at least until our next meeting; at which time I will be willing to renew this contract if necessary. In the event that I begin to feel like harming myself or putting myself in a dangerous situation, I agree to talk with a responsible person about it and to contract with them to remain safe. If no one is readily available I agree to call a suicide and crisis hotline _____-_______and speak with someone until I am sure I can be safe.

Example of a Standard Homicide/Violence Contract
Date:
I agree to refrain from using any degree or type of violent behavior regardless of my level of anger, or the degree to which I feel justified to use violence. In the event that I have a desire to act out violently, I agree to remove myself from the situation and use time-out skills to calm myself down. I agree to inform a responsible support person of my feelings, and of my need for a time-out, and let later them know when I have calmed down. My cool down activity may include walking for an hour while thinking about all aspects of the situation and attempting to accept my part in the problem, Ask "how did my behaviors, facial expressions, or words add to the escalating anger. And try to think about how I can be more rational and responsible next time rather than lash out.

If all has been done and still isn't enough they you agree to call a crisis line and talk with someone until you feel calm and in control of your urges and feeling.___________________.

Often having that one special person who knows what you're going through is support enough to help you make non violence a way of life. Help the client understand that you care about them and although you support them, they need to find at least one other person in the world who is mature enough and caring enough to help them and care about them so that the clinician doesn't become

the clients only lifeline. Those types of thin boundaries in a therapeutic relationship can create a false dependency preventing the client from learning how to function in the real world. It may keep him isolated and feeling unsure of his importance to any one but you. This is a recipe for failure and crisis.

Each of these contracts have the basic ideas that harm is not to come to the client or anyone else, not even by accident. They give examples of how to begin taking care of their own feelings and offer contact numbers in case they want to talk openly with a crisis-line attendant for anonymous support.

Have the client read over the paragraph, ask questions or sneer at parts he/she didn't like. Invite some discussion about the seriousness of the situation which caused you to bring the contract into this session. Share your concern for them and let them know that you will also sign it. Keep one copy in your file and give on to the client to take home and have it with him at all times so he/she can pull it out and read it frequently.