THE
PARENT PODCAST
Lessons from the Suicide Hotline:
Turning Crisis into Hope
with Shirley Shani Ben Zvi
Show Notes
Please note that this episode discusses sensitive and triggering topics - audience discretion advised.
In this Suicide Awareness Month episode of the Warrior Parent Podcast, Marci and Debbie speak with family therapist and crisis-line trainer Shirley Shani Ben Zvi about understanding suicidal ideation, the life-saving power of means reduction, and how compassionate, nonjudgmental conversation can keep people safe. Shirley reframes hope as a practical lens for living with grief, offers grounding tools like noticing tiny wins, and shares how to talk openly—without glamorizing—about suicide to reduce risk. Sensitive content is discussed; if you or someone you know needs support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Opening the Conversation
Marci and Debbie welcome family therapist and suicide hotline trainer Shirley Shani Ben Zvi for a candid, compassionate conversation during Suicide Awareness Month. Shirley demystifies suicidal ideation—explaining it as the thought that the world might be better without me—and clarifies the spectrum from passive to active ideation. She shares insights from two decades on a crisis chat line, emphasizing how removing access to lethal means can interrupt momentary impulses and save lives. The hosts encourage listeners to stay open, ask direct questions without fear of “giving ideas,” and remember that reaching out is a profound act of care.
From Crisis to Connection
Shirley walks through how empathy, calm presence, and curiosity can de-escalate a crisis. Instead of shutting down hard conversations, she asks what someone’s “best hope in dying” is—often revealing a wish to solve problems, ease pain, and unburden loved ones. Naming those hopes can redirect people toward support and safety. The trio discusses the difference between discussing suicide responsibly (listening, assessing risk, avoiding glamorization or explicit details) and the harmful ways it’s often portrayed. They also note the importance of safeguarding access to means, normalizing help-seeking, and using resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.
Grief, Small Steps, and Real Hope
Shifting to grief therapy, Shirley debunks the myth of linear “stages” and reframes hope as a way of seeing: the belief that, even after profound loss, we can become a new “best self.” She invites parents to notice the tiniest wins—getting out of bed, brushing teeth, opening the door—and to practice gentleness over judgment. In a world that can feel heavy, the hosts highlight community care, their CourTools practices, and spaces for moms to connect. The conversation closes with an affirmation: being seen, heard, and accompanied in hard times is powerful medicine—and a path from crisis toward genuine, grounded hope.
If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 (U.S.) for 24/7 support.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
THE
PARENT PODCAST
Lessons from the Suicide Hotline: Turning Crisis into Hope
with Shirley Shani Ben Zvi
Show Notes
Please note that this episode discusses sensitive and triggering topics - audience discretion advised
In this Suicide Awareness Month episode of the Warrior Parent Podcast, Marci and Debbie speak with family therapist and crisis-line trainer Shirley Shani Ben Zvi about understanding suicidal ideation, the life-saving power of means reduction, and how compassionate, nonjudgmental conversation can keep people safe. Shirley reframes hope as a practical lens for living with grief, offers grounding tools like noticing tiny wins, and shares how to talk openly—without glamorizing—about suicide to reduce risk. Sensitive content is discussed; if you or someone you know needs support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - Opening the Conversation
10:17 - From Crisis to Connection
21:18 - Grief, Small Steps, and Real Hope
Opening the Conversation
Marci and Debbie welcome family therapist and suicide hotline trainer Shirley Shani Ben Zvi for a candid, compassionate conversation during Suicide Awareness Month. Shirley demystifies suicidal ideation—explaining it as the thought that the world might be better without me—and clarifies the spectrum from passive to active ideation. She shares insights from two decades on a crisis chat line, emphasizing how removing access to lethal means can interrupt momentary impulses and save lives. The hosts encourage listeners to stay open, ask direct questions without fear of “giving ideas,” and remember that reaching out is a profound act of care.
From Crisis to Connection
Shirley walks through how empathy, calm presence, and curiosity can de-escalate a crisis. Instead of shutting down hard conversations, she asks what someone’s “best hope in dying” is—often revealing a wish to solve problems, ease pain, and unburden loved ones. Naming those hopes can redirect people toward support and safety. The trio discusses the difference between discussing suicide responsibly (listening, assessing risk, avoiding glamorization or explicit details) and the harmful ways it’s often portrayed. They also note the importance of safeguarding access to means, normalizing help-seeking, and using resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.
Grief, Small Steps, and Real Hope
Shifting to grief therapy, Shirley debunks the myth of linear “stages” and reframes hope as a way of seeing: the belief that, even after profound loss, we can become a new “best self.” She invites parents to notice the tiniest wins—getting out of bed, brushing teeth, opening the door—and to practice gentleness over judgment. In a world that can feel heavy, the hosts highlight community care, their CourTools practices, and spaces for moms to connect. The conversation closes with an affirmation: being seen, heard, and accompanied in hard times is powerful medicine—and a path from crisis toward genuine, grounded hope.
If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 (U.S.) for 24/7 support.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699