First, he listens until I'm done saying whatever I wanted to say. Then he'll usually ask a few questions to assess it further (such as 'what keeps you going?' or he will ask about means and more concrete plans). Even when it was very serious (and I actually attempted afterwards), he never hospitalized me, he expresses worry and tells me I can call if I need to.

I think he realizes that telling me 'useful' stuff or hospitalizing me would not help much. It comforts me much more to know that at least he cares whether I show up for the next session or not, and that he is there for me no matter how much I struggle.