Crisis Intervention Flashcards
What is the goal of crisis intervention?
to resolve the crisis and return functioning to at least as high as the level of functioning they had before the crisis/before they were at disequilibrium
–> you are NOT trying to fix long-standing problems
What does treatment look like for a crisis intervention?
Treatment is focused on the type of crisis (e.g., divorce, unemployment, etc) and resolving the crisis (in a time limit of 4-6 weeks) using practical interventions like emotional support and encouragement of coping responses.
Treatment Stage 1 of Crisis Intervention: Assessment
-inquire about the precipitating event that led to the crisis and what areas of the person’s life are affected by the crisis
-ensure you ask why the client came in for help today (even if they had been planning to come in for some time, there was some sort of trigger that led them there - inquire further about it)
-explore what the event meant to the person, like how the client sees it affecting their future and if they are seeing the event clearly or distorting it
-discover what the available supports for the client are
-find out how the person has typically coped with previous situations
Treatment Stage 2 of Crisis Intervention: Planning
-explore the extent of the disruption the crisis has caused in their lives, as in, is the individual able to continue with work or school and if the person needs to be hospitalized
-inquire who else is involved in the crisis
-explore what strengths and coping skills are available to the person and if there are any not being used
Treatment Stage 3 of Crisis Intervention: Intervention
-provide the client with an intellectual understanding of the crisis (define the problem based on the info client has given)
-explore feelings (reflecting of feelings, active listening)
-explore coping options (may directly suggest coping techniques, mobilize resources and actively encourage them)
Treatment Stage 4 of Crisis Intervention: Resolution and Planning for the Future
-review treatment and help them see how much progress they have made
-discuss the ways to cope in the future to prepare to deal with a future crisis that may occur
