Crisis Intervention Flashcards
What is Crisis?
any situation where an individual experiences an overwhelming event which upsets one’s psychological equilibrium or baseline level of functioning.
Types of Crisis:
Maturational Crisis
Situational Crisis
One’s usual methods of problem solving or coping are not effective in a crisis
● A crisis is self-defined by one’s own perception of the event or situation
What is Crisis?
Precipitated by normal stress during the course of life
○ Examples: marriage, birth of a child, retirement
Maturational Crisis
Precipitated by a sudden traumatic event that is unexpected
○ Examples: death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness
Situational Crisis
Factors which influence reactions:
Nature of the event and extent of exposure
● Perception of the event
● Social supports and coping mechanisms
can last from 2 days to 6 weeks
How long can a Crisis last?
What is Crisis Intervention?
is brief treatment initiated when an individual is in a crisis to help restore one’s pre-crisis biopsychosocial functioning.
Supportive, focused psychotherapy
● 1-6 sessions during period of crisis
Crisis Intervention
Establish therapeutic relationship
● Identify precipitating problems
Listen
Determine the severity of the crisis
● Assess the client for safety risks and suicidal/homicidal ideation
● Assess coping mechanisms being used
Assessment
Explore the clients emotions
Listen
Understand meaning of the precipitating event to the client
● Determine the client’s perception of reality
● Determine client’s social supports and willingness to use supports
● Focus on the immediate problem and not the client’s history
Assessment
Review progress
● Review resources and support system
● Schedule a follow-up session
Termination
Help the client understand their reaction to a crisis as normal and temporary
● Selectively choose and use appropriate approaches to action planning
● Modify or eliminate past coping skills so they don’t interfere with your current
plan of attack
Treatment Plan
Main focus is on restoring a client’s equilibrium or baseline functioning
● Assist the client in developing new coping mechanisms to deal with the
immediate crisis and any future difficulties
● Assist the client in developing problem-solving skills
● Assist client in mobilizing social supports and services
Goals
Create a contract or have the patent sign a treatment plan so you are both on the
same page
● Identify useful referral resources
Treatment Plan
Last Step in Treatment Plan-Use three basic approaches:
○ Start by being non-directive – let the patient tell you why he/she has come to you
○ Be collaborative - work together on a joint plan
○ Be directive - if the person does not or will not make a plan
