Crisis Intervention

Question 1

Crisis:

Answer 1

Any situation where an individual experiences an overwhelming event which upsets one’s psychological equilibrium or baseline level of functioning.

• 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
• The crisis state can last from 2 days to 6 weeks.

Question 2

Maturational Crisis:

Answer 2

• Precipitated by normal stress during the course of life

* Examples: marriage, birth of a child, retirement

Question 3

Situational Crisis:

Answer 3

• Precipitated by a sudden traumatic event that is unexpected
• Examples: death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness

Question 4

Factors which influence reactions:

Answer 4

• Nature of the event and extent of exposure
• Perception of the event
• Social supports and coping mechanisms

Question 5

Crisis Intervention:

Answer 5

A 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

Question 6

Listen:

Answer 6

• Establish therapeutic relationship
• Identify precipitating problems
• Explore the client’s emotions

Question 7

Assessment:

Answer 7

• Determine the severity of the crisis
• Assess the client for safety risks and suicidal/homicidal ideation
• Assess coping mechanisms being used
• 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

Question 8

Treatment Plan:

Answer 8

• 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
• Create a contract or have the patent sign a treatment plan so you are both on the same page
• Identify useful referral resources
• 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 


Question 9

Termination:

Answer 9

• Review progress
• Review resources and support system
• Schedule a follow-up session

Question 10

Goals:

Answer 10

• 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