Crisis Interventions

Question 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

Answer 1

Crisis

Question 2

○ Precipitated by normal stress during the course of life
○ Examples: marriage, birth of a child, retirement

Answer 2

Maturational Crisis

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Situational Crisis

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Factors which influence reactions

Question 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

Listen:
● Establish therapeutic relationship
● Identify precipitating problems
● Explore the client’s emotions

Answer 5

Crisis Intervention

Question 6

● 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

Answer 6

Assessment

Question 7

● 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 client 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 client tell you why they have come to you
○ Be collaborative - work together on a joint plan
○ Be directive - if the person does not or will not make a plan

Answer 7

Treatment plan

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Termination

Question 9

● Main focus is on restoring a client’s equilibrium or baseline functioning
● Assist the client in developing new coping mechanisms (and/or building on past 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

Answer 9

Goals