Crisis Intervention Approach

Crisis: * occurs when there is a perceived challenge or threat that overwhelms the capacity of the individual to cope effectively with the event * unexpected emotional (depression) and biologic (NVD, HA) responses occur. Functioning is severely impaired * if positive, there is opportunity for growth and change as new ways of coping are learned. If negative, suicide, homelessness, or depression can result * generally lasts NO more than 4-6 weeks. (by definition there is no such thing as a chronic crisis)
Communication (what do we say) * do not give any unrealistic or false reassurances of positive outcomes over which you have no control * make referrals as appropriate Guidelines for Crisis Intervention: Approach | Rationale | Example | Support the expression or non-expression of feelings according to cultural or ethnic practices | Emotional support helps the person face reality. The emotional expression by the victim maybe culturally driven | Accompany the husband to view the body of his deceased wife | Help the person think clearly and focus on one
* Erik Erikson * Normal part of growth and development * Successfully resolving a crisis at one stage allows the child to move to the next * Child will develop positive characteristics after experiencing a crisis * If they develop less desirable characteristics the crisis was not resolved * Maturation events: leaving home for first time, completing school, accepting adulthood | * Whenever a specific stressful event threatens a persons biopsychosocial integrity and results in some degree of psychological disequilibrium * Internal (disease) or external threats * Positive events such as graduation from high school, getting a new job after graduation * If person enters a new situation without adequate coping skills a crisis may occur | * initiated by unexpected, unusual events that can affect an individual or a multitude of people