Lesson 2: Crisis Intervention Skills Attention
Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this lesson's material students will be able to:
Teaching The following video was created for police officers regarding mental health crisis. I liked the perspective and tips they offered so I wanted you to watch it as you learn more about crisis intervention. Introduction to Crisis Intervention (Video 6:43 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lYCwQ88-LE Each person responds to a crisis situation differently. Also each of biological systems may be affected by the crisis situation. It can affect how we feel physically, emotionally and cognitively. It can affect an individuals mood, memory, physical wellbeing and so much more. Read the following article: Crisis Reactions Handout (Read Page 1 - 7 of this handout) Read about real life crisis situation that was dealt with effectively using empathy: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/practicing-empathy-in-crisis-learning-from-antoinette-tuff-0829137 Characteristics of Effective Crisis Counselors (From: http://work.chron.com/characteristics-good-crisis-counselor-7007.html) Crisis counselors work with people who are in distress and often in need of medical, psychological or legal intervention. It takes a steady disposition and a calm demeanor to talk with people in crisis who may be very emotionally charged. Employers of crisis counselors include schools, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, crisis phone lines and social service agencies. Each setting requires special abilities and skills. Self Awareness - Many times, a client may stir up painful memories from your own past. Effective crisis counselors are aware of their own triggers and have spent time in counseling or other self-awareness programs to process personal experiences. A good crisis counselor can empathize with clients without becoming personally involved or emotional when subjects that have personal meaning come up. Nonjudgmental - In the role of counselor, you will see clients who may have committed crimes or participated in lifestyles that you don’t approve of. Clients can gauge when you’re being judgmental and may shut down, leaving you helpless to offer assistance. Ideally, a good crisis counselor is willing to listen without casting judgment on those in crisis. As a nonjudgmental counselor, you can offer a more empathetic ear and support your clients in a safe environment. Nonreactive - Clients coming to see you are in a highly emotional state, and you have to be able to remain calm through the chaos. An effective crisis counselor doesn’t react to clients’ outbursts or threats. When you witness strong emotions, you need to be able to be completely supportive without getting involved, or you risk furthering the unstable atmosphere and causing the client to refuse to reveal any more information to you. High Tolerance - You need to have a high tolerance for chaos and dramatic situations because you inevitably will encounter them on a regular basis, perhaps even daily if you work in a busy crisis counseling center or answer phones for a suicide hotline. You’ll constantly be placed in tense, stressful situations, but you can’t allow the stress to build up in your own life or you won’t last long in the field. Specific Training - While you may have briefly covered how to handle crises in your coursework to become a nurse, social worker or therapist, specific training in crisis counseling will prepare you react quickly during crisis intervention. That may include knowing how and when to call in police or medical first responders. In crisis counseling training, you’ll also learn how to deal with different cultural issues that may arise, how to develop boundaries and what ethical practices you need to follow. Organizations such as the American Institute of Health Care Professionals provide continuing education courses for crisis counselors. Crisis Intervention Models There are a variety of models on how to help someone in a crisis situation. We are going to explore three of those models in this lesson. 1) Empowerment-Focused Crisis Intervention This model can be used with individuals of all ages. I found an article on its use with preschoolers that gives you idea of the basic framework and beliefs within the model: An empowering approach to crisis intervention and brief treatment 2) Roberts' Seven Stage Crisis Intervention Model Read this article about the model: The Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model: A Road Map to Goal Attainment, Problem Solving, and Crisis 3) Crisis Intervention Techniques: The LAPC Model The LAPC model was created by Cavaiola and Colford (2006) in their textbook Crisis Intervention Case Book. The advantage of the LAPC process is that it is easy to remember and apply, whether you are a degreed professional or a layman who has received a short amount of training. One of the difficulties of other crisis intervention models is that it can be difficult to recall the processes when they are needed most. A client who is at high risk of danger will need a very directive approach where the crisis worker directs the intervention, a client at a moderate risk of danger will work best with a collaborative approach where control is shared, and a client at a low risk of danger should have a very non-directive approach where they lead. The four steps of the LAPC Model are listed below:
1) LAPC Step 1 - Listen 2) LAPC Step 2 - Assess 3) LAPC Step 3 - Plan 4) LAPC Step 4 - Commit Bibliography - Cavaiola, A. & Colford, J.E. (2010). Crisis Intervention Case Book. Nelson: Toronto, ON. Information on the LAPC Model from: MacDonald, D.K., (2016), "LAPC Model of Crisis Intervention," retrieved on September 5, 2016 from http://dustinkmacdonald.com/lapc-model-crisis-intervention/. Assessment Lesson 2 Quiz
Lesson 2 Discussion (for online course only) Share your understanding of the LAPC model and how you can apply it inthe future when you work with clients/consumers. Write about your understanding of the process of identifying what is helpful during a crisis intervention. |