Crisis Intervention

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A crisis can be described as “an acute disruption of psychological homeostasis in which one’s usual coping mechanism fail and there exists evidence of distress and functional impairment” as mentioned by Albert Roberts (Roberts & Yeager, 2009). To intervene is to become involved in something so as to influence the outcome as described by the Merriam – Webster dictionary. Keeping these definitions in mind, let us delve deeper into the aspects of crisis intervention.
Firstly let us look at the characteristics of a crisis. A crises can be identified by the presence of danger and opportunity, an absence of panaceas, the perception of an event, seeds of growth and change and universality and idiosyncrasy. When a crisis occurs, there is more often …show more content…

Looking first at empathy, it is very important for the crisis worker to accurately recognise the feelings of the client so that the client feels understood. It is salient that the interventionist be attentive, maintain eye contact, and pay full attention while maintaining silence as the client speaks. A client may also convey nonverbal cues or communicate through their mood and emotions which the interventionist must pick up on. This gives the interventionist a deeper empathetic understanding of the client which sanctions a development of trust with the client (James & Gilliland, 2013). To be genuine and honest with the client is of upmost importance. Examples of genuineness is when interventionist remains role-free and completely themselves, non-defensive and open to any sort of client reactions (Egan, 1975). The crises worker is able to open and be freely available for any form of communication with the client (James & Gilliland, 2013). Lastly acceptance of the client and anything the client may say allows for a positive open relationship with the client. A transparent relationship between client and the interventionist is important for the client to develop trust. The interventionist must fully care and be there for the client without any hesitations even if it goes against their beliefs and values. Examples of this includes an interventionist not judging a person by their actions such as a rapist or a murderer. Even if the client smokes or adopts a habit against the interventionist’s beliefs, the interventionist will still help unconditionally (James & Gilliland,

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