Ethical Implications Of The ABC Model Of Crisis Intervention

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The ABC model of crisis intervention refers to the conduction of very brief mental health interviews with clients whose functioning level has decreased following a psychosocial stressor also known as a crisis (Kanel, 2007). This method was first introduced by Gerald Caplan and Eric Lindemann in the 1940s, other variations of this model have developed over the years. The ABC model is a 3 step problem-focused approach used to provide temporary and immediate relief that has been known to work best when applied within 4 to 6 weeks of the precipitating event (Kaplan, 2007). The focus of the ABC model is to identify the aspects of a crisis or precipitating event, the client 's perceptions about the event, personal anguish, failed internal coping …show more content…

These ethical concerns must be addressed with every client. This is where closed ended questions may be considered, the best approach is to intertwine these questions into the normal flow of conversation so that the client does not feel like they are being judged. One of the ethical concerns the clinician needs to address is suicide, since those dealing with the crisis have no ability to cope and are vulnerable and overwhelmed, suicide may feel like their only option to end the crisis (Kanel, 2007). The clinician needs this information to keep the client safe. Another ethical concern the clinician must address is the possibility of abuse towards a child or the elderly or any harm to others. It is always a counselor or mental health workers ' duty to report any suspicion of this kind of activity to the proper authorities (Kanel, 2007). Organic or medical concerns are one of the other ethical considerations which must be addressed in the second stage. This includes making evaluations about any mental health or behavioral disorders as well as making any necessary referrals (Kanel, 2007). Substance abuse is another ethical concern that must be addressed by the clinician. Since substance abuse is commonly used to treat stress for those in crisis the clinician must be assertive in gathering information about drug use (Kanel, 2007). This information will direct the clinician in the …show more content…

One must have attending behaviors this includes eye contact, attentive listening, body posture, overall empathy and warmth. In order to be a successful counselor when using the ABC model, it is important to have knowledge of cultural sensitivity (Kanel, 2007). According to Kanel crisis workers must remember that the attending behavior of different cultural and ethnic groups may vary in style, and as a clinician one may need to adapt when working with certain cultures (Kanel, 2007). Another important skill a clinician must possess is the skill ask questions properly without seeming judgmental. Most often in this model, it is important to use open ended questions in order to learn more information about the precipitating event. Questions beginning with “what” or “how” are most effective in this case. The ability to paraphrase is also important, which is the clinician’s ability to restate what they thought they heard in their own words or clarify what was said in a questioning manner. When this is done properly, the client knows that the counselor is listening and it helps build good rapport. Reflection of feelings is another technique to let the client know the counselor is listening, as well as summarization (Kanel,

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