Natural disasters (specifically hurricanes) are an unfortunate part of living in Florida. Crisis management is on my mind as we prepare for another upcoming storm here, so let’s review the Crisis Intervention Model.
A crisis situation is any experience or event perceived as being intolerable or demanding resources or coping skills outside of the individual’s current ability, such as:
Financial crisis – sudden job loss, eviction, food scarcity, theft, home invasion, unexpected medical expenses, repossession of a vehicle, utility cut-off
Major Life Events – unexpected pregnancy, pregnancy loss, death of a loved one
Experiencing or witnessing violent acts, the threat of violence
Natural Disasters – floods, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, blizzards
This list is not exhaustive. The proper crisis response can make a huge difference in reducing the development of trauma disorders.
The Crisis Intervention Model is used with established clients who enter a crisis phase during our work with them or in emergency mental health aid situations.
The Crisis Intervention Model involves 6 steps that focus on active listening and acting. Steps 1-3 focus on listening interventions, whereas 4-6 focus on action. Crisis intervention is short-term to manage the immediate crisis and create an action plan for establishing further support.
Step 1 – Define the problem. Therapeutic rapport needs to be established. Active listening, empathy, and genuineness are the primary interventions – defining the problem is collaborative. The goal is to assist the person in defining the challenges arising from the crisis.
Step 2 – Ensure safety. The primary focus here is establishing physical safety. Assessing for suicide risk and homicide risk should be a focus of this step. If suicide or homicide risk is present, eliminating access to means becomes necessary.
Step 3: Provide Support. Listening and action are key components of providing support. Active listening interventions strengthen rapport and provide emotional support. Linking them with resources to meet their basic needs is crucial. Providing information through psychoeducation on normal trauma/stress reactions and coping strategies for managing is another way of being supportive.
Step 4: Explore Alternatives. Collaborative problem-solving is key for step 4. This includes identifying additional supportive people in their life, such as family or friends, and using cognitive strategies to help them reframe thoughts and consider alternative perspectives.
Step 5: Make Plans. After exploring all options for solving the identified problem, the goal is to work with them on making a concrete plan to regain feeling in control of the situation. The plan may include referrals for ongoing mental health care, support groups, or other resources to support the client in implementation.
Step 6: Obtain Commitment. Ensure that the person knows how to follow through with their plan. There should also be a planned follow-up with the individual to reassure them of ongoing support. During that follow-up, problem-solving through any barriers that may have arisen and making any additional referrals or resources are provided.