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Phases of Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention, a short-term helping strategy, is advised in many traumatic circumstances such as rape, alcohol abuse, divorce, job loss, gambling addiction and spousal abuse. Effective crisis intervention involves a variety of entities, including police, social service agencies, schools, family and friends, depending on the nature of the crisis, to provide assessment and support in an efficient and caring manner. Intervention can help facilitate healing for victims and their loved ones. Those who are faced with a crisis may willingly accept assistance while others may resent the need for it.

  1. What is a Crisis?

    • A crisis is a turning point in life caused by a traumatic event that significantly affects the victim's emotional state. Usual problem-solving skills are insufficient for resolving a crisis. It is temporary and can affect individuals differently. There are five parts to a crisis: the hazardous event; the vulnerable state, which includes the victim's reaction; the precipitating factor, which taxes the victim's coping skills; the active crisis state, which includes the collapse of coping abilities; and reintegration, which is a return to the victim's normal state following incident evaluation and coping skills development.

    Phase One

    • The first phase of crisis intervention involves "psychological first aid." Act quickly and compassionately. Explain the rules of the intervention and encourage the victim to participate. Establish a comfortable, trusting relationship with and communicate empathy for the victim, and get information about the incident. Also, get the victim to safety and summon medical help if needed. Attend to the victim's basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, and provide information regarding applicable area resources such as mental health agencies, security and shelter accommodations.

    Phase Two

    • The second phase of crisis intervention involves needs assessment. Therapists and other professionals determine how the crisis has affected the victim and what services will best aid in the victim's recovery. Is the victim suicidal? Is the victim depressed? Does the victim have trouble concentrating at school or work? This phase addresses those types of questions to aid in the development of an action plan to help the victim move past the crisis and toward a sense of normalcy.

    Phase Three

    • The third phase of crisis intervention is called recovery intervention. In this phase, supporting agencies and individuals help the victim reestablish his pre-crisis life. Through therapy, the victim is given the tools, such as coping skills and increased self-esteem, to help him better handle potential future crises and live a healthy life long-term. This stage may take a great deal of time while the victim deals with lingering issues stemming from the crisis.

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