1. KENYA INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COUNSELLING
STUDIES
CRISIS COUNSELLING
CRISIS AND CRISIS INTERVENTION PRESENTATION
VERONICA NDUKA
10/11/2015
Though crisis levels may differ from person to person or situation to situation, the occurrence
and reality of crisis is universal. So is the need and urge for interventions.

2. CRISIS AND CRISIS INTERVENTION
Definition of crisis
There exist various definitions of crisis with different authors. Crisis can be defined as a; a
perception or experiencing of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the
person’s current resources and coping mechanisms,(James & Gilliland, 2001). Some other
definitions of crisis are;
“An upset in equilibrium at the failure of one’s traditional problem solving approach which
results in disorganization, hopelessness, sadness, confusion and panic” (Lillibridge and Klukken,
1978).
“People are in a state of crisis when they face an obstacle to important life goals – and obstacle
that is, for a time, insurmountable by the use of customary methods of problem solving” (Caplan,
1961)
Though crisis levels may differ from person to person or situation to situation, the occurrence
and reality of crisis is universal. So is the need and urge for interventions.
OBJECTIVES OF THE THIS PAPER
The main aim of this presentation is ; to understand crisis and crisis intervention; comprehend
the elements of a crisis; grasp the purpose of crisis intervention; objectively understand the
dichotomy of a crisis and to know the types of crisis intervention
Definition of Crisis Intervention
When a crisis arises, the most natural or human thing to do is to seek ways and means of
resolving or managing the issue causing the crisis..
A process that focuses on resolution of the immediate problem through the use of personal,
social and environmental resources. The goals of crisis intervention are rapid resolution of the

3. crisis to prevent further deterioration, to achieve atleast a pre-crisis level of functioning, to
promote growth and effective problem solving and to recognize danger signs to prevent negative
outcomes (RNAO, 2006; Hoff, 1995)
Further a crisis can be defined as an emotional upset, from situational development, biological,
psychological, socio-emotional distress results in a temporary inability to cope by means of one’s
usual resources and coping mechanisms. Unless the stessors that precipitated the crisis are
alleviated and/or the company mechanisms are boosted major disorganization may result. It is
recognized that a crisis state is subjective and as such may be defined by the individual, the
family, or other members of the community,(Holf, 1995, Ontario Ministry of Helath and Long
Term Care 1999).
From its earliest beginnings in the late forties, crisis intervention has had a preventive focus.
Hotlines trained volunteer workers to prevent callers from committing suicide. Properly working
through the grief process was assumed to prevent the possibility of maladjustment later in life.
Virtually any intervention aimed at assisting people in managing life crises has been viewed as
important since it might prevent psychopathology of some sort later on (Caplan 1964).
Elements of crisis
A crisis is characterized or constituted by some key elements,namely; the trigger or the
precipitating event,the perception of the event that leads to the subjective distress and finally the
failure of the the usual (customary)coping methods leading to a decrease in the ability to
function.
The Dichotomy of crisis
In any situation or context a crisis can be viewed in two perspectives, either as an opportunity or
as a danger. A crisis can be viewed as an opportunity in the sense that it provides one with a
chance to develop new skills and alter perceptions. On the other hand a crisis situation can be
viewed as a danger that is intimidating phenomenon that make one avoid seeking help and have
a lowered level of performance.

4. In either of the two perceptions the subject determines how they want to interpret the
phenomenon at hand . The way this is done will result in resolving the crisis or precipitating
it. The ability of the choice of interpreting is dependent upon many psychosocial factors in
an individual or group of people.
Purpose of crisis intervention
Every crisis intervention is designed to achieve any or all of the following three purposes;
The first purpose of crisis intervention is to prevent illness both physical and emotiona.l
The second purpose of crisis intervention is to change the perception of the client . The third
Purpose of Crisis intervention also serves to increase the clients functioning by changing their
perception of the event and helping them acquire new and more effective skills.
ABC Model of crisis intervention
The underpinnings of working with clients in crisis begin with determining, based on
assessment efforts, how best to approach them to deescalate the crisis. In other words,
We need to assess whether the situation calls for us to be directive, nondirective, or collaborative
(James, 2008).
Directive approaches call for us to “direct” or lead the person in crisis in a specific
direction. Clients in crisis are typically scattered and unable to plan beyond their
current situation. Therefore, providing some form of direction may help. For example, if
someone is highly uncertain, spontaneous, or ambiguous and, at the same time, unable
To get out of a crisis state, providing direction could provide immediate, though temporary,
relief to feelings surrounding the crisis situation.
Nondirective approaches allow the person in crisis to come up with the directives while the crisis
counselor facilitates that process. If the client is at a place where
he or she can make rational decisions, even though he or she is still in a state of crisis,
a nondirective approach may empower the client to make progress toward deescalation. For
example, asking clients who were recently victimized by a flood “What

5. might be of most help to you now?” allows them to respond with specifics, rather
than having you guess what was needed. The thought process and response of such
clients may also empower them to feel like they are regaining some control over their
Own lives.
A collaborative approach focuses on showing the person in crisis that you are
there, with them, on the journey toward stabilization and normalcy. People in crisis
need to know that there are others not only to provide help but also to decrease isolation and
increase resource allocation. Collaborative approaches are considered a blending of directive and
nondirective approaches—but with a flavor of togetherness. In
other words, a collaborative approach provides support and a sense of working
together toward a common goal.
All said the ABC model of crisis intervention is a problem-focused approach-applied within 4 to
6 weeks of the stressor. This involves the use of skills to achieve desirable results in the
interventions applied.
The process is a relationship of developing and maintaining rapport through the skills of active
listening, good eye contact, expressive vocal style and Questioning. Questioning involves the use
of open ended questions and tying questions to what client is saying. Close ended questions help
gain information but client may feel badgered. It is important never to assume anything but to
always inquire from the client. The client owns all the information you require in the process.
The ABC model also utilizes the following other important skills that come in handy in crisis
interventions.
Summary is a skill that pulls thoughts together and makes sure counselor has understood
everything. It can be used to transition to the next level of the intervention.
In the intervention process, it is important to note the wisdom of old, ‘‘People don’t care what
you know, until they know that you care.”

6. Paraphrasing means to restate with your own words what you think a client has said or use
as clarification. This skill is very vital as it helps as to build a rapport with the client (clients).
Reflection of feelings involves empathy( put yourself in the shoes of the other party); Letting
clients know you understand their feelings and helps to clarify feelings and shows client they
are understood.
B: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
This form s the second phase of the crisis intervention process in which the counselor objectively
and skillfully identifies the problem.
The Counselor needs to identify the nature of the crisis by discovering the precipitating event,
(where did the rain start beating them?) ; Perceptions about events; cognitive and emotional ?
(subjective distress) ; Client’s functioning since the crisis; socially, behavior, academically, and
occupationally; Identify pre- crisis level of functioning.
There are certain conditions that the counselor should assess in the process of the interventions
measures. Such assessment should look for clues such as ;Suicide/homicide, Child abuse,
Psychosis, Medical illness and Substance abuse.
NB: Avoid interrogation rather be smooth and relevant to the crisis at hand.

7. The following type of statements should be taken into consideration during the entire process.
Educational statements
These help the Counselor provides factual information that is vital in the crisis ,helps clients
increase their knowledge or facts and also helps build stronger coping skills for present and
future crises. Further, the educational statements help to normalize the experience or correct false
ideas the client might hold and finally to be respectful and anticipate their tolerance for your
reshaping of their existing schema and script.
Reframing statements
They serve to first, help client view the situation from a slightly different point of view using the
client’s frame of reference. Secondly, they change the crisis from danger to opportunity “When
life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Thirdly, reframing puts problems in a solvable form –
small victories. Lastly, sometimes a positive perspective is changed into a negative one- other
times a negative perspective is changed into a positive one.
Therapeutic interaction
In the therapeutic interaction; validation and support statements make clients feel their points of
view and subjective experience are valid; shows that you are empathizing with the plight; helps
them not to see themselves as sick, weak or bad and also lets your clients know that their feelings
are normal and difficult.
Caution should however be taken not offer the client(s) false hope or illusive solutions.
Empowering statements
These comments help the client feel more powerful and in control and point out choices
available and how to take back personal power and overcome feelings of helplessness.
Encourage to survive abuse rather than escape from it

8. C: Coping: Past, present and future
At the conclusion of the interview, the counselor should sum up problems and move clients
towards coping mode. The counselor should encourage the development of new coping
behaviors. This can be validated by the facts that; One, Clients are more likely to follow
through with plans they have developed themselves. Two, they are already presented with
“good work” and thirdly, other coping ideas emerge.
o Other coping ideas
The counselor aids the client to make commitment and draws a follow-up plan.
Alternative coping behaviours
• Utilize natural support systems, do not always rely on mental health workers.
• If clients are coping effectively, they will ask others for help.
• Self-sufficiency; encouraging others to help themselves (more economical long-term)
“Note: Remember the old adage of teaching a man to fish rather than just giving him a fish.
• Encouraging to journal daily, read books, view files or participate in assertiveness training or
stress management courses when appropriate.
SUICIDE CLUES AND SYMPTOMS
Suicide victims characteristically exhibit behaviors such as giving things away and putting
things in order with extreme detail. They will write a will, shows withdrawal from usual
activities and preoccupation with death in reading, actions, words or graphics. They will hang
around the recent death of a friend or relative. A suicidal case will express feelings of
hopelessness, helplessness. They self defeating feelings of worthlessness and a sudden state of
despondency.

9. After client exhaust his own ideas, then counselor offers other ideas. The counselor offers
information on available support groups, suicide help lines or hotlines and other professional
help sources(lawyers, physicians etc).
Types of crisis
Maturational or developmental; problems experienced by individuals during the natural maturing
process e.g. menopause, empty nest syndrome, retirement, marriage, widowhood.
Situational crisis: refers to sudden unpredictable events/experiences in an individual’s life e.g.
loss of job, loved one, natural disaster, suicide. Therefore, in terms of mental health, a crisis does
not necessarily refer to a traumatic situation or event. It is the person’s reaction to an event. One
person may be deeply be affected by an event, whilst another does not suffer. The Chinese word
for crisis presents a good depiction of the components of a crisis, both the positive opportunity
for growth or decline and the negative idea of danger. We often think of a crisis as an unexpected
disaster, such as car loss and so on, but crisis can vary in their type and severity.
Crises in the Life Cycle - Sometimes a crisis is predicted in terms of a predictable part of
the life cycle. An example of this is Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.
Existential Crises – Inner conflicts relating to the way we want to live our life, our
purpose, spirituality and so on.
Assessment
The following questions need to be asked for adequate assessment to be done.
Is the client actively or passively engaged in violent or dangerous behavior now?
Does the client state s/he is going to carry out violent/dangerous behavior?
Does client have a plan?
Does the client have the means?
Does the client have a background of violence and dangerous behaviour?
Has the client acted on plans for violence in the past?

10. Intervention
The counselor should design and execute interventions on merit.
A written contact committing not to commit suicide without notifying their clinician, family,
friends or emergency personnel.
The counselee may need involuntary hospitalization.
Family intervention such as educating family and friends of cues and symptoms.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Re- experiencing symptoms; flash backs relieving the trauma over and over, including physical
symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
Bad dreams, frightening thoughts.
Avoidance symptoms: staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the
experience.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
This is a traumatic disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in
which physical harm occurred or was threatened. Such an experience exposes one to a crisis
that requires skilled intervention.
Traumatic events that may trigger P.T.S.D include violent assault, child abuse, sexual abuse,
natural disaster and death of relatives or friends among others. The client also exhibits hyper
-arousal symptoms characterized by a tendency of being easily startled.

11. CONCLUSION
At one time or the other all human beings experience crisis at one degree or the other. The main
concern is not the occurrence of a crisis but the willingness to intervene and the perception of the
crisis by the parties concerned. Whether as a lay man or a counselor, crisis intervention requires
skills to resolve or effectively intervene.
Every crisis presents us with an opportunity and a danger. Our perception of the situation
determines whether the crisis drives us overboard our emotions or provides us with an escape
route to a solution.