Crisis Intervention

Question 1

What is a crisis?

Answer 1

Any situation where an individual experiences an overwhelming event that upsets one’s psychological equilibrium or baseline level of functioning.

Question 2

T or F: One’s usual methods of problem-solving or coping are not effective in a crisis.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

T or F: A crisis is the therapist’s perception of the event or situation.

Answer 3

False: A crisis is self-defined by one’s own perception of the event or situation.

Question 4

How long does a crisis state last?

Answer 4

2 days to 6 weeks

Question 5

What are the two types of crisis?

Answer 5

1. Maturational Crisis
2. Situational Crisis

Question 6

Maturational Crisis

Answer 6

Precipitated by normal stress during the course of life
Examples: marriage, birth of a child, retirement

Question 7

Situational Crisis

Answer 7

Precipitated by a sudden, traumatic event that is unexpected
Examples: death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness

Question 8

What are factors that influence crisis reactions?

Answer 8

1. Nature of the event and extent of exposure
2. Perception of the event
3. Social supports and coping mechanisms

Question 9

What is a crisis intervention?

Answer 9

A brief treatment initiated when an individual is in a crisis to help restore one’s pre-crisis biopsychosocial functioning.
● Supportive, focused psychotherapy

Question 10

How long do crisis intervention sessions last?

Answer 10

1-6 sessions during period of crisis

Question 11

What to assess for during a crisis intervention?

Answer 11

● Assess the client for safety risks and suicidal/homicidal ideation.
● Assess coping mechanisms.
● Understand the client’s meaning of the precipitating event.
● Determine client’s social support and willingness to use support.
● Focus on the immediate problem and not the client’s history.

Question 13

What to educate a client on during a crisis?

Answer 13

Help the client understand their reaction to a crisis as normal and temporary

Question 14

What are the goals during a crisis intervention?

Answer 14

● Main focus is on restoring a client’s equilibrium or baseline functioning.
● Assist the client in developing new coping mechanisms to deal with the immediate crisis
and any future difficulties.
● Assist the client in developing problem-solving skills.