This video reviews the nature of crisis intervention from a pastoral perspective. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as AIHCP’s Christian Counseling, Grief Counseling, Pastoral Thanatology and Stress Management Programs. All programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed for qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Hoarding is a problem that is often not well understood and carries a lot of stigma. It creates significant difficulties for people who experience its negative effects. It involves keeping too many possessions and not being able to throw things away, which can hinder one’s daily life and relationships. As society tries to understand this behavior better, it is important to look into counseling methods that can help those who are affected by hoarding. This initial discussion aims to place hoarding in a wider psychological picture, emphasizing the need to grasp its root causes, such as anxiety and past trauma. Additionally, it will highlight the essential role of mental health professionals in aiding recovery and encouraging better decision-making habits. In the end, by examining the details of hoarding and its treatment, this essay intends to shed light on recovery options for those impacted and promote increased understanding in society.
AIHCP offers a variety of mental health counseling certifications as well. While clinical counselors deal with such pathologies as hoarding, many non clinical and clinical counselors alike earn certifications in grief counseling, crisis counseling, anger management and stress management that can offer skills to deal with issues that exist within larger mental pathologies.
Hoarding disorder is marked by trouble when it comes to throwing away or giving up items, which results in the buildup of belongings that crowd living areas and interfere with regular use. This disorder is not just a habit of collecting; it shows deeper psychological problems often tied to anxiety and difficulty making decisions. People with hoarding disorder might view their belongings as having personal value or be afraid that getting rid of items could lead to missed chances or regrets. As a result, this behavior may cause significant stress and hinder social, work, or other areas of life. Moreover, hoarding can impact families and communities, illustrated by cases of animal hoarding where the neglect of pets often reflects the seriousness of the disorder. It is crucial to understand the complex nature of hoarding disorder to create effective counseling methods that can ease the related symptoms and enhance the quality of life for those affected (Lee et al., 2017)(Lee et al., 2017).
Hoarding disorder is a big problem for both people and their families, causing a mix of emotional, social, and money-related issues. Studies show that around 2-6% of people have hoarding issues, which can lead to a lot of distress and problems with everyday life (cite3). People with hoarding disorder usually live in worsening conditions, have troubled relationships, and feel more shame and isolation. Families have a hard time dealing with the physical and mental effects of their loved ones’ actions, such as intervention fatigue and a greater burden on caregivers. Plus, the financial effects can be serious, involving costs for cleaning, health emergencies, and property damage (cite4). Understanding these various effects is important for counselors who want to give good support, as they need to focus on not just the individual symptoms but also the larger family dynamics that play a role in hoarding situations.
Good counseling methods are very important for dealing with the problems that come with hoarding disorders, as they greatly affect how well treatment works for those who are affected. A clear understanding of the psychological reasons behind hoarding is crucial for counselors so that they can work well with clients and promote real change. For example, new therapy methods that include cognitive-behavioral techniques can help clients question the thoughts and feelings that lead to their compulsive actions. Also, since hoarding is complicated, treatments need to be customized for each person’s situation, making sure that the strategies fit with each client’s specific experiences and needs (Cardenas et al., 2009). Importantly, the effects of hoarding go beyond just the person, affecting families and communities, which highlights why counselors need to also look at relationships and social issues (Lee et al., 2017). By using effective counseling methods, practitioners can help clients grow personally and also support the well-being of the wider community.
Hoarding disorder is more and more seen as a complicated mental health problem. It is marked by ongoing trouble getting rid of things, leading to a mess that interferes with living spaces and greatly affects daily activities. To understand this disorder well, one needs to take a multi-part view that includes psychological, emotional, and social aspects. Studies show that hoarding often happens along with other mental health issues, making treatment more difficult and highlighting the need for specific therapy plans (cite8). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be a helpful treatment, showing it can adjust to meet the special needs of people who hoard (cite7). This adaptability lets therapists use particular methods that focus on mistaken beliefs about belongings, leading to better treatment results. As understanding of hoarding disorder increases, it is vital to push for better mental health services and support systems that recognize the complex lives of those affected.
Understanding the mental reasons for hoarding behavior is important for helping those with this problem. People who hoard often have issues like anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and strong emotional ties to their belongings, which they use to deal with feelings of loss or low self-worth. Studies show that many hoarders go through bad life events or ongoing stress that can make their need to gather and keep things worse (Lee et al., 2017). Also, they often struggle to throw things away due to thinking errors, such as placing too much value on their items and irrational fears of not having enough in the future, which makes it hard for them to make decisions. Therefore, tackling these mental issues through therapy can help develop better ways to cope and enhance overall well-being. By understanding these connections, counselors can adjust their methods to better assist clients dealing with the difficulties of hoarding (Lee et al., 2017).
Knowing how trauma and life experiences play a role is important when helping people with hoarding disorders, as these issues often help create and keep up the condition. Many people who hoard have faced major life stressors like loss, abuse, or other traumatic situations, leading to feelings of powerlessness and an incorrect desire for control through possessions. Research shows that effective therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can tackle the emotional roots of hoarding by looking at these traumatic events and changing how clients view their items (Hajjali et al., 2021). Additionally, a complete approach that checks the mental health services these individuals use is needed to better customize treatment options, which can improve recovery results (Cardenas et al., 2009). Thus, recognizing trauma and life experiences is crucial in developing a well-rounded counseling plan for those dealing with hoarding.
Hoarding behavior is complicated by other mental health issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. Studies show that people with these issues often have similar symptoms, making it harder to diagnose and treat them ((Moroney et al., 2017)). In the case of hoarding, the urge to collect items, along with the stress of throwing things away, can make feelings of hopelessness worse, increasing depressive symptoms. Also, hoarding disorders affect family members and the wider community, creating a cycle of problems that needs organized intervention ((Gail et al., 2022)). It is important to understand how hoarding and these other conditions interact in order to create effective counseling methods. By focusing on both the hoarding behaviors and the underlying mental health problems, counselors can create a more complete treatment plan that supports lasting recovery and a better quality of life for those involved.
Counseling people who have hoarding issues needs a careful method that fits their special psychological and emotional situations. Compulsive hoarders often have strong emotional ties to their things, which makes therapy harder (cite16). Counselors must first build a connection that values the client’s caution—a normal way to protect themselves from more emotional pain, especially if they have faced trauma in the past (cite15). Using methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help clients confront unhelpful thoughts linked to their belongings. Slowly guiding clients to let go of items, along with teaching them about how hoarding affects their mental health and finances, can help them make real progress. In addition, including family members in the therapy can give important support and help create better choices about possessions, leading to a way to recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods are very important for dealing with hoarding behaviors, which often show up as a hard time getting rid of items due to stress and strong emotional ties. A key part of CBT is figuring out and changing harmful beliefs about possessions, with therapy methods aiming to reshape these beliefs. For example, therapists might use exposure exercises to help clients slowly face anxious situations related to getting rid of things, helping them get used to the distress involved. Research shows that mixing exposure and response prevention strategies can improve treatment results, especially for those who are not open to typical approaches ((Jones et al., 2014)). Additionally, it is important to have a good grasp of the psychological factors involved, like past trauma and compulsive actions, to customize the interventions ((Sarno et al., 2009)). In the end, using a structured CBT approach helps therapists to systematically tackle the challenges of hoarding, encouraging significant behavioral changes and better emotional health.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is being seen more and more as a good counseling method for helping with hoarding disorder, mainly because it focuses on the patient and encourages them to want to change. By creating a caring and non-judgmental space, MI steers clear of confrontational tactics that can increase resistance, which is often a big issue when treating hoarding behaviors. Studies show that MI can improve a client’s willingness to participate in treatment, letting them think about their personal values and goals tied to cleaning and organizing their homes. Additionally, MI has been used along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people tackle issues like self-stigma and emotional bonds to their belongings, leading to better results. Serving as a pathway to more structured treatments, MI helps clients face the underlying mental health issues related to hoarding, pointing to a hopeful direction for effective therapy (Krafft et al., 2021). Therefore, adding MI into treatment plans provides a useful method for helping those struggling with hoarding make significant changes.
In counseling people who have hoarding issues, getting the family involved is an important part of the therapeutic process. Involving family members not only gives emotional support to the hoarder but also helps everyone understand the psychological reasons behind the behavior better. Family can share important information about the hoarder’s background and relationships, which helps the counselor’s method. Also, as mentioned, working together can create a more lasting effect, lowering the chances that hoarding behaviors will return, which often goes over 100% without help ((Lee et al., 2017)). Good therapy includes teaching families about hoarding so that they can notice symptoms and stop behaviors that support the cycle. Overall, including family members leads to a broader approach, improving treatment outcomes and helping to create a supportive environment that honors the dignity and independence of the hoarder.
Helping people who hoard things has many special challenges that need a specific therapy method. Clients usually have strong feelings tied to their belongings, making therapy more difficult, as these feelings can cause a lot of stress when they are faced directly. Additionally, thinking errors, like putting too much value on items and being unable to decide what to throw away, often slow down the treatment process (cite23). The presence of other problems, like anxiety or depression, which often come with hoarding, can make these issues worse, so it’s important for counselors to use a varied treatment strategy. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have been helpful in dealing with these problems, helping clients change their thinking and slowly face their fears (cite24). In the end, effective counseling needs time, understanding, and a clear grasp of the inner psychological factors that lead to hoarding.
Resistance to change is a big problem in counseling people who have hoarding issues, often showing up as denial about how serious their situation is. Many individuals with hoarding behavior may seem defensive because they have a strong need to control their surroundings, which can block the therapy process. As practitioners in the field have pointed out, these patients often struggle to recognize how their compulsive actions affect them, making it hard to have real conversations about needed changes (Sarno et al., 2009). This resistance can get worse if there is a background of trauma or upsetting experiences, which can intensify feelings of vulnerability when facing the need to change. Research on motivation to change in similar disorders shows that less willingness to change is linked to greater symptom severity, highlighting the difficulties counselors encounter when dealing with denial and avoidance behaviors (Link et al., 2004). Therefore, it is important to create targeted interventions that acknowledge the emotional defenses of the patients while gradually encouraging their willingness to change, which is key for effective hoarding treatment.
The strong feelings people have for their belongings are often a main problem in therapy for those with hoarding issues. Many hoarders feel deep bonds with their things, seeing them as parts of who they are or as containers for important memories. This strong attachment makes it hard to let go, causing severe anxiety at the thought of getting rid of items, no matter how useful or valuable they are. Therapists are increasingly aware of the complex connection between emotional pain and compulsive collecting habits, as shown in research that emphasizes how past trauma, like childhood abuse, can strengthen these behaviors (Sarno et al., 2009). Since the emotional burden of possessions makes treatment more difficult, it is clear that interventions need to be customized to address these strong feelings (Cardenas et al., 2009). Therefore, effective therapy must include methods that gently challenge these attachments while helping individuals process their emotions in a healthier way.
Ethical issues in intervention are very important when dealing with hoarding, as counselors must manage the sensitive aspects of this behavior. Practitioners need to find a balance between respecting clients’ independence and their duty to protect safety and well-being, making therapy more difficult. Also, people who hoard are often vulnerable, so a caring approach that shows respect and empathy is essential and aligns with ethical principles in counseling standards (Baker et al., 2019). Moreover, sticking to updated CACREP standards is crucial because it emphasizes the need for extensive training on behavioral/process addictions, which helps counselors deal with the specific difficulties of hoarding effectively (Baker et al., 2019). By building a trusting relationship and understanding the complex aspects of hoarding, counselors can promote ethical interventions that empower clients and reduce risks, thus improving the overall effectiveness of treatment.
To wrap up, tackling the tough problems faced by those with hoarding disorder requires a well-rounded method that combines psychological, social, and legal views. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown to be a useful treatment, proving it can be adjusted to meet the different needs of various clients, including those who have other disorders ((Hajjali et al., 2021)). These customized approaches not only strengthen the relationship between therapist and client but also encourage real changes in behavior. Moreover, the effects of hoarding go beyond the person, impacting families and neighborhoods, as seen in serious cases like animal hoarding, which causes great distress for both pets and their human owners ((Lee et al., 2017)). Therefore, thorough counseling plans should focus on teamwork among mental health experts, community support, and legal systems. By raising awareness and pushing for better handling of hoarding behaviors, we can ultimately aid in the recovery and support of both individuals and their communities.
When looking at the difficulties and methods related to helping people with hoarding problems, a few main ideas come up. First, it is important to know that hoarding is often linked to other mental health problems like anxiety and depression, which makes treatment harder. Good counseling needs a kind understanding of the feelings that lead to the excessive gathering of possessions and the deep distress that both the hoarder and their families feel. It is also important to work with community resources and legal systems since they can offer help during treatment. The challenges of animal hoarding show this need even more; these situations show the wide-ranging effects on both human and animal welfare, stressing the need for complete intervention methods ((Lee et al., 2017), (Lee et al., 2017)). In the end, effective counseling relies on a well-rounded method that mixes compassion with practical answers, seeking to promote lasting changes.
Ongoing help and resources are important for managing hoarding disorder, as the problems linked to it usually go beyond the first treatment. People with hoarding issues need constant access to mental health support customized to their specific needs, especially since some standard treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) might not include important ideas like mindfulness and acceptance (Krafft et al., 2021). Studies show that self-help programs that use these techniques are beneficial, as they offer necessary support that enhances traditional therapy methods (Cardenas et al., 2009). Furthermore, ongoing help creates an atmosphere of accountability and helps lessen the stigma around getting help, which encourages continued participation in treatment. Research has shown that participants who made use of supportive resources had notable improvements, showing that a comprehensive approach that combines ongoing help with available resources is essential for achieving long-term recovery for those dealing with hoarding.
As hoarding behaviors become more recognized in mental health talks, future research and practice in hoarding counseling need to change to deal with the complicated nature of this issue. One good way forward is to mix different approaches that look at psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting hoarding. This may include teamwork among psychologists, social workers, and community groups to develop well-rounded intervention plans that not only center on personal therapy but also involve family dynamics and community help. In addition, studying the use of technology-assisted methods, like virtual reality exposure therapy, could boost engagement and offer new therapeutic options. Research that examines the lasting results of different treatment methods is important for finding the best practices. In the end, a complete plan that looks at personal motivations, societal views, and systemic obstacles will greatly enhance the counseling field for those facing hoarding challenges.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications for healthcare and mental health professionals. The programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed
Crisis is a state of emotional imbalance and in an inability to cope. This short video takes a closer look at the nature of crisis and what it entails. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Crisis workers, specialists and counselors who help those in crisis and trauma come across many cases of abuse or domestic violence. Whether lower tier, on site, or dealing with long term trauma, domestic violence is a large problem within the world, especially against women. This is not to say it does not also occur against men, but the higher percentage of abuse and domestic violence is against women and children. Women especially suffer the brunt of domestic violence cases and suffer as victims sometimes unable to act. This blog will review what domestic violence is, factors surrounding the victim and perpetrator, as well as intervention strategies to help victims, usually women, to be able to heal and move forward.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Program and see if these programs meet your needs. Professionals in the Human Service Field who help battered women and other victims can utilize these certifications to broaden their knowledge and understanding of domestic violence.
Domestic violence goes well beyond merely anger and loss of control but has many elements that go deeply into the psychology of the abuser and the willingness for the victim to sometimes endure for years. Domestic Violence also known as Intimate Partner Violence encompasses all types of couples including not only married, but those living together, same sex couples, and abuse of children or elderly (James, 2017, p. 286). Within Domestic Violence are key terms that designate the crime. Battering refers to any type of physical assault, while abuse is a more general term that not only encompasses physical violence but also emotional, verbal abuse as well as threatening (James, 2017, p. 287).
There are many theories that surround the relationship that ties abuser and victim together. Attachment/Traumatic Bonding Theory speculates that abusers abuse because of fear of losing the significant other due to childhood trauma of losing loved ones and lack of stability. Another theory is Exchange Theory which postulates that the abuser will continue to be violent as long as the reward outweighs the cost of utilizing violence to control. Intraindividual Theory investigates various psychological and neurophysiological disorders that play a part in why batterers abuse. From the victim perspective, many women suffer from learned helplessness and battered woman syndrome in which the woman accepts the abuse and the results as a learned behavior. In reverse, the abuser, usually a man, falls into the learned behavior of achieving results through inherent abuse. Feminist theory attributes abuse by men to be tied to sexist and patriarchal views within society that glorify the dominance of the man over the woman. Cultural reinforcement and glorification of aggression for success can also play a role in advancing aggression as a positive attribute. Finally, psychological entrapment proposes that women have to much to lose financially if they report or leave the abuser. In addition, the secret fills the victim with shame and ties the abused to the abuser and looks for the abused to justify and find ways to stay (James, 2017, p. 290-293).
There are also numerous secondary stressors and issues that can add or complicate to the abuse case. Issues surrounding geographic location can affect the duration of abuse if the abused is isolated. Economic and financial stressors can play a role in a woman staying with an abuser, as well as religious beliefs and stigma. Many women may feel disenfranchised or rejected if abuse was made public. Other stressors and factors include the age of the couple, with younger couples experiencing abuse at a higher level, as well as the role of drugs and alcohol (James, 2017, p. 294).
In addition, there are many myths about domestic violence that can sometimes look to dismiss it as not as serious. One such myth is that battered women overstate their case, display too much sensitivity, or hate men or are looking for revenge. The reality is most women who report are not reporting the first incident but are reporting after multiple cases. Other myths involve justifying the abuse as if the woman or victim provoked the beating, or that if it was truly so bad, she would leave the relationship. These false myths need dismissed in order to give domestic violence the spotlight it deserves and the importance for society to make it not a family personal issue but a community one (James, 2017. p. 294).
Batterers usually can have any of the following issues. They were battered themselves, faced poor family conditions as children, have anger and impulse control issues, deal with addictions, or suffer from a variety of emotional and cognitive disorders. Characteristics of individuals, in particular men, who abuse suffer from a variety of issues. Many demonstrate excessive dependency and possessiveness toward a women. Others have poor communication skills and can only filter anger to express. Others may have unreal expectations of their spouses or partners. Others may see themselves as dominant and set up rigid family control patterns for the spouse and children that cannot be infringed upon. Many men who abuse also are characterized as jealous, impulsive, denying, depressive, demanding, aggressive and violent. In addition, many suffer from low self esteem and form addictive habits (James, 2019, p. 293). Many abusers usually look to minimize abuse. They may deny battering, minimize the battery, or project the battery onto the victim (James, 2017, .p. 321).
Some batterers are a family only batterers. These types act out but are quick to seek forgiveness. Others with low level anti-social tendencies, or violent anti-social tendencies are far more dangerous and terroristic. This does not mean family only batterers do not have serious issues or can lead to fatal outcomes. It just means, there violence is more confined to the home and nowhere else and it may not be due to deeper psychological disorders (James, 2017., p. 296). However, it is important to note, any physical violence, even a push or shove, or threat is too much. There needs to be zero tolerance for any type of behavior.
Abused women on the other hand suffer various characteristics that fall into compliance with abuse and perpetrate its continuance. These characteristics are sometimes sought out by abusers since it enables control. Many abused women lack self esteem due to the continuous verbal insults. They lack self confidence in abilities to make the situation better. Many women who are abused come from past history of being abused, much as the abuser. They may regularize the abuse as something familiar and normal. Many women who are subject to abuse are very dependent upon the spouse and are unable to escape the situation, or fear leaving due to stigma. Many women cannot differentiate between love and sex and also feel it is their duty to fix the abuser by staying (James, 2017, p. 294).
Many women simply live and relive the vicious cycle of abuse. They accept the the tranquil periods or first phase of tranquility of no violence but soon enough, the second phase of tension starts to build and the third phase of a violent outburst occurs. Upon this, the relationship enters into a pivotal crisis state of whether the abuser will seek forgiveness or re-assert dominance where the victim accepts the situation and re-enters a new tranquility phase. Only till the victim stops the cycle will the domestic violence end (James, 2017, p. 296).
Upon any report of domestic violence, human service professionals are required to report. This involves documenting the abuse with pictures and statements, assuring the victim of her rights and giving her a plan, and finally, reporting the incident to appropriate authorities (James, 2017, p. 300). Most disclosures occur at shelters, hospitals, on scene, via a crisis call or after an arrest. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to access battered women or to get them to display bruises or report a crime. The Battered Woman Scale measures traits that make it difficult for battered woman to discuss or report abuse. Overall, most women possess traits of those with PTSD (James, 2017, p. 299).
During the clinical interview it is important to believe a woman who reports battering. Most women who finally have enough courage to report, are finally doing so after numerous incidents and are finally realizing the life or death nature of the situation. It is important to listen with empathy, provide support and facilitate the necessary course of action for the victim (James, 2017, p. 302). It is important as a crisis responder or counselor to be real with the victim and listen with empathy. The victim should be allowed to express emotion and the time she needs to express and tell it. The counselor should maintain eye contact during this phase and exercise empathetic listening skills. It is also important to remain respectful and non-judgemental. This is a very difficult story for the woman to tell and she needs to be applauded and not questioned with “why”. Counselors need to also help restate the victim’s thoughts and feelings and help guide the victim to better options and ways to resolve the issue and any fears she may have or possess. Finally, it is important to follow through and check on the victim’s process (James, 2017. p. 304).
Over the long term, it is important to provide psychoeducation about abuse and feelings associated with it. It is important to emphasize how unjust family violence is and how to better cope with it in the future. Other victims may also need aid in dealing with PSTD, or other stressors that are preventing them from healing and moving forward. In addition, women, families and victims need social support to help through the process (James, 2017, p.314)
Many abusers will need more than merely anger management, but additional support groups to help individuals face their own inner demons and to see the damage their violence does to the people they love. This may also involve drug and addiction therapy, as well as public intervention.
Domestic abuse whether verbal or physical is always wrong. It has deeper roots usually and cause deep crisis and trauma to victims. Many who perpetrate it have their own inner issues. While men usually are the perpetrator, it is important to note that not only women and children can be abused, but men can also be abused by women. In addition, same sex couples also face the same domestic issues heterosexual couples face. Counselors, crisis specialists, chaplains, pastors and social workers can play large roles in helping stop the cycle of violence and helping victims find safety through good assessment, reporting and future therapy.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Certification. The programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed.
Resource
James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage
Additional Resources
“The National Domestic Violence Hotline”. Access here
“Domestic Violence”. Psychology Today. Access here
“Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help”. Mayo Clinic Staff. Access here
Strong, R. (2023). “What Is Domestic Violence? Learn the Signs and How to Get Help Now”. Healthline. Access here
One of the most heinous actions against another human being is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a broad term that can include rape but also any type of sexual activity that includes not only women, but also men and children. In all, sexual abuse, or rape involves any type of deliberate violation of another that incurs an invasion of the body by force without consent. It violates the persons privacy and inner space hence scarring the individual emotionally, mentally and physically due to this violation (James, 2017, p.242). There are many forms of rape, sexual battery and assault upon numerous different victims with different genders, orientations or ages. Sexual abuse or rape can be committed by a complete stranger, or by a partner, friend or family member. It can occur through force, drugging, or coercive means. It can be severely violent with physical resistance or without.
Ultimately it is a violation of personhood and intimacy. It is a stealing of innocence and security. Due to this, in all cases, it causes different levels of trauma and crisis within the existence of the person. In this short blog, we will review some of the issues that result from sexual assault and how to help others through it.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program
There are many myths and fallacies surrounding sexual assault regarding its nature and the victims themselves. Such myths include that rape is merely rough sex, or that rape is a cry to avenge a man, or that rape is motivated by lust, or that rapists are loners and not everyday people, or that survivors provoke or asked for it, or that only bad women are raped, or that rapes only occur in certain bad areas of town. In addition, other fallacies include that men who are raped are willing victims due to their strength or position. Other myths blame only homosexuals as perpetrators of abuse upon young boys. Other fallacies include limiting male trauma to female trauma, that once a victim, one will become a future perpetrator, or if someone enjoyed pleasure during the sex of rape, then the person enjoyed it (James, 2017, p. 244-245). These fallacies can create many misconceptions about the nature of rape and how to help victims of rape. The reality is rape or sexual assault is a traumatic event that violates and invades a person. It can lead to a variety of traumas and when myths and fallacies circulate, it can cause intense grief for the victim.
Most rapes and sexual assaults obviously occur to women or children, but the nature and makeup can be attributed to anyone who seeks to sexually hurt another person. In case of usually men, the rapist or assailant performs hostile acts and is filled with anger. Many may feel mistreated, anxious or threatened and have issues with women. Many see women as inferior or submissive, and feel the need to display power over them. Many display poor interpersonal skills and also show sadistic patterns of behavior (James, 2017, p.242). Regardless of gender, those who victimize others in cases of sexual assault fall into four categories. The first is commit due to raw anger. The second commit due to power exploitation. The third commit to power reassurance and finally the fourth commit due to sadistic needs (James, 2017, p. 242).
Rapists, especially molesters, will utilize grooming techniques to find victims and entice them with rewards, only later to entrap them with manipulation to continue in the action by degrading them, blaming them, threatening them, or blackmailing them into secrecy. Blaming, shaming and disenfranchising the voice of the young person is key to the predation (James, 2017, p. 268).
The rapist or assailant can commit these crimes on a date, abduction, or even within a relationship. It be between a family member, spouse, friend or total stranger. All cases are a grave injustice to the autonomy of the other person and leaves great traumatic scars that require crisis care and long term counseling. The crimes against children are especially heinous and cry to heaven for justice. Fortunately, crisis specialists can play the role of angels on earth and try to help these victims.
The initial impact stage of sexual assault and rape leaves the person within the first 2 weeks raw with emotion and maybe even physical pain from the assault. The person may be haunted by nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, hypervigilance, or other reactions to acute stress (James, 2017, p. 248). These peritraumatic stress syndromes are natural for anyone who was involved in a severe trauma. They may gradually over time relax or persist into traumatic stress disorder or even PTSD (James, 2017. p. 250).
Among the many possible reactions, some may exhibit multiple emotions, while some may appear unaffected on in a state of shock. Some may wish to not discuss the event. Others may feel humiliated, demeaned or degraded without value. They may feel stigmatized, shamed or an extreme impaired self image. Some may blame themselves for the rape or assault. Others may have difficulty trusting others again. Some may become depressed or suicidal. Others may become extremely angry and seek revenge (James, 2017, p. 252).
After 3 months, many will still need to continue medical care for physical issues as well as mental counseling. Some may have difficulty resuming or returning to work. Others may have a hard time resuming sexual relations. Some may also display mood swings and emotional outbursts. Others may continue to display nightmares, flashbacks and other symptoms of PTSD, as well as depression or suicidal ideation (James, 2017, p. 253). Children will show regression, odd behaviors, or acting out and if left untreated may deal with unresolved grief and trauma throughout life.
Counselors, as well as social support among friends and family can play key roles in healing. It is important for those around the victim to be understanding of the trauma and the damage it causes in regards to mood swings, emotional outbursts and the need to express anger. Friends and family need to be available and counselors need to show empathy and listening. In doing so, it means recognizing the hurt, the trauma, the self esteem issues, the lack of trust, the fears and triggers, as well as letting her make some decisions on her/him on his/her own to again feel autonomy (James, 2017, p. 254).
While those suffering from more traumatic reactions may require exposure treatments, affective regulation and cognitive therapies through licensed counselors, crisis specialists can help the victim feel safe and secure. The crisis specialist can reassure and help the person see solutions and answers to the problem and offer insight to their emotions. In these cases, helping individuals find grounding through breathing and relaxation techniques can be helpful. It can help an individual regain equilibrium. In addition, many will need help with grief and understanding loss. Grief resolution and meaning making will be essential as the person attempts to tie together this horrible event with one’s life story and finding meaning it. James points out that the two first tasks are clearly stabilization and finding meaning (2017. p. 266).
Many individuals may require support groups that share the similar trauma of sexual assault, as well as ways again to feel safe and regain autonomy. This can be through the help of others or through other ways of taking control, whether it be through self defense training, or weapons training. It may involve also finding closure through justice through the judicial system. Some may also look to find even deeper meanings by helping others. Many may form support groups or push forward into forming organizations or public awareness groups for sexual assault survivors.
Sexual assault is one of the most disgusting and grievous offenses against another human being. It is broad and wide against numerous target populations according to orientation, gender and age but it usually involves power, anger and sadistic energy. Individuals suffer intense trauma by this violation and many feel a variety of emotions that can lead to various behavioral issues and future PTSD. Even for those who suffer the general trajectory still suffer emotionally, mentally and physically and must go through a process of stabilization meaning making and finding autonomy, safety and healing again.
Crisis Specialist play a big role in the initial phases of helping sexual assault victims find safety and ability to stabilize their emotions and mind after the assault. They then guide the victim to finding the necessary long term aids to help the person again find healing and wholeness.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in crisis counseling. The program is great for counselors, social workers, chaplains, as well as nurses, EMT and police and rescue.
Resource
James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage
Additional Resources
National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and their Loved Ones. Access here
I am a victim of rape/sexual assault. What do I do? Access here
Legg, T. (2019). “Sexual Assault Resource Guide”. Healthline. Access here
Pappas, S. (2022). “How to support patients who have experienced sexual assault”. APA. Access here
The helping professions are strenuous at a personal level but also a professional level. They demand the best of everyone to not only at a personal level but also at a professional level. One is not only taking upon their own personal stressors but also a number of other personal stressors and crises of other people. Whether a police officer, social worker, counselor, nurse, chaplain, first responder, crisis worker, or hospice care worker, one will find oneself in situations of intense pain, crisis and trauma. This involves not only juggling one’s own daily life but also being emotionally, mentally and physically available at a professional level. Compassion fatigue and burnout is very common in these areas and can cause intense crisis to the helping professional.
According to James, burnout is the “internal psychological experience involving feelings, attitudes, motives and expectations…the total psychic energy of the person has been consumed (2017, p. 544).” Burnout just does not occur as a crisis overnight but is a long process that gradually emerges over a variety of reasons. Occupational burnout according to James occurs for six major reasons. First, workload becomes too complex, urgent and traumatic. Second, freedom and control are restricted and the individual becomes micromanaged and has to deal with ineffective leaders or teams. Third, lack of reward whether emotional, financial, symbolic or even simple recognition of service is ignored. Fourth, absence of social support. Fifth, lack of justice and fairness to the case or situation and sixth, discordant values with employer or organization (2017, p. 544). All of these sources can lead individuals into a state of burnout when dealing with their job or cases. In addition, these overall stressors can lead to stress related diseases or as Selye refers General Adaptation Syndrome (James, 2017. p. 545).
Individuals who suffer from burnout face multidimensional symptoms which are behavioral, cognitive, spiritual, affective and physical. Burnout according to James can be trait in that is is all encompassing and has rendered the worker unfunctional, or it can be a state of activity in which the activity being performed over and over becomes the primary source (2017, P. 551).
Those who suffer compassion fatigue share in the same basic issues of burnout but because of dealing with cases and victims. This can in addition lead to secondary traumatic stress disorder through the stories and experiences or at a higher level secondary trauma via vicarious traumatization where the caregiver beings to transform and shares the client’s related trauma (James, 2017, p., 554-555).
Individuals need to identify key signs of potential burnout and address it properly. The biggest thing to realize is how can someone help another person if one is in crisis him or herself? It is important to administer self care and recognize the signs of burnout before they negatively affect career. This involves recognition of burnout, addressing them with appropriate measures, setting boundaries when necessary, and practicing self care when appropriate. Organizations are also responsible to ensure that employees are not over worked, and in cases that involve trauma ensure that their workers receive the necessary counseling to process what they witnessed.
Since many Human Service workers are perfectionists and many place too much weight on their shoulders to help as many as possible, it is important for self evaluation. Hence intervention exists at three levels involving training to identify burnout, organizational oversight and individual self care (James, 2017, p. 557). Training to identify burnout is key and also emphasis on self care. Individuals need to have a strong understanding of the type of trauma their career will demand. Organizations need to maintain proper monitoring of hours of their workers, as well creating a work place that is open to expression, ideas and values that both organization and employee share. Managers need to take a personal interest in their workers mental health and identify signs of burnout or compassion fatigue. When seen, they need to intervene and help the individual find time off, counseling or other resources to help their employee fulfill daily duties. Social support systems within the organization that supply listening, technical support and emotional support are key (James, 2017, p. 562). Individual support groups of liked careers can also play key roles in helping individuals face the stressors and traumas of the job.
Self care is one of the key preventing resources to burnout as well as a way to alleviate it. James attests that individuals are just as responsible for maintaining emotional and mental stability as their employer (2017, p., 564). Hence it is important to self monitor for signs of distress and if distress starts to occur, then to properly address it. This may involve recognizing that the world is not one’s full responsibility or other false narratives that only oneself can help this particular person. It may involve not being a perfectionist and reducing work load. It may involve understanding that one is not defined solely by career but also multiple other social connections It may involve imposing boundaries and understanding it is OK to say no to something or someone. Self care is hence critical especially since burnout slowly erodes a person sometimes before a person can recognize it. Below are a few self care ideas in relation to cognitive, behavioral, affective, physical, social and spiritual aspects of one’s life.
Burnout occurs especially for human service professionals. Those in healthcare, behavioral health, ministry, human service, and public service are faced with the double edged sword of not only personal issues but also being exposed to secondary stressors of other people. Through time, compassion fatigue or burnout can occur and professionals need to be aware of what causes it and also understand the steps to prevent as well as intervene regarding it. Organizations and employers also have a responsibility to protect their crisis and human service workers through various checks and programs. Self care is ultimately a key friend to any human service professional and is a must for anyone who wishes to work in a field exposed to so much trauma and pain. While self care can be very subjective in nature to the person’s life it is very objective in the end result of better affective, physical, and cognitive functioning for the professional
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Certification, as well as AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program. Both programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed.
Resource
James, R. & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”(8th). Cengage.
Additional Resources
Jackson, K. (2014). “Social Worker Self-Care — The Overlooked Core Competency”. Social Work Today. Access here
Sparks, A. (2023). “7 strategies to help prevent burnout”. Medical News Today. Access here
Sherman, L. (2022). “8 Tips for Avoiding Burnout and Functioning at Your Best”. Healthline. Access here
Hendrlksen, E. (2021). “7 Ways to Recover from Burnout”. Psychology Today. Access here
“Job burnout: How to spot it and take action”. Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. Access here
Some individuals remain in grief longer. Some because of prolonged grief or in other cases depression, while others develop maladaptive coping strategies that keep them in acute grief longer. It is important to realize one never recovers from grief or loss because the object or person lost was loved, but one does learn to adjust and process through the acute grief phase. Those who do not usually do not because of poor coping and views on the loss.
Psychological recovery after a trauma and crisis event can take weeks, months, or even years depending on the damage of the event to the person’s mental, emotional, physical, financial and social modes of existence. For some, pro long grief, or depression, or PTSD can become long term symptoms that require professional mental health services and long term care. For some, the acute phase of crisis hovers over the person and the person requires assistance to again find firm grounding. Most require basic psychological recovery that involves identifying the primary issues and needs of the person post disaster or traumatic event. Many people are resilient and may not suffer long term mental issues, but most still require help and aid. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network created an excellent CE course that discusses Psychological Recovery. Much of the information supplied is based on general psychological and professional application but the Network did an excellent job of organizing it. Bear in mind, like Psychological First Aid, Psychological Recovery services are not necessarily supplied by clinical licensed counselors or social workers, but can be given through unlicensed professionals who work in Human Services. Low tier entry level professionals with some academic and professional training can handle numerous cases that do no have pathology and help coach and teach individuals with basic mental health techniques to recover from acute crisis. This is the primary aim of Psychological Recovery within the area of Crisis Intervention. It looks to help individuals after traumatic event to find the resources and skills to move forward weeks or months after an event. It is less about pathology but more so about building resiliency and promoting teaching skills that can be taught by anyone in pastoral or unlicensed settings to help individuals grow after the event.
Helping individuals recover from a disaster or any traumatic event is key to a person’s resiliency to rebuild after the ashes and trauma. According to the Network, it looks to protect mental health and maintain it, enhance abilities to address needs, teach skills to solve problems and prevent maladaptive coping by encouraging positive coping. Like in Psychological First Aid, it focuses on the safety, calmness, self efficacy and connectedness the person possesses. Does the person feel safe after the event? Is the person calm and not exhibiting nervousness, or PTSD? Does the person portray self resiliency and ability to cope? Is the person connected to family or friends or have access to public and community resources? These are important questions and are essential when meeting with a client who is a victim of a disaster. Within any meeting though, it is important for the Crisis Intervention worker to understand nothing is a quick fix. There will be multiple issues and each session represents a chance to help the person meet their needs. It is not a mental health treatment but instead a mental coaching to help individuals get their lives back. Hence each session should teach a particular skill, make a plan and receive reports how those plans work.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network lays out various skills that are essential to help individuals get their lives back. Within the critical phase of information gathering, the Crisis Intervention worker needs to identify current needs of an individual, prioritize them and make a plan of action. Involved with this are skills that are taught to help meet each need and how to carry out that skill in everyday life. Upon completion of skill utilization, the client reports back a week a later with how things have improved or not improved. Upon this, plans can be troubleshot or retuned as well as other skills evaluated. It is important when implementing plans and teaching skills not to overload an already stressed person. Among some of the most important skills to help individuals includes rebuilding healthy connections, managing emotional reactions, promoting healthy thinking, encouraging positive activities and building problem skills. The Network presents in-depth modules on all five basic skills that help train crisis intervention workers better help individuals manage crisis and issues.
Bear in mind, when in crisis intervention, one may be helping individuals with a myriad of problems from what appears small to large. Some may be more emotionally distraught, physically hurt or others may be financially hurt, or still others may have lost a home. Others may have temporary problems that are causing current stress, while others may have longer lingering issues that take more time to fix. Some may be elderly with particular issues related to age, medication, or connection with others, while others may be children or adolescents who are suffering from trauma of the event, or even having issues reconnecting at school. The combination of possible issues and problems faced by survivors of disaster or experienced trauma and crisis are endless and each one requires attention and rapport with the client. We will take a closer look at the 5 helping skills emphasized by the Network.
One of the most basic and important skills in counseling is problem solving. We have discussed in numerous blogs the importance of basic problem solving skills in counseling and how to implement them. In Crisis Intervention work, problem solving while simple in theory is difficult in application because problems are very real and affect people in real life. They just do not go away or vanish but have real affects on a person’s whole self and how they function. Problems are not so much objectively the issue, but more so, how the person subjectively views them. If the stressors of the problem seem overwhelming, then the Crisis Intervention worker needs to help the person discover the tools to make it less daunting. With any problems, it is important to identify and label them. This helps organize the issue and see how it is effecting the situation. When discussing, it is important to weed out problems that are not the problem of the person or problems that the person cannot control. In addition, it is important to set goals to counter the problem and brainstorm together some options to achieve that goal. Together, best solutions are chosen and then they are implemented. Upon return visit, crisis intervention worker and the survivor can discuss what worked, what did not and overall trouble shoot and analyze why something worked or did not work. Ultimately it is important to instill hope into the person and grant them again power and control over the situation so that they can again become resilient forces in their own life.
Another skill, according to the Network, is rebuilding healthy connections. Individuals or survivors after a crisis such as a hurricane or tornado or earthquake can lose many things in life including a home. Those who are displaced need connections to find firm ground again. It is hence important to help survivors review their connections and make a connection tree listing individuals they know and what each person means to them. The crisis intervention worker can then help the person identify best suited individuals that can offer immediate help while also crossing off those who are unable to help or may not be the best influence in the given moment. Helping the person reconnect with these resources can help individuals possibly find transportation, a place to temporarily stay, or find emotional support. Sometimes, these connections may not be immediate but could also be fellow survivors or even agencies that can better alleviate the situation.
The Network also discusses the importance of the skill of managing emotions. Numerous individuals after trauma have negative reactions and affective responses to triggers that may remind them about the disaster or traumatic event. For example, a boy who experienced a tornado, may begin to feel uneasy, nervous, or fearful when a strong wind blows outside. This can trigger a memory associated with strong winds of the tornado. Or a small child may become fearful if the lights go out because the lights went out when the hurricane struck before. The mind associates and ties together negative events with circumstances that by themselves are quite innocent. This can trigger a response. Of course, in PTSD, this trigger is far more extensive due to trauma and the inability of the brain to properly process and file the memory but many after an acute crisis experience initial negative affective responses to neutral occurrences that happened during the disaster. It is important for the crisis worker to help these individuals label the emotions they feel with the trigger and cognitively reframe the situation. This types of CBT can help individuals re-understand the emotion and where it is coming from and better react when the similar triggers appear. In addition, sometimes, individuals may need to utilize meditation, breathing, or other grounding techniques to help calm themselves when a trigger appears that reminds them of the disaster. For most survivors, overtime, the trigger becomes more and more numb as one perceives no negative consequences tied to the howl of the wind or lights going out. In the meantime, it is important to help especially children how to cope, react and deal with triggers associated with disaster.
While emotions can need managed, thoughts can also be an issue. While some may deal with affective issues, others may walk away from the disaster with cognitive distortions and negative thinking. The Network proposes instilling in individuals healthy thinking. Healthy thinking is also a cognitive process where not only emotions are reanalyzed but also thoughts. Healthy thinking looks at negative thoughts associated with the event. Many survivors may have negative thoughts about how they acted, what they did or did not do, or who they are blaming for the crisis. These thoughts can derail the healing process because the thoughts are tied with anger, shame, guilt, or sadness. Sometimes, the thoughts are totally untrue but perceived as true to the person. Crisis Intervention workers need to weed through the multiple thoughts the person may have about the event and their participation in it. Some may feel it is their fault, or if they did this or that, it would not have been so bad, or others may feel ashamed for not doing more. It is important to identify unhealthy and untrue thoughts about the event and analyze them and reframe them with the reality of the situation. This can help the person move forward and focus on more healthy thoughts that are conducive for the future. Instead of thoughts of despair, thoughts are transformed into thoughts of hope that will focus on fixing the situation in the present instead of lamenting about it in the past.
The final skill that can be important for some individuals is helping them again live a normal life through positive activities that again give joy. This does not mean one immediately celebrates after a house is destroyed but it means gradually, individuals plan to give self care, or find connections or positive things to do that take the mind off the trauma and event. Many times children are also distraught because regular events no longer occur after the disaster due to limitations of recovery. Helping children find a regular routine is key but also giving them, and oneself even, joy is also key. As rebuilding one’s life continues, it is important to not only find silver linings and hope, but again to do something that was once fun, or even do something different. Whether it is family game night, or going out to eat, or taking a brisk walk, or working less and spending more time with the family, it is important to find time to again live. Crisis Intervention workers can help survivors find the importance in this and help them identify and schedule something within the week, even if one thing, to do within their means.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a various CE courses that can help those in Crisis. AIHCP also offers a Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification and individual CE courses. It is important to be trained, even at lower tier levels, to help survivors, victims and individuals in crisis again find firm ground. Not all cases will involve drastic mental health counseling or involve PTSD, but many will be merely individuals trying to find themselves again after a disaster with multiple basic needs and concerns but who are overwhelmed with the event and secondary stressors. Crisis Intervention workers, counselors, social workers, chaplains and other Human Service Professionals can help individuals again find joy in life and the resiliency to rebuild what was lost.
Please review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification. Upon completion of the seven core courses, one can apply for certification. The program is online and independent study with mentorship as needed and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Additional Resources
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Access here
Swaim, E (2022). “7 Reminders to Carry with You on Your Trauma Recovery Journey”. Healthline. Access here
“Resources on trauma and healing, including a guide inspired by ‘The Color Purple’”. APA. Access here
“Recovering Emotionally After a Disaster”. American Red Cross. Access here
Spirituality is an important part of grieving for many. For some it may be a source and anchor to help adjust to the loss, while others it may be a source of comfort and helps reframe the loss to a greater ending that is eternal. Sometimes, spirituality if maladaptive can also cause issues in the grieving process and this can cause internal and existential havoc for the person as he or she tries to connect belief with loss.
While many grief counselors may be hesitant to discuss spirituality in secular settings, spirituality and its role should in each individual should be understood and the utilization of any outside resources within the community to help aid in a person’s healing should be encouraged.
Please review the video for further information and do not forget to review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Individuals who experience traumatic events need help facing multiple issues. Some individuals may cope better than others, while others require emotional stabilization. The purpose of first responders and volunteers helping the scene though require abilities to meet the needs of individuals. Sometimes, individuals may need only mere direction or information or basic supplies, while other times, individuals may need crisis intervention care to help stabilize themselves emotionally.
In many past blogs, we have discussed the importance of Crisis Intervention in helping individuals during a traumatic event. Traumatic events such as natural disasters, terrorism, shootings, criminal assaults, suicide, or war zones all present deep rooted trauma to individuals who endure them. Some may be better able to cope but when traumatic events occur they still present an abnormal level of surprise, pain, and loss. Hence, someone on scene will have some type of need, whether physical, mental, emotional, social or all points. First responders, volunteers, chaplains and other healthcare professionals are able to help everyone in the moment of a traumatic event by meeting whichever needs are present according to the person through basic psychological first aid.
Psychological First Aid is not long term therapy or looks to resolve the devastation that may take months and years to fix, but it does look to stop the emotional bleeding on the spot and meet the basic physical human needs of anyone in crisis, grief, trauma or loss. Whether elderly, children, adults, or others of any cultural identity, bad things happen and when they do, people need trained professionals on site to help meet immediate needs.
PFA looks to ensure grant the person a feeling of safety in the chaos, help calm and stabilize those emotionally disturbed, find necessary persons of connection for the person, connect individuals with the necessary long term aid, and grant the person a sense of hope in the despair around them. Chaplains, first responders, disaster volunteers, healthcare professionals, as well as social workers and counselors on scene are all trained in basic PFA and some at higher levels due to their training and licensures to help individuals at the level of help they need. Whether it is simply offering water or giving shelter for a night, or helping someone find a loved one, or consoling a child, or directing a family to proper resources and federal assistance to rebuild a home, or referring something emotionally distraught to a mental health professional, or finally even helping ground a person in extreme disorientation and disequilibrium, the goals and duties of those in PFA are about helping the particular need in the moment.
Like any crisis or situation, those trained in PFA are expected to initiate contact with individuals on the scene. Some may appear fine, others may appear disorientated. Those in trained should focus on the most emotionally disturbed individuals that are displaying dis-equilibrium and immobility or those who seem out of place, especially elderly or children who are alone. Crisis professionals should introduce themselves by name and the agency they work with and ask the name of the person. Asking what them what the issue is or what is wrong is a good way to help. Forcing oneself on the person, or asking detailed accounts of the event are not the best way to introduce and form a bond. Introduction and making contact and forming a bond is a key in Crisis Intervention but also critical on scene when dealing with any victims or individuals faced with trauma.
Obviously helping the person feel secure is key. Some may already feel safe, but others may feel the threat of danger still overbearing upon them. PFA workers should help reassure a person that they are safe and address all fears without dismissing them. Instead, they should help the person feel a sense of security through their presence. Obviously someone who has been raped, assaulted, or a person who has just had their home flooded or destroyed by a tornado will require long term care, but the purpose of PFA is to help the person feel secure in the moment so that the individual can logically think without the presence of fear motivating them.
In certain cases, individuals suffering from trauma need help finding calmness. They need help becoming stabilized emotionally. They are unable to cope since their coping mechanisms have become overrun and their emotional equilibrium has become imbalanced. Hence logical choices are removed and instead a state of affective, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction manifests. The PFA worker depending on their level of training and experience can help these individuals find balance and coping. Some times helping ground the person through breathing and focus techniques can bring a person back to the current event, while other times, discussing the issue and alternatives to the narrow options one faces when in crisis. In many cases, individuals will suffer from mental issues such as disorientation, lack of concentration, memory loss, or poor cognitive reasoning, while in other cases, individuals may suffer affectively through various emotions. Some emotions may be displayed such as anger or intense grief, or even guilt or shame about the event, while others may retreat from contact and suffer from disassociation, or become stuck in their own thoughts and look to flee human contact. Others may display dangerous behavioral actions and will need controlled or helped to find calm to avoid danger to themselves, others and various workers at the scene.
After a person is calm, safe and stable, one can begin to access the person’s mental, physical and social needs. Sometimes, the needs are affective, or physical, or cognitive or social, but it depends on identifying the clues and also talking to the person. Some needs may be as simple as a blanket or a glass of water, while others may be concerns over a missing child or relative or friend. Some may have minor injuries or headaches that need addressed due to the situation. Others may have concerns where one will sleep for the night if a storm damaged the home. Others may even have concerns beyond the immediate which can be addressed such as an event a person may have had the following day that will now have to be canceled. In the mist of this, the PFA worker needs to offer assistance whether at the cognitive level or physical level. This assistance may be in the form of advice, meeting physical needs, or helping the person organize what needs organized. It can involve helping the person better understand the situation and supplying the person with the necessary information they need to deal with the issue at hand.
PFA workers can also help and offer assistance through connecting individuals to other people, friends and family. Sometimes helping a person contact his friend or family helps the person find a place to stay or provides transportation. Many individuals in crisis have support systems but they are unable at the moment to contact those persons and they need assistance in making those contacts. In addition to immediate connections, later, PFA workers can help individuals find longer term help through social services, federal assistance and on a more individual note, references for mental health or healthcare services. During this process, it is important for PFA workers to not promise things but to be as honest as possible about what can be done or not done. Lying or making false promises to help alleviate a person’s mental state will not help the situation.
Throughout the process, the PFA worker also needs to address proper coping in the moment versus maladaptive coping. Like a coach, a PFA worker can help the person face the immediate issue through productive coping strategies that involve reframing of the situation and putting energy into what can be done in a given moment. This involves a variety of stress management and anger management concepts and helps the person focus on what can be done instead of utilizing maladaptive strategies that avoid or ignore the situation. Obviously, longer term care reviews the necessity of healthy coping with any traumatic event. It is unlikely that those who face traumatic events will have the same life. Recovery from injuries or therapy still leaves scars and individuals need to have the tools to face those past traumas. In addition, repairs and construction and family functions may be altered. Things will change and the ability to be resilient and cope depends on multiple subjective and objective realities. A person’s support system is key and this is why referrals and connections are so key in finding the person the help they need to create hope. With hope a person can find resiliency and the ability to adapt and rebuild in the future with healthy coping strategies.
Psychological First Aid is a key component of crisis intervention and for those who work in it from a mental health, healthcare, law enforcement, first responder or chaplaincy component. Knowing how to help a person in the moment and stabilize them and help meet the person’s physical, affective, cognitive and social needs are important to the recovery and adjustment of the person to the traumatic event. These events can range from disasters to assault or war zones and suicide. In all cases, crisis intervention looks to help the person find equilibrium and mobility to handle the situation, PFA helps individuals with the core basics to help those with little needs to those with the greatest needs.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Crisis Intervention.
“Psychological First Aid”. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Access here
“Psychological First Aid (PFA).What is Psychological First Aid?”. Minnesota Department of Health. Access here
“What is psychological first aid?” (2024). Doctors Without Borders. Access here
Griffin, M. “Psychological First Aid: Addressing Mental: Health Distress During Disasters”(2022). SAMHSA. Access here