Helping those find stabilization and security is important helping those heal from crisis. Crisis is an acute state but the losses endured after the crisis can cause multiple problems for a person in their healing process. Crisis Intervention Specialist are trained to help those in crisis find stability
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. To learn more, please click here
Identifying suicidal ideation and lethality is critical in crisis intervention and counseling. It is also essential to report and find these individuals the needed help. Crisis Counselors sometimes deal with individuals on the scene who are suicidal or deal with individuals in short term care facilities that may express it. Counselors in general also need to be aware of clients who may be expressing lethal intentions. This video reviews the keys to assessing lethatlity
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program by clicking here
The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in crisis counseling.
This video reviews short term and acute crisis care with long term counseling. Crisis Counseling deals with more immediate issues while long term counseling deals with long term therapy and growth and healing. Understanding the difference in these types of counseling and helping arts is important skills for counselors. The needs of a person in crisis are far different than the needs of a person undergoing healing and growth. In many ways, it is like a ER doctor performing emergency surgery while other doctors work on rehab and healing.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. Please also review AIHCP’s multiple other behavioral health programs as well!
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
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
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.