Grief counselors need to have an understanding of Asian culture to better assist grieving Asian Americans with their unique challenges and losses they face. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification by clicking here
Grief Counseling Blog
Other resources:
- Shifting from “What If” to “What Now” After Child Loss
- Weather Delays
- End-of-life care decision-making from perspectives of patients, family members and healthcare professionals in 10 countries: a qualitative study within the iLIVE project
- An exploration of sociopolitical grief
- Echoes of the blast: A qualitative study of loss and adaptation among bereaved families of the 2020 Beirut explosion
Grief Counseling with African Americans VIDEO
African Americans have unique struggles and losses from personal to collective issues regarding grief and social stressors. With collective soul wounds originating with the slave trade to prejudices and discrimination throughout history, they face issues that grief counselors must be able to address. When non-African American counselors work within the African American community they need to be aware of these differences and issues
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling 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.
Counseling Migrant Populations Video Blog
Helping migrants adjust and adapt to new homes is a difficult process. Many face unique challenges, different griefs and losses, as well as numerous prejudices awaiting them. Grief counselors need to have a general understanding of the nature and mindset of the migrant and the psychological issues that come with it during migrant counseling. This video takes into account numerous issues and problems migrants face and how to better help them in counseling. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification
Pastoral Crisis Intervention Video
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
Mental Health Counseling and Hoarding
I. Introduction
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.
A. Definition of hoarding disorder
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).
B. Prevalence and impact on individuals and families
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.
C. Importance of effective counseling strategies
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.
II. Understanding Hoarding Disorder
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.
A. Psychological factors contributing to hoarding
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).
B. The role of trauma and life experiences
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.
C. Co-occurring mental health conditions
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.
III. Counseling Techniques for Hoarding
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.
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches
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.
B. Motivational interviewing and its effectiveness
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.
C. Family involvement in the counseling process
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.
IV. Challenges in Counseling Hoarding Clients
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.
A. Resistance to change and denial
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.
B. Emotional attachment to possessions
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.
C. Ethical considerations in intervention
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.
V. Conclusion
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.
A. Summary of key points discussed
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.
B. The importance of ongoing support and resources
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.
C. Future directions for research and practice in hoarding counseling
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
References:
- Hajjali, Zackary (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Adaptations for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Training for Mental Health Counselors. https://core.ac.uk/download/401888899.pdf
- Lee, Courtney G. (2017). Never Enough: Animal Hoarding Law. https://core.ac.uk/download/303911089.pdf
- Cardenas, Yadira, Lacson, Girlyanne Batac. (2009). The effectiveness of mental health services among individuals with hoarding syndrome. https://core.ac.uk/download/514714443.pdf
- Krafft, Jennifer (2021). Testing an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Website for Hoarding: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial. https://core.ac.uk/download/478905934.pdf
- A Bandura, A Kendurkar, A Pinto, AP Guerrero, AT Beck, AT Beck, AT Beck, et al. (2010). Correlates of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in a Sample of HIV-Positive, Methamphetamine-using Men Who have Sex with Men. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/8480830.pdf
- Lee, Courtney G. (2017). Never Enough: Animal Hoarding Law. https://core.ac.uk/download/232873441.pdf
- Poleshuck, Laura R (2013). Living at home with dementia: a client-centered program for people with dementia and their caregivers. https://open.bu.edu/bitstream/2144/11026/11/Poleshuck_Laura_2013_nosig.pdf
- Moroney, Krystal (2017). The relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression in the general population. https://core.ac.uk/download/268100092.pdf
- Gail, Leslie (2022). Factors Influencing Community Responses To Hoarding: Evaluating Operational Culture Of Hoarding Task Forces, Stigma, And Successful Outcomes. https://core.ac.uk/download/542556662.pdf
- Baker, Christine, Carlisle, Kristy L., Cartwright, Angie D, Hicks-Becton, et al. (2019). A Guide to Integrating Behavioral/Process Addictions into Counselor Education Programs. https://core.ac.uk/download/234958391.pdf
- Sarno, Albert (2009). A Phenomenological Study of Clinicians Treating Traumagenic Compulsions Resulting from Childhood Sexual Abuse. https://core.ac.uk/download/58825952.pdf
- Canale, Anthony, Klontz, Bradley (2013). Hoarding Disorder: It’s More Than Just an Obsession – Implications for Financial Therapists and Planners. https://core.ac.uk/download/267182955.pdf
- Link, Darlene Davis (2004). Role of Motivation to Change on Treatment Outcome in Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. https://core.ac.uk/download/234120501.pdf
- Buchanan, Greg, Davison, Tanya, George, Kuruvilla, Hudgson, et al. (2007). An individualized psychosocial approach for “treatment resistant” behavioral symptoms of dementia among aged care residents. http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30007583
- Jones, Heather M. (2014). Predicting Outcome at Posttreatment for Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Residential Treatment Setting. https://core.ac.uk/download/217185460.pdf
- Bulut, Sefa, Subasi, Mustafa (2020). Group therapy in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review. https://core.ac.uk/download/347162825.pdf
- Hoarding Disorder. Mayo Clinic. Access here
- Hoarding Disorder. Cleveland Clinic. Access here
Crisis Intervention and Sexual Assault and Abuse
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
Myths Surrounding Rape and Sexual Assault
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.
Nature of the Rapist
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.
Helping Sexual Assault Survivors
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.
Conclusion
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
Arab Americans and Grief Counseling Video Blog
Arab Americans face unique challenges and losses that grief counselors must be aware of. Cultural competency helps grief counselors understand the issues Arab Americans face and how their culture interprets loss and stress. Unique to Arab Americans is cultural differences with the West as well as stereotypes regarding Islam.
This video takes a closer look at these issues and how grief counselors can better assist Arab American clients. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification as well as its Grief Diversity Certification. Both programs are online and independent study with instructor mentorship as needed
Resistant Treatment Depression Video
For some individuals depression does not seem to go away when treated initially. After multiple SSRI fail to work and if counseling fails to produce results, then other ways will be needed to help the person get through the depression. This video looks at resistant treatment depression and some ways individuals can find a way to overcome depression
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Stuck in Grief Video Blog
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.
This video looks at maladaptive coping, subjective and objective reasons, and various pathologies why some individuals cannot escape the acute phase of grief. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study with mentorship as needed and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Psychological Recovery After Crisis
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.
Conclusion
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