Crisis Intervention and the ABC Model

Posted on November 13, 2024February 19, 2025 by Mark Moran

Crisis intervention is an important part of mental health services that seeks to help and stabilize people during times of serious emotional distress. When individuals face intense challenges, the need for quick and effective help becomes very important, as prompt support can change the outcome of a crisis. The ABC Model of crisis intervention provides a clear structure for professionals to understand and meet the immediate needs of those in crisis. This model involves three steps: A (Achieving contact), B (Boiling down the problem), and C (Coping). Each step is meant to help clarify the client’s situation and empower them to take back control. By using the ABC Model, professionals can assess the urgency of their client’s emotional distress and use strategies that build resilience and encourage positive coping methods, which can lead to better mental health results.

Crisis Intervention Specialists utilize the ABC model to help individuals find orientation after crisis

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification.

A. Definition of crisis intervention

Crisis intervention is an important process meant to help people who are having severe emotional and psychological issues, so they can find their balance again. This method usually includes looking at the situation, understanding immediate needs, and checking available resources to provide support. Professionals use various techniques that fit the person’s needs, creating a feeling of safety and empowerment when times are tough. Since crises upset personal balance, quick intervention is important to prevent lasting psychological damage. The success of crisis intervention can be significant; it not only eases immediate pain but also lays the groundwork for further healing and strength. By using structured methods like the ABC model, professionals can assess the issue, find coping strategies, and help individuals move toward positive solutions. Ultimately, grasping the meaning and range of crisis intervention highlights its importance in maintaining mental health and improving quality of life during difficult situations.

B. Importance of effective crisis intervention

During crises, the ability to act well can greatly affect both personal well-being and the stability of society. The need for quick response during crises is highlighted by the rise in childhood challenges impacting mental health, which can cause long-lasting harmful effects if not quickly addressed. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that having safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (SSNRs) helps reduce toxic stress in children, promoting resilience and better coping with future challenges (Andrew S. Garner et al., 2021). In workplaces, especially in the hospitality sector, good crisis intervention is important for keeping employees safe and meeting health standards. Research shows that a clear psychological plan can improve compliance and protect both staff and the community during emergencies (Xiaowen Hu et al., 2020). Ultimately, effective crisis intervention is key to changing individual paths and building healthier, more resilient communities.

C. Overview of the ABC model

The ABC model is an important framework in crisis help, focusing on a clear method to meet emotional and psychological needs during tough times. This model has three main parts: Activating Event, Beliefs, and Consequences. First, an activating event causes emotional reactions, which leads people to think about their beliefs regarding the situation. This belief system greatly affects the emotional and behavioral outcomes that come next. Knowing this link helps professionals help individuals change their thoughts for better coping methods. Also, using the ABC model in crisis help is vital, particularly in fields like hospitality, where following health and safety rules is very important. For instance, a study shows that good communication and management can lead to employees really following safety rules, demonstrating how the ABC model can improve how organizations handle crises ((Xiaowen Hu et al., 2020)).

II. Understanding the ABC Model

In crisis help, the ABC Model gives a clear way to meet urgent needs and build strength. This model focuses on three main parts: feelings, actions, and thoughts that people have during a crisis. Knowing these parts helps workers to improve conversation, respond to feelings, and spot unhelpful behaviors that slow down recovery. For example, the use of artificial intelligence and large data sets to find and track the mental effects of crises is similar to how health markers show health levels in medicine. This shows that an in-depth understanding matters in both fields. By using new technologies, mental health workers can improve their responses, focusing on emotions and choices. In the end, using the ABC Model helps with quick crisis fixes and gives people tools for long-term coping, highlighting its important role in modern therapy.

A. Explanation of the ABC model components

The ABC Model of crisis intervention has three main parts: Affection, Behavior, and Cognition. Affection means showing emotional support to people in crisis, creating a safe and understanding space for open talks. This emotional bond is important because it helps set the stage for the next steps in intervention. Behavior involves what both the person in crisis and the helper do; it looks at harmful actions that might make things worse and supports healthier choices. Lastly, cognition is about helping the person change how they think and see the crisis, which builds resilience and promotes positive problem-solving approaches. This complete method not only deals with current issues but also gives people skills for managing themselves in the future, with the goal of restoring their sense of control and well-being. All these parts together build a solid framework for good crisis intervention.

B. Historical development of the ABC model

The ABC model’s history is important to know for its use in crisis help. It started in the 1970s by Albert Ellis and was later changed by people like Gerald Caplan, who focused on a methodical way to handle psychological crises. This model aimed to provide quick assistance to those in distress, concentrating on using resources and ways to cope. Over the years, the model has changed a lot, with its main ideas being updated to include new research and methods. For example, with climate change making mental health risks worse, there is a greater need for thorough plans that combine risk evaluation with crisis help, similar to what is proposed in studies of financial stability and sustainability (Simon Dikau et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of technology and data-driven strategies, as seen in responses to recent pandemics, shows that the ABC model remains important for addressing modern crises effectively (Israel Edem Agbehadji et al., 2020).

C. Application of the ABC model in crisis situations

In crisis intervention, the ABC model is a key structure for grasping and addressing the needs of people in tough situations. This model focuses on three parts: Activating events, Beliefs, and Consequences, which help professionals respond to crises. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health emergencies brought enormous stress and uncertainty, making the ABC model very useful. When hospitality workers faced health risks and operational issues, knowing their beliefs about safety protocols helped improve their compliance with these protocols ((Xiaowen Hu et al., 2020)). Likewise, stakeholders used advanced computing methods to predict and handle crises well, showing how belief systems are important for responses. Overall, the ABC model not only gives a clear method for crisis intervention but also builds resilience in challenging times, highlighting its importance in modern crisis management ((Israel Edem Agbehadji et al., 2020)).

III. Phases of Crisis Intervention

Crisis specialists help individuals through the phases of crisis until at a pre crisis level

The crisis intervention process happens in separate steps, each important for dealing with the individual’s immediate issues and helping them recover. The first step focuses on figuring out the crisis, where the helper identifies what is happening and how serious it is. This step gives important details and makes sure the intervention is suited to the person’s specific situation. After this assessment, the next step is about building trust and creating a supportive space. This part is essential, as it helps the individual feel comfortable to communicate and be more open to the process. In the end, the intervention results in creating and putting into action a specific plan aimed at solving the crisis and encouraging long-term stability. By carefully going through these steps, crisis responders can really enhance results and support individuals in taking back control of their lives, highlighting the key ideas of the ABC model of crisis intervention. These steps show how crucial a structured method is in crisis intervention. For example, as seen in healthcare studies, knowing patient histories and building trust are critical for effective help (Mitchell S.V. Elkind et al., 2020). Likewise, research from clinical studies shows that systematically evaluating patient needs can lead to meaningful improvements in health results, especially when dealing with crises (George W. Sledge et al., 2019).

A. Assessment of the crisis situation

In dealing with a crisis situation, doing a full assessment is very important for good intervention. The first step is to find out the urgent needs and problems faced by people or groups affected by the crisis. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden school closures harmed more than one billion learners, causing major learning interruptions and access issues ((Edeh Michael Onyema et al., 2020)). This crisis not only slowed down learning but made existing inequalities worse, showing the need for specific responses. In health crises, advanced breast cancer (ABC) also brings big management challenges, with many patients facing a poor prognosis ((Fátima Cardoso et al., 2018)). Understanding these details helps practitioners focus on solutions that deal with both immediate and root issues, making sure that the responses are not just immediate but also aim to deal with the unique problems caused by the crisis in a lasting way. Therefore, a complete assessment is key to any good crisis intervention plan.

B. Development of a crisis intervention plan

A complete crisis intervention plan is important for handling and reducing crises in different areas like healthcare, business, or communities. This plan should start with a careful look at the situation, figuring out the main causes of the crisis and checking the resources available for help. This step includes looking at market conditions and reviewing internal abilities, similar to anti-crisis financial management ideas that focus on prevention and managing risk (I. Zaichko et al., 2024). After the assessment, the plan should set out clear goals, using the ABC model to make interventions clear and often relying on evidence-based practices to shape the response. Since crises can grow quickly, acting promptly is vital, along with ongoing monitoring and feedback loops to adjust plans as needed. The end goal is not only to fix current problems but to build resilience, making sure organizations can learn from the crisis and set up systems to avoid future issues (Rifat Zahan et al., 2024).

C. Implementation of intervention strategies

To make interventions work well, a clear and organized method must be used that looks at what each person in crisis needs. Using frameworks like the ABC model of crisis intervention—Assessment, Building rapport, and Coping strategies—can help professionals plan their actions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families reported more stress in parenting and a drop in mental health, with two out of five parents showing signs of major depression (40.0%). This points to the need for focused support systems ((Shawna J. Lee et al., 2020)). By recognizing this situation, interventions can be adjusted to improve how parents manage stress while also looking after children’s emotional health. Additionally, teamwork among different professionals from various areas, as shown by researchers in global health, highlights the need to bring together diverse viewpoints in crisis intervention strategies ((Thomas Unger et al., 2020)). This all-encompassing method leads to better long-term results for people in crisis.

IV. Effectiveness of the ABC Model in Crisis Intervention

In looking at how well the ABC Model works in crisis intervention, it is important to think about how it has a clear way to deal with immediate emotional and psychological needs. The ABC Model stands for Achieving Contact, Boiling the Problem Down, and Coping. It effectively helps practitioners set up a safe place for people who are having a tough time. This model focuses on understanding the specific situation of the crisis, which helps in creating a response that fits. For example, the ongoing issues from global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly affected mental health and access to resources. The ABC Model shows it can adapt to these complicated situations, focusing on communication and practical solutions (Edeh Michael Onyema et al., 2020). Additionally, as situations change, using technology in interventions allows for a wider reach and more involvement, showing the model’s relevance in today’s world, which is often unstable. This is similar to what is seen in Alzheimer’s disease, where early help can lessen long-lasting suffering (Michael DeTure et al., 2019).

Crisis Intervention Specialists are able to help others through crisis via the ABC Model

A. Case studies demonstrating the ABC model’s success

Many case studies show how well the ABC model works in crisis intervention, proving it gives organized help in tough situations. A notable example is a case with COVID-19 patients, where the model improved communication and understanding of patients’ emotional and mental needs during the pandemic chaos (Israel Edem Agbehadji et al., 2020). In this case, clinicians used the ABC model to look at the triggers, actions, and results related to patients’ experiences, which led to specific interventions that enhanced patient cooperation and overall health. Moreover, another study pointed out how this model effectively dealt with the long-term impacts of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and adjustment to patients’ changing needs (Chen Chen et al., 2020). These results not only highlight the flexibility of the ABC model but also confirm its key role in providing caring, effective crisis intervention in different situations.

B. Comparison with other crisis intervention models

When assessing how well the ABC model of crisis intervention works, it’s important to compare it to other well-known models like Psychological First Aid (PFA) and the Crisis Development Model (CDM). The ABC model focuses on looking at a person’s feelings, actions, and thoughts to help stabilize a crisis. In contrast, the PFA model puts more emphasis on providing emotional support and ensuring safety right after a traumatic event. This approach aims to give practical help while promoting a sense of connection and normal life. The CDM, on the other hand, highlights the importance of understanding how people behave in a crisis, providing a clear way to predict and manage situations as they escalate. These models showcase various methods for handling crisis intervention, yet the ABC model stands out for its focus on evaluating and addressing emotional and thinking processes. As seen in discussions about stress in parents and the well-being of children in crisis situations, knowing about different intervention models can improve practitioners’ ability to work effectively in various scenarios (Shawna J. Lee et al., 2020)(Chen Chen et al., 2020).

C. Limitations and challenges of the ABC model

The ABC model is a basic framework in crisis intervention, but it has limits and problems. A major issue is that the model depends on how individuals in crisis are judged, which can lead to different views on what they need. This can be a big problem for people with serious mental health issues, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rising parental anxiety and depression changed how children’s wellbeing was seen (Shawna J. Lee et al., 2020). Moreover, the model might miss external factors that add to someone’s crisis, like economic difficulties, making intervention less effective. Recent research shows that there is a need for broader approaches that use new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to better spot and predict crises. These technologies could help fix some of the ABC model’s shortcomings (Israel Edem Agbehadji et al., 2020). If the model does not change, it may struggle to deal with the complicated nature of real-life crises.

V. Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program

In summary, handling crises well is very important for dealing with the complex problems that come up in tough situations. The ABC model is a method that helps professionals look at, react to, and aid in recovery for people who are in distress. This model not only considers the urgent emotional and psychological needs of individuals but also includes key plans for long-term health. The recent disruptions in many fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the negative impacts on education and the hospitality industry noted in studies, show that quick and informed responses are essential ((Xiaowen Hu et al., 2020); (Edeh Michael Onyema et al., 2020)). Putting strong crisis plans and clear safety measures in place creates workplaces that encourage compliance and flexibility among employees and other stakeholders. Therefore, by using models like ABC, professionals can handle crises better, ensuring that those affected get the help they need to regain their balance and return to normal.

A. Summary of key points discussed

When looking at crisis intervention, especially using the ABC model, several key discussions highlight its role in providing psychological support. The model focuses on how lab medicine and psychological tests have changed over time, enabling professionals to better address the pre- and post-intervention stages, which are often prone to mistakes (cite33). This change stresses the need for careful focus on assessment and intervention processes to ensure a well-informed approach to client care. Moreover, the guidelines for engaging with individuals with disabilities stress the importance of fairness and respect in assessment methods, fostering a more inclusive approach that improves intervention results (cite34). In summary, these points together confirm the ABC model’s position as an organized approach in crisis situations, promoting a thorough and caring method for intervention that emphasizes client well-being and informed choices.

B. Future implications for crisis intervention practices

As society deals with challenges from global crises, it is important to look at and improve crisis intervention methods. The results related to the COVID-19 pandemic show a key future need: organizations must create a space that encourages strict adherence to health and safety rules among workers, which is especially important in fields like hospitality that depend on in-person interactions (Xiaowen Hu et al., 2020). Moreover, the education system’s experiences during the pandemic indicate that being able to adapt to technology will be essential for handling crises, which highlights the need for strong digital systems and training for teachers and students to enable effective distance learning (Edeh Michael Onyema et al., 2020). These points suggest that future crisis intervention methods should be adaptable, combining technology and mental preparedness to ensure resilience against unexpected issues. By focusing on these areas, organizations can better equip themselves for upcoming crises, protecting their employees and the communities they support.

C. Final thoughts on the importance of the ABC model in crisis situations

In crisis intervention, the ABC model is an important framework that aids professionals in how they respond. It focuses on three steps: Achieving contact, Boiling down the problem, and Co-constructing a plan. This model offers a clear method that helps during confusing times. It helps interventionists build a connection quickly while understanding key parts of a person’s crisis, making sure the response fits their specific needs. Additionally, the ABC model encourages teamwork between the helper and the person in crisis, fostering a feeling of control and empowerment. The strength of this model lies in its organized approach and its ability to adapt, which makes it a crucial tool for dealing with the complex emotions and behaviors people face in difficult times.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals within human services, first responses, healthcare and chaplaincy.

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Emotional Flooding Video

Posted on November 8, 2024December 17, 2024 by Mark Moran

Good review on emotional flooding and how emotions can sometimes overtake an individual. It is important for those subject to emotional flooding to better understand how to control it as well as those around someone who may become emotional unstable.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in grief counseling. In addition, please also review AIHCP’s other certifications in Stress Management as well as Crisis Intervention

Gender and Sexual Orientation and Grief Video

Posted on November 8, 2024December 17, 2024 by Mark Moran

Gender and sexual orientation are important and critical characteristics about a person during counseling. External and internal stressors can all be exist based on the gender of a person or the person’s sexual orientation. As counselors, it is important to have an important understanding of these target populations and the bias and discrimination they face as well as their own internal issues with family and friends.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Diversity Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is designed for certified grief counselors looking to enhance their understanding of grief through a better understanding of target populations.

Suicide and Crisis of Lethality

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Mark Moran

Crisis Intervention specialists deal with an array of issues. Usually issues of self harm, harm of others and suicide are a very common theme. In crisis, logical thinking and hope are erased and the person can sometimes do things out of character that are very lethal in nature. Understanding suicide, suicide assessment, prevention and intervention are key components of helping individuals in crisis not make a permanent and fateful decision.

It is critical for crisis counselors, grief counselors, pastoral care givers and ministry, licensed mental health professionals, as well as those in healthcare to have a strong training and educational background in suicide and crises of lethality. AIHCP offers certifications in Grief Counseling but also in Crisis Intervention to help train members in those fields with the additional knowledge and abilities to handle crisis of lethality.

Suicide

While in the past, AIHCP has offered blogs, as well as video content on the nature of suicide, this particular blog will focus on the crisis element of it. It will identify suicidal signs, assessments, but also focus on intervention in particular.

James points out that a person in suicidal crisis is engaged in an expressive act of homicide where emotional state looks to reduce psychological pain (2017, p. 203). According to statistics, James point out that 600, 000 to 100, 000 suicides are attempted each year in the United States and 30, 000 to 60, 000 die each year in those attempts, with 19, 000 permanently injured (2017, p. 204). While different groups within the US have different rates of suicide as compared to others, the leading group is older white males.

Theories surrounding suicide share many common features but also have different emphasis on certain reasons why one attempts to kill oneself. Freud’s psychodynamic theories saw suicide as a reaction of some inner conflict with external stressors (James, 2017, p. 206). Erickson saw reasons for suicide correlated with developmental issues that prevented the person from advancing and reaching certain goals in life. Individuals who become stagnant and unable to develop sometimes choose suicide as an option to escape (James, 2017, p. 206). Escapist theory views suicide as the only way out of a bad situation during fight or flight. Within this theory, individuals feel they fell short, blame themselves, focus on narrow deficits only, and only see a view of perfectionism that if not met can only end in suicide due to the hopelessness perceived (James, 2017, p. 206). Hopelessness remains a common theme in all situations where the person feels they have no power over the situation.

Another important theory was developed by Edwin Shneidman, the founder of suicidology. In understanding suicide he measured one’s psycheache or pain in the mind, one’s perturbation or the degree of the pain, and the press or stress due to external factors (James, 2017, p. 206), With the combination of these things, Shneidman saw how psycheache frustrates or blocks psychological needs leading to hopelessness and suicide and reaching the state of critical mass to activate suicide.

Durkeim in the 19th Century proposed the sociological theory which looks at a person’s connections to society and how social norms and society based on a person’s integration with those norms plays a large role. Egoistical suicide refers to one’s lack integration with any group. Anomic suicide refers to when economic and financial systems of society break down all around the person. Altruistic suicide refers when a person commits suicide for cultural reasons or the perceived better good according to the society. Fatalistic suicide refers to if a person is an intolerable or unescapable situation such a concentration camp (James, 2017, p. 207). According to Van Orden interpersonal states are also key in the mind of those contemplating suicide. Suicidal individuals may acquire capability by decreasing innate fear of pain and death gradually. In their personal views, they perceive themselves as burdensome to others as well as failing to belong to anyone or find attachment to anything (James, 2017. p. 207). Existentialism and meaning also play an important role in suicide theory. Ideas on death, existential isolation, meaning and meaningless in making sense of the world and the freedom of existentialist thought to make choices all play a role in the construction of existentialist thought. When challenges to existence and death are overwhelmed and an existentialist anchor is lost, then many individuals can fall into hopelessness without any reason to exist (James, 2017, p. 208).

Another interesting theory follows a basic suicide trajectory model based on various risk factors that correlate with suicide. This includes, biological, substance abuse history, genetic predispositions, gender, self esteem, psychological maladies, cognitive thinking and environmental stressors (James, 2017, p. 207). Psychology also points to imbalances within the brain, neurochemical reactions that do not allow a person to better respond to a situation (James, 2017, 208).

From these theories and multiple other ones, one has a better understanding that suicide is rarely a free choice but is committed in a state of emotional turmoil without true cognitive reasoning. This is why so many religious views on suicide as a choice or sin have been replaced with a better recognition that most if not all are victims of it.

Characteristics of Suicidal Individuals

For the most part, those thinking of suicide exist in an acute state of crisis or a chronic state of depression that leads to certain characteristics that manifest emotionally, socially, mentally and physically.

Many suicidal individuals suffer from depression or hopelessness. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Certification

Situationally, individuals face an endurable pain they cannot overcome. A stressor frustrates the psychological need (James, 2017, p. 209). Hence situations involving trauma, death, loss, finances, relationship or anything that creates a perceived unbearable loss appears. Motivation wise, individuals look to seek a solution and that solution entails to remove the stressor via cessation of consciousness. Accompanied with this are the affective emotions of hopelessness and helplessness. Cognitively, individuals see solutions in a very narrow scope with out any alternatives to think their way out of the situation. Relationally, an individual wishes to communicate intent and find mutual justification in it and acknowledgement of that right to do so. Serially, characteristics reveal a long history of trying everything else but no other option remains (James, 2017,p. 209).

Within these characteristics of the suicidal mind, it important to dismiss certain myths that distort. First, one needs to dismiss fears of discussing suicide as if it will cause it. In fact, discussing suicide and being very upfront is key. Second, one needs to dismiss the notion that those who say they will commit suicide rarely carry through with it. In fact, many who say they are contemplating are very high risk of attempting it. To the individual suicide is perceived as a very rational act. Third, individuals who commit suicide are insane. Most who commit or attempt suicide are only acutely affected with emotional issues. Fourth, suicide is only impulsive. In fact, most suicides are planned and plotted outside acute crisis. Fifth, suicide is painless. Many suicides can be very gruesome and some go awry and very wrong. Sixth, suicidal thoughts are rare. In fact, they are more common than one may think with 8.3 million have some type of suicidal ideation (James, 2017. p. 212).

Suicide Assessment is Key

Assessment is critical in saving a life. While some crisis specialists deal with suicidal individuals in an acute and heated moment, many suicides are well planned and plotted. Counselors need to be aware of the possibility and assess the lethality

James points out that there are a variety of verbal clues, statements and written letters. As well as behavioral clues such as self harm or isolation. Also situational clues that involve death of another person, financial woes, loss job, or divorce should be acknowledged. In addition, syndromatic clues such as depression, hopelessness and unhappiness with life can play key indicators in possible suicidal. This is why it is so important to also ask someone in assessment (2017, p. 212).

Another tool to utilize is PATHWARM. This is an acronym from the American Association of Suicidology. It utilizes the letter within the acronym to better identify various warning signs. Within the acronym is: Ideation, Substance Abuse, Purposefulness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdraw, Anger, Recklessness and Mood.

There are many, many assessment keys, questions, or triages one can utilize. We will briefly go over a select few.

First, the basic clinical interview is essential in determining suicidal ideation. Within it is a long laundry list of observations and questions. Here are a few: Does the person exhibit suicidal intent or tendencies? Does the person have a family history of suicide? Does the person have past suicide attempts? Does the person have a specific plan? Has the person experienced a death recently? Does the person have a history of drugs and substance abuse? Does the person display radical changes in mood and behavior? Does the person display hopelessness? Has the person experienced past trauma? Has the person discontinued medication? Does the person exhibit extreme emotions? Has the person faced financial troubles or loss of job? Does the person feel threatened? Does the person see everything as all or nothing? Does the person feel as if he or she does not belong? Does the person struggle with identity and self esteem? Does the person have access to firearms? Has the person explored suicide through online search or literature? Has the person not seen a medical professional within the last 3 to 6 months? (James, 2017, p. 215).

SIMPLE STEPS is another acronym that can utilized in assessment during interview. Again it emphasizes the importance of asking the question are you thinking of killing oneself? Within the acronym are the following points. Suicidal? Ideation? Method? Pain? Loss? Earlier attempts? Substance abuse? Troubleshooting for alternatives? Emotions? Parental history? Stressors? (James, 2017, p. 216-17). This triage captures the basic essence again of all assessment in that it asks the difficult question and looks to identify potential lethality and danger of a plan. Not all cases may present an immediate acute threat while others may require immediate intervention and reference to medical professionals or notification of authorities and family.

Suicide Intervention

In intervention, whether in acute setting or discussing possible plans of a person to commit suicide, professionals need to not judge the person, or demean the person’s perceived tragic nature of life. Instead, crisis professionals are encouraged to gain an understanding, form a bond and offer alternative options.

The Three “I”s are essential to know if looking to defuse suicidal situations. The person feels the situation is inescapable, intolerable and interminable (James, 2017,p. 218). Hence it is important to help the person feel secure, less painful, and offer hope with solid solutions. When a person is facing crisis, they may feel there is no other way out and may need alternatives presented and applied to the situation. In addition, the crisis counselor may try to help the person reframe the situation with attributes of CBT to see the situation from a different light. The crisis counselor must also help the individual face the pain and discover that is not forever. Helping focus on not so much the lethality but the perturbation of the person can help the person see more clearly, utilize problem solving abilities, and offer alternatives to the current issue. Addressing stressors and helping the person see hope is the biggest key. At this core, Crisis Management looks to help the person plan a response to suicidal issues (James, 2017, p. 222).

Those in suicidal ideation need alternatives and options. They need to know the there is escape and an end to the pain that involves not ceasing consciousness

In counseling, professionals should help clients reframe. This involves not only a new line of thinking but also validating emotions and discussing future suicidal behaviors and how to counter them. It is important to help the person learn real problem solving skills for issues but also address teaching individuals how to cope with pain and emotions in better ways. In addition, counselors can help clients find better social connections to prevent isolation as well as play an important role in life coaching with positive thoughts, plans and goals. Importantly as well, a counselor should obtain from the person a no harm commitment through a suicide “Do not Harm Contract” or “Stay Alive” contract which the individual signs. It is important to let the person know he or she is not alone and can reach out or call when certain triggers may appear that seem unbearable (James, 2017, p. 227)> In some cases, calls to the authorities may be needed, or a person may need observed for a period of time before the crisis has subsided.

Conclusion

Suicide is not simply a call for help but a true crisis situation that demands attention. Through warning signs, assessment and proper intervention, crisis counselors can save lives. It is also important to note that suicide is not something rationally chosen but one that is mentally and emotionally chosen when in a illogical state of mind. Hence negative social stigmas need removed and professionals as well as society need to see these individuals who attempt or complete suicide as victims. This is why it is so important to be educated on the subject and listening and observing with empathy for those who shows signs of suicidal ideation.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program 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. Counselors, first responders, clergy and other mental health professionals can play a key role crisis intervention and saving lives from suicide.

Resources

James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage

Additional Resources

Clay, R. (2022). “How to assess and intervene with patients at risk of suicide”. APA. Access here

Are you thinking about suicide? How to stay safe and find treatment. Mayo Clinic. Access here

Ryan, E. & Oquendo, M. (2020). “Suicide Risk Assessment and Prevention: Challenges and Opportunities”. Psychiatry Online. Access here

Suicide and suicidal thoughts. Mayo Clinic. Access here

Suicide Prevention Tools for Public Health Professionals. CDC. Access here

988 Life Line Access here

Psycho Dynamic Therapy and Grief Video

Posted on October 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by Mark Moran

Psycho dynamic therapies are Freudian in base and look at past traumas in early life and other emotional scars to explain present behaviors. In understanding why one acts a certain way, one can then address the current behavior. How one grieves and reacts to loss can also be understood in one’s past. Grief counselors who utilize aspects of Psycho Dynamic theory help individuals understand their past losses to better cope with their present. This can also include how they dealt with loss and grief in the past and how those grieving patterns are negatively effecting a current loss.

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 in human services, mental health, ministry, and healthcare with appropriate degrees or licensures.

A Closer Look at Crisis Intervention

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Mark Moran

Crisis Intervention is a specialty field that is on the battlefield itself. It is the first aid of those in initial emotional pain and mental disorientation. It involves emergency workers, fire, police, paramedics, but also trained professionals in social work, chaplaincy and mental health. These individuals go to the distressed whether the situation is individual or collective at a local or state level. They meet the emotionally distressed at their home, whether it is due to violent crime, rape, murder, suicide, or sudden death, or to sites where national disasters such as hurricanes have wiped out a person’s home, or to terrorist or shooting sites where communities are left without meaning. Crisis Intervention Specialists look to help individuals find sanity in the insanity and help equip them with the necessary immediate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual care needed to access and find direction. They are not long term specialists for trauma but the first mental health responders to crisis itself.

Those in crisis intervention look to stabilize the person and help them regain emotional balance and the ability to cope when things personal or local disaster strikes

Crisis Intervention stems back the very first Suicide phone line in 1906 and the need for it was escalated with the infamous Coconut Grove Nightclub fire of 1942 (James, 2017, p. 3). The crisis emergency became more apparent with the Community Mental Health Act of 1963 that closed asylums and referred those with mental issues to local mental health services (James, 2017. p. 3-4). Unfortunately, without observation, most suffering from mental trauma, addiction, or minor mental health became the problem of law enforcement and many now find themselves in prisons. The constant and sometimes fatal interactions with mentally unstable individuals with police have led to multiple unfortunate deaths which have called for better mental health accountability by society as well as police training in crisis intervention. With the awakening of post Vietnam PTSD among veterans, addiction, as well as women rights and abuse, the need for crisis intervention grew even more. Today it is a must in a society with many mental maladies that lead to acute instance of crisis.

AIHCP offers a four year certification for those interested in a Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification

What is Crisis?

Crisis definition while sharing key qualities is defined by many mental health professionals. According to James there are a variety of instances that constitute crisis. People can face crisis when obstacle to life goals seems to insurmountable that it leads to despair and disorganization in life. People can face crisis when a traumatic event occurs that totally usurps one’s life and life narrative. People face crisis when a person has no response for the problem or immobilizes them and prevents them from moving forward. People face crisis when fall into anxiety, fear, shock and distress about a disruption in life. People face crisis a loss of psychological equilibrium and emotional instability and imbalance result. People face crisis when they enter into an acute emotional situation arising from external sources that one has temporary inability to cope with or deal with. People face crisis with extraordinary events of disaster and terror or rapidly building stressors that upset the homeostatic balance of the person’s life creating a vulnerable state (2017, p. 9).

James also gives a more precise definition accumulating the above ideas of crisis. He refers to crisis as the “perception or experiencing of an event or situation as intolerable difficulty that exceeds the person’s current resources and coping mechanisms. Unless the person obtains relief, the crisis has the potential to cause severe affective, behavioral, cognitive malfunctioning up to the point of instigating injurious or lethal behavior to oneself or others (2017, p. 9)”.

Types of Emergencies

Behavioral emergencies when situations escalate to a point of immediate intervention to avoid death or injury (James, 2017. p. 9). This can include suicide intervention, homicides , lethal situations, abuse, rape, or any type of violent interpersonal behavior. It can be direct or indirect. Sometimes these emergencies occur due to accidents without intent of injury but injury or life risk occurs. In other cases, they can be a product of emotional reaction

Another type of emergency is referred to systemic emergencies that affect organizations, communities or nations. James defines a systemic emergency as a “when a traumatic event occurs such that people, institutions, communities and ecologies are overwhelmed and response systems are unable to effectively contain and control the event in regard to both physical and psychological reactions to it (2017, p.11)”. These can include natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes or tornadoes, as well as terrorist actions, or public shootings. Within all crisis is the possible of it spreading. The term metastasizing crisis is utilized to explain how crisis can outgrow one person and spread to another or how one local crisis can spread to a larger reason. Crisis Intervention teams and emergency response units look to contain crisis through primary prevention as well as secondary intervention policies to prevent as well as minimize.

In all of these cases, the presence of danger exists. Things can change quickly and there are no quick fixes In most of these crises, individuals are faced with choice or no choice. Many are unable to make a choice without help but choosing to do something shows ability to respond and react. Whether an individual is negatively effected by a crisis depends on their individual makeup. Any human being can be victim of a crisis but how one responds depends on interior and exterior characteristics of both the person and the the type of emergency. Resiliency plays a key role in whether one in crisis events and emergencies will go numb, or emotionally instable and uncapable of response. Ultimately beyond exterior and interior sources of a person, it is ultimately one’s perception of the crisis that has a stronger influence than the actual event itself (James, 2017, p. 11-12).

Types of Crisis and Transcrisis States

Within these types of emergencies, there exist numerous types of crisis to the individual. Individuals can suffer from developmental crisis as a result of change throughout life that produces abnormal responses of crisis. Such examples can include the birth of a child, college, a midlife crisis, or even aging (James, 2017, p. 18). In addition to developmental crisis, individuals also face situational crises that are uncommon or extraordinary as to result in inability to respond or cope. Existential crises are far deeper reaching and reach the core of the person’s belief system. Finally, ecosystemic crises involve acts of nature, or human causes evils or disasters that affect individuals or communities (James, 2017. p. 18).

Individuals can experience many different types of crises.

While it is the job of the Crisis Intervention Specialist to help individuals again find balance during crisis, sometimes individuals carry baggage of unresolved issues and current stressors can trigger past unresolved trauma. This is referred to as transcrisis states that can emerge. These states can also occur due to a variety of mental issues ranging from development and unfilled duties, to repressed trauma, as well as addiction which can lead one into crisis when faced with other issues.

James notes however that transcrisis state should not be confused with PTSD which is an identifiable disorder linked to a specific trauma (2017, p. 13). While those with PTSD may be in a transcrisis situation, transcrisis by itself is more vague and due to multiple issues and stressors. The state is one that is residual and reoccurring and always capable of catching fire with a stressor that overflows the cup of the person’s mental abilities.

Basic Crisis Intervention Theories

Lindermann introduced the first basic concepts of Crisis Intervention with his research from survivors from the Coconut Grove Nightclub fire but he focused more solely on normal grief reactions and adjustments to the loss. Caplan, later would view the whole of the traumatic event as crisis beyond grief and loss. Caplan listed the the basic qualities of crisis and adjustment to crisis involving disturbed equilibrium, grief therapy, grief work and restoration of equilibrium (James, 2017, p. 14-15).

Other systems would expand on this basic theory and address certain aspects of psychology of one or more over the other. This included various systems. First, psychoanalytic theory applied the idea of expanded crisis theory beyond general systems that surround the person to also include the individual’s subconscious thoughts and past emotional experiences and how they relate to the current crisis (James, 2017, p. 15). Systems theory instead of looking within the person, emphasized analyzing the interrelationships and interdependence of individuals in crisis or the event and how needs were met within those systems. Via aid and assistance, one can lessen the crisis to the individual or family (James, 2017, p. 16). Ecosystems theory places more emphasis on the macrosystem involving the person, family or community and the interrelated elements and how change to one aspect can lead to disarray for the whole (James, 2017, p. 16). Adaptational Theory focuses on a persons adaptive or maladaptive coping strategies and how good coping will alleviate the crisis sooner than maladaptive reactions. Hence the focus is on how one copes with the issue in a healthy way (James, 2017, p. 16). Interpersonal theory focus on internal locus of the person and the ability to reshape and reframe and find optimism. It is based on empathy and listening as well as the ability to help individuals find confidence that will ultimately defeat the crisis state (James, 2017, p. 17-18). Finally, Developmental theory analyzes how ones development in life has prepared or not prepared an individual for future crisis (James, 2017, p. 18)

Crisis Intervention Models

The three primary models in crisis intervention are the equilibrium model, the cognitive model and psychosocial transition model.

Different models approach crisis from different angles. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification

The Equilibrium model is based off Caplan and identifies crisis state as an emotional and mental imbalance. Their abilities to cope and meet the needs of the crisis are overwhelmed and require assistance in finding equilibrium as opposed to disequilibrium. The goal is to help individuals find balance (James, 2017, p. 19).

The Cognitive model looks to correct faulty thinking in crisis regarding the events surrounding the crisis. The goal is to help the individual become aware of their faulty thinking, reframe and change their views or beliefs about the situation. They are very much connected with CBT (James, 2017, p. 19).

The Psychosocial model states that individuals are a product of their genes, social influences and social environment. When crisis arrives, professionals look to help individuals identify internal behaviors and moods as well external factors which are preventing the individual from utilizing resources or workable alternatives to the crisis at hand (James, 2017, p. 19).

A large part of all models is helping individuals again be able to cope with the problem at hand. Hence the term Psychological First Aid was coined for crisis intervention (James, 2017, p. 20-21). Like stopping the bleeding of the wound, crisis intervention specialists, first responders, emergency relief, social workers, and chaplains are trained to help individuals by meeting basic needs so the person can regain pre-crisis state. US Department of Veteran Affairs, among many, list the most important steps in psychological first aid. Some of these issues also deal with supplying basic safety and security, including shelter and food when necessary as part of basic Maslov needs. Basic Psychological First Aid includes proper contact and engagement which is non-intrusive and compassionate. It should include a sense of safety and comfort. It needs to help stabilize if needed the individual from a mental perspective. It needs to gather information for the needs of the individual and then giving practical assistance for those needs. Furthermore, it entails connecting the individual with social supports such as family, friends as well as informing the individual how to cope with stress and help the person continue to function. Finally, it involves securing for the individual future contacts for aid and help with various services for their particular issue or mental health. (James , 2017, p. 21).

Within this first aid model, the ACT model can play as key guide. One needs to access the problem and understand the needs of the person, connect the person to social support systems and to identify any traumatic reactions or possible future disorders.

Conclusion

Crisis comes in many forms and is universal to all humanity but different people react differently to crisis. Some may lose emotional balance and equilibrium and need immediate care. Those in emergency services, chaplaincy, social work, or disaster relief need to understand the nature of crisis and how to help individuals in the moment regain that emotional equilibrium. While different crisis range and different models exist to help others, crisis intervention is similar to emotional first aid in that it looks to stop the immediate emotional bleeding and help the person again regain control of the situation and be able to cope. While this only deals with the first phase of a long recovery, like all emergency and acute situations, it is vital for many to be able to survive the initial blast of crisis at during different times.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study with mentorship as needed. The program is and to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification who work in human services, mental health and healthcare professionals, social work, chaplaincy, nursing, emergency call centers, first responders, and disaster relief teams.

Resource

James, R. & Gilliland, B. (2017). Crisis Intervention Strategies (8th)”. Cengage

Additional Resources

Boscarino, J. (2015). “Community Disasters, Psychological Trauma, and Crisis Intervention”. Published in final edited form as: Int J Emerg Ment Health. 2015. National Library of Medicine. Access here

Ford, J. D. (2021). Essential elements of crisis intervention. In J. D. Ford, Crises in the psychotherapy session: Transforming critical moments into turning points (pp. 63–79). American Psychological Association. Access here

Valeii, K. (2024). “Psychological First Aid: How It’s Used”. Very Well Health. Access here

Wang, D & Gupta, V. (2023). “Crisis Intervention”. National Library of Medicine. Access here

“What to Do In a Crisis”. NAMI. Access here

Grief Counseling and Animal Therapy Video

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Mark Moran

Animal Therapy helps individuals who are hurt by intense trauma and have a hard time expressing themselves from it. It also has benefits for those who have issues communicating, such as those with Autism or even children. The type of animal used also plays a role pending on the need and personality of the person. Animals love unconditionally and hence can help people experience love and warmth but also learn ways to express, care and feel needed through responsibility.

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.

Play Therapy and Grief Counseling Video

Posted on October 9, 2024December 19, 2024 by Mark Moran

Play Therapy is an important type of therapy in counseling for children. It helps children better express themselves about trauma, loss, or emotional issues. Children are less verbal and the play associates more with their brain development in how they communicate. Clinical Professional Counselors who specialize in play therapy are able to help children face issues and help them find healing. Grief Counselors can utilize Play Therapy as well in helping grieving children. Obviously, pastoral counselors cannot utilize this type of therapy even if grief certified since they are not licensed counselors, but those certified in grief counseling who are also licensed counselors are employ its use in helping children grieve properly. For those who not licensed counselors, but still perform grief counseling at a pastoral level, one can discuss basic loss with a child but if it becomes apparent of deeper pathology, the child should be referred to a licensed counselor who specializes in play therapy.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification as well as its Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Program

Why a Mental Health Certification Could Boost Your Professional Advancement

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Joseph Gerard

Photo of a button that reads "Mental Health" with a finger pressing it

Written by Veronica Turner.

In the competitive professional landscape, having an edge that sets you apart is invaluable.

Earning a mental health certification can be a game-changer, offering numerous advantages beyond your basic qualifications. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, increase job opportunities, or step into leadership roles, this certification provides a critical boost.

Imagine being equipped not just with technical expertise but also with the ability to understand and support the mental well-being of those around you. This powerful combination can significantly propel your career forward in almost any industry.

What is a Mental Health Certification?

A mental health certification, essentially, serves as a formal recognition of your expertise in mental health-related subjects. It often involves completing specialized coursework and passing an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You might find these certifications offered by various professional organizations or academic institutions, either online or in-person.

They cover topics like emotional intelligence, stress management, and counseling techniques.

Earning one can bolster your credentials, showing employers or clients that you have a solid understanding of mental health issues. It’s like adding another string to your bow in the professional realm. But do you need a psychology degree to get a certification?

Do You Need to Get a Psychology Degree First?

You might wonder if you need to get a psychology degree before pursuing a mental health certification. The good news is, in most cases, you don’t. Many certifications are designed for professionals who have diverse backgrounds.

They can complement your existing skills without requiring an in-person or online psychology degree or traditional education. These certifications cater to educators, managers, and even healthcare workers who want to deepen their understanding of mental well-being without the need for a full-fledged degree in psychology first.

So, you’re more flexible than you might think in this regard. With that said, you should always look at the prerequisite for any certification you pursue before attempting to get one.

What Types of Mental Health Certifications Could Benefit You?

There are many mental health certifications that could benefit your career. Though these certifications have specific uses in the medical field, we’ll explore in the next section how you can use almost any mental health certification in related or unrelated fields.

Here are some mental health certifications you might be interested in:

Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Certificate: Ideal for rehab settings, this certification focuses on foundational skills needed to support mental health clients.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certification: A great addition if you’re already in the medical field, it equips you with the tools to assist with mental health care.
Certificate in Counseling Skills: This is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their ability to offer basic counseling and emotional support.
Certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health: Blending traditional and holistic approaches, this credential helps you tackle mental health from various angles.
Behavioral Health Certificate: Geared towards those working directly with behavioral issues, it gives practical strategies for managing and improving patient outcomes.
Mental and Behavioral Health Worker Certification: Focusing on frontline workers, this one teaches core competencies required for effective mental health service delivery.
Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT): For those providing hands-on care, it emphasizes real-world skills applicable in various settings like hospitals or clinics.
Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certification: Designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge, it deepens your counseling proficiency significantly.
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health: Great for anyone wanting postgraduate insight into mental health without committing to a full degree program.
Correctional Behavioral Health Certification – Behavioral Specialty (CBHC-BS): This equips you with skills to address the unique challenges faced by inmates.

Why Mental Health Certifications Could Boost Advancement

1. Enhanced Skill Set

Obtaining a mental health certification can significantly enhance your skill set, making you more adept at navigating the complexities of human behavior and emotional well-being. You’ll acquire specialized knowledge that can be directly applied in various professional situations.

For example, you might learn advanced counseling techniques or effective stress management strategies that help not only your clients but also your colleagues.

The training often includes real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, which means you’re not just learning theory but also practical applications. This skill set is beneficial if you’re in education, healthcare, or even corporate environments where understanding mental health can lead to better team dynamics and enhanced productivity.

2. Increased Job Opportunities

A mental health certification can be a game-changer when it comes to expanding your job opportunities. Employers are continually seeking candidates who bring extra value, and specialized training in mental health sets you apart.

This additional qualification showcases your commitment to professional development and your readiness to handle roles that require a nuanced understanding of emotional well-being.

For instance, if you’re in the healthcare sector, having a mental health certification could make you eligible for more advanced positions like a clinical coordinator or patient advocate.

In corporate settings, it could lead to roles in human resources that focus on employee well-being programs. Even educators with this certification often find themselves better prepared for roles requiring behavioral management skills.

3. Higher Earning Potential

Certifications are often viewed by employers as a mark of expertise, dedication, and specialized knowledge. This added credential sets you apart, often making you eligible for higher-paying positions that demand such competence.

For instance, if you’re already working in healthcare or social services, obtaining a certification might qualify you for advanced roles that come with better salary packages.

In corporate environments, having this extra qualification could make you the go-to person for designing and implementing mental wellness programs, which can sometimes lead to raises or bonuses. Even if you’re self-employed, showcasing your certified skills can attract more clients willing to pay premium rates for your expertise.

4. Versatility Across Industries

One of the standout benefits of earning a mental health certification is its versatility across different industries. Mental health knowledge isn’t confined to just healthcare or counseling; it’s applicable in various fields, including education, human resources, and even law enforcement.

For example, educators with a mental health background are better equipped to manage classroom dynamics and support students facing emotional challenges. In the corporate world, HR professionals with this certification can design more effective employee well-being programs and handle workplace conflicts with greater sensitivity.

Law enforcement officers trained in mental health can approach situations involving emotional distress more effectively, leading to safer outcomes for everyone involved. This broad applicability makes you a valuable asset regardless of your chosen field.

5. Improved Client Relations

A mental health certification can significantly enhance your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. When clients know you have specialized knowledge in mental health, they feel more confident and comfortable, fostering a deeper sense of trust. This is crucial in fields like counseling, healthcare, and social work, where emotional well-being is often at the forefront.

For instance, if you’re a therapist or counselor, having a certification demonstrates that you’re well-equipped to handle complex emotional issues. In business settings, salespeople and customer service representatives with mental health training can better understand and respond to clients’ needs, leading to higher satisfaction rates.

Furthermore, it equips you with effective communication skills and empathy techniques that are essential for building rapport. This not only improves the quality of service but also increases client retention rates, which is beneficial for long-term professional success.

6. Personal Growth

Pursuing a mental health certification isn’t just about career advancement; it also profoundly impacts your personal growth. The journey of learning and understanding mental health principles can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You’ll gain valuable insights into how you process emotions, handle stress, and interact with others.

For instance, the skills you acquire – like stress management techniques or mindfulness practices – can be applied to your own life, helping you navigate daily challenges more effectively. This newfound knowledge allows for better coping strategies during difficult times, enabling you to maintain emotional balance.

Moreover, these skills enhance your relationships by fostering empathy and active listening. You become more attuned to the needs and emotions of those around you, improving not only professional interactions but also personal connections.

7. Leadership Opportunities

Gaining a mental health certification can open doors to numerous leadership opportunities in your professional journey. Organizations increasingly recognize the importance of mental well-being, and leaders who understand these dynamics are highly valued.

With this certification, you demonstrate an ability to foster a positive work environment, effectively manage stress within your team, and address mental health issues proactively.

For example, equipped with advanced knowledge of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, you’re better suited for roles such as department head or team leader. You’ll be able to implement wellness programs that boost morale and productivity, making you an indispensable asset to any organization.

Additionally, showing that you care about the mental health of your colleagues builds trust and respect among team members. This not only enhances your reputation but also solidifies your standing as a compassionate and effective leader.

Consider Getting a Mental Health Certification Today

Ready to elevate your professional game? A mental health certification might be just what you need to unlock new opportunities and enhance your skill set. Don’t miss out on the chance to stand out in your field, improve client relations, and qualify for leadership roles.

Investing in this certification is not only an investment in your career but also in your personal growth. So why wait? Take the next step toward becoming a more competent, empathetic, and versatile professional today. Your future self will thank you.

Author Bio: Veronica Turner is a health and lifestyle writer with over 10 years of experience. She creates compelling content on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and overall wellness.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Gestalt Therapy Video Blog

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Mark Moran

A common Rogerian practice is Gestalt which allows the person to speak to an empty chair or imagined person. Usually the person is the deceased or the person causing emotional turmoil. The client is then able to voice what needs said but in a safe and controlled environment. The client is able to express emotion, imagine what the other person would say and also learn how to find closure even if the other person is unable to communicate. This release of emotion is therapeutic and it helps resolve issues of conflict. Furthermore, it grants the individual ways to communicate messy subjects without consequence of in person tensions.

Gestalt helps individuals release emotion. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

Grief Counselors who are licensed can utilize this therapy if necessary to help the grieving find resolution. Please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.