Crisis Counseling

A quick list about crisis counseling types, phases, counseling goals, psycological first aid, and referrals.  If you have members of your small group that are experiencing some really difficult times, this is a great place to start.

3 Types of Crises

• Accidental or Situational crises
  • Death in family or job loss
  • Biblical – See Job
• Developmental crises
  • Marriage or retirement
• Existential or intrapsychic crises
  • Why am I here or promotion by-pass

Phases of Crises

• Impact (shock) phase
  • Short-term affect
• Emotional turbulence (storm)
  • Result of shock phase, mode swings happen
  • Help for day-to-day stuff needed
• Mobilization of internal and external resources (search)
  • Church can be a big impact here
• Long-term reconstruction and re-equilibrium (sequel)
  • Back to normal living

Counseling Goals

• Help person cope with crises / return to a normal level of functioning
  • Practical day-to-day help
• Assist individual in dealing with the emotional turmoil
• Help the person process his / her crises in light of Biblical principles
  • Rom. 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
  • Looking through a fence knot hole at a parade, we see only the part in front of us, but God can see the whole parade, from beginning to end
• Teach crises management skills

Steps For Psychological First Aid

1. Make contact - Call, stop, let them know you are there

2. Reduce anxiety - Our demeanor can make a difference

3. Focus on the issues - Help them clarify the problem

4. Utilize resources - Pray for, financial resources, mature believers

5. Plan intervention - Watch for unhealthy dependence here
-Encourage action
-Instill hope
-Watch for empty promises

6. Offer follow-up care - Be aware that the pain of a loss can and will come back sometime months and years later

Don’t Forget Referrals

• Recognize your limitations
  • Know what you can’t do
• Become aware of available resources
  • Red Cross
  • Professional Counseling
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Women’s, Men’s, and Community Shelters