Crisis Intervention Models

The two crisis intervention models resonates  the most to me are the telephone crisis counseling and the empowerment approach.

Most of the crisis counseling is handled by phone  and is the most often used method of suicide intervention. Typically the counselor does not have a degree but the talk can still be effective in dealing with crisis. Not only suicidal people call the crisis intervention lines, but people with panic attacks, who feel lonely, relationship issues, or depressed. The two most important strengths the telephone crisis intervention  has: Convenience and client anonymity.

Convenience:  everybody has phones, especially cell phones which makes it the fastest way to get help fast and from the conform of your own home. Cell phones are particularly handy because the client can call at the time the event is happening. According to James, R. K. & Gilliland, B.E. (2013), “ with the new smart phones, not only can clients avail themselves of a crisis hotline or their therapist, they can also access a variety of self-help groups in chat rooms, computer-assisted therapy, and psychoeducational materials” (p. 120). For instance, a woman who is about to commit suicide can call at the time of the event to the suicidal line, instead of waiting to make an appointment with a psychologist. The crisis intervention is not a long-term therapy solution but it will discourage her from committing suicide at the time.

Client anonymity: many issues are too embarrassing to discuss in person, especially at the time of the event. The phone gives that personal touch but  allows the client to hide from the listener. Anonymity provides more security and encourages the client to talk about his or her issue. For this reason, the crisis worker only obtains the client’s first name to keep the identity private. According to James, R. K. & Gilliland, B.E. (2013),” the ability to hide one’s identity may facilitate greater openness and freedom from inhibition” (p. 120).

Perhaps a limitation with the telephone crisis intervention is that the crisis worker is not able to see the client face to face and look at his or her facial expressions. Another limitation is the amount of callers who call constantly call and tie up the lines because they suffer from a chronic crisis they can’t get over.

The empowerment approach states the empowerment can occur at numerous levels such as intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral levels. According to Ullman, S. E., & Townsend, S. M. (2008), “ empowerment may be seen as a process by which individuals begin to see a closer correspondence between their goals and a sense of how to achieve them, and a relationship between their efforts and life outcomes” (p. 2). There are two strengths and limitations within the empowerment approach:

Regain control: A main characteristic of the empowerment approach is to help the client gain control. Especially in sexually assault cases, the victim loses control and lose their empowerment.

Social support: encourages victims to work and get involved with other victims. It helps the victim to socialize again with no fear.

However, the meaning of empowerment means more than just awareness of power. Client should understand it is about the exercise rather than the possession of control.