Crisis and Crisis Intervention

• Crisis when coping mechanism are ineffective that results to disequilibrium.
• Types of Crisis

  Situational - e.g. loss of a job / starting a new job, death of a loved one; caused by unexpected event
• Types of Crisis

  Adventitious/Social - e.g. earthquake, fire, tornado, rape, death due to crime; caused by natural catastrophe
• Types of Crisis

  Maturational/Developmental - e.g. menarche, marriage, pregnancy, retirement; caused by expected event
• Crisis are usually self-limiting which has a duration of 4-6 weeks
• The goal of crisis intervention to help patient return to pre-crisis level by focusing on here and now or Gestalt Therapy
• Initial assessment of crisis intervention involves identifying the precipitating event or cause
• The factors to consider with crisis intervention are:

  P - Perception

  S - Support System

  C - Coping Mechanism
• Coping mechanism - conscious efforts to overcome a stressful event
• Gestalt therapy that focuses on immediate problem, feelings, and solutions
• The approach to crisis intervention is directive (promote problem solving) and supportive (encourage expression of feelings)