Suchergebnisse

A review of the literature on crisis intervention in practice settings supports the view that, when an individual or a family is in a state of crisis, this mode of treatment is often the most effective because crises, if unresolved, leave those persons involved more vulnerable to life's other problems.

This study assesses the efficacy of the treatment approach implemented in the Bern Crisis Intervention Program, where particular emphasis is placed on the remediation of suicide ideation and suicidal behavior, and depression, fear, and phobia are generally considered to be contributing factors. Four questionnaires addressing psychopathology, emotional well-being, social anxiety, and personality were administered prior to and after the treatment of 51 patients over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The reduction of symptoms contributing to suicidal ideation and behavior was interpreted as indirect evidence of an antisuicidal effect of the program. Significant improvements were found in the psychopathology ratings, with depression and anxiety showing the largest reductions. The impact on personality and social phobia, however, was only moderate, and on average patients still exhibited symptoms after attending the program. This residual symptomatology points to the necessity of introducing a two-step therapy approach of intensive intervention targeted at the precipitating causes of the crisis, augmented by long-term therapy to treat underlying problems.

Abstract"Oh, I've been doing crisis intervention for years," is not an unusual remark; such comments are often made, however, by persons with little knowledge or understanding of the specific techniques utilized in a definitive crisis intervention approach.

Summary: The remediation processes in psychosocial crisis intervention were modeled focusing on cognitive orientation. Frequent observations and subsequent process modeling constitute a novel approach to process research and reveal process-outcome associations. A sample of 40 inpatients who were assigned to treatment in a crisis intervention unit was monitored in order to study the process of crisis intervention. The process data consisted of patients' self-ratings of the variables mood, tension, and cognitive orientation, which were assessed three times a day throughout hospitalization (M = 22.6 days). Linear time series models (vector autoregression) of the process data were computed to describe the prototypical dynamic patterns of the sample. Additionally, the outcome of crisis intervention was evaluated by pre-post questionnaires. Linear trends were found pointing to an improvement of mood, a reduction of tension, and an increase of outward cognitive orientation. Time series modeling showed that, on average, outward cognitive orientation preceded improved mood. The time series models partially predicted the treatment effect, notably the outcome domain "reduction of social anxiety," yet did not predict the domain of symptom reduction. In conclusion, crisis intervention should focus on having patients increasingly engage in outward cognitive orientation in order to stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and activate their resources.

AbstractWith a recent quantitative increase, stepfamilies now reflect a major variant in family structure in our society. This chapter identifies characteristic problems in family interaction that emerge in stepfamily formation which can lead to crises in one or more stepfamily members.

KEY FEATURES: Descriptions of crises, assessment considerations, and intervention responses in every chapter provide readers with the tools they need to effectively manage crises. Consideration of populations across the lifespan includes children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, as well as individuals, groups, and families. Practical guidelines in each chapter provide readers with the dos and don'ts for handling various types of crises. Coverage of essential skills for all mental health professionals makes the text helpful for psychiatric social workers, psychiatric nurses, licensed psychologists, and alcohol and drug counselors. Content reflective of CACREP standards makes the book ideal for future counselors. Real-life case studies and realistic examples provide those new to handling crises with recommendations for appropriately communicating with clients. Resources for Chapter Enrichment at the conclusion of chapters include suggested readings and websites.

This expanded new edition continues to demonstrate and provide theoretical, analytical, and practical knowledge for first responders. Face-to-face interaction with the client/victim is part of the comprehensive approach advocated by the book, which requires interveners to assess the nature of a crisis and the condition of the victim in order to determine the appropriate course of action. The comprehensive balance of theory and practice presented in this book should enable the intervener in coupling his/her general knowledge of human psychology and emotional crisis with the specific and novel c

The author explores the possible effects of the worker's use of humor in crisis intervention. A schematic of the possibilities for this type of intervention is presented. Humor has the potential to cause both positive and negative reactions in clients. The author argues that humor is an effective therapeutic tool, providing the practitioner is willing to work with any potential outcome. A set of questions is presented to aid workers in determining whether humor is appropriate in specific situations.