As a crisis
intervention specialist, I have consult with clients in their own personal
offices and have traveled to schools, offices, and areas in which a traumatic
event has occurred to help affected people respond to a crisis. I have trained
others in crisis intervention and coordination of services to help individuals
receive the care they need. I have also referred-affected individuals for
long-term counseling
I have
followed these Principles each time I take on a new assignment
· Simplicity: The response should be as
simple as possible to avoid exacerbating the situation.
· Brevity: The response should be brief,
keeping the intervention within a one-month window or less.
· Innovation: When necessary, the
intervention must adapt to the surroundings.
· Pragmatism: The response should be
based on a common-sense attitude.
· Proximity: The response should take
place within the vicinity of the crisis, not from a remote office or facility.
· Immediacy: Gathering resources and
meeting with affected individuals should occur quickly.
· Reliability: Those in crisis should
feel as though their needs will not only be addressed immediately, but also on
an ongoing basis while the crisis runs its course.
· Understanding: The individual in
crisis should receive help in understanding what is happening, why it is
happening, and what to do about it.
· Problem solving: The specialist should
provide the patient with the tools necessary to help him cope on his own once
the crisis has passed.
