Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

Transcription

1 Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory Crisis is an acute emotional upset arising from situational, developmental, or social sources and resulting in a temporary inability to cope by means of one s usual problem-solving devices. Crisis intervention is a helping process that focuses on the resolution of the immediate crisis through the use of personal, social, and environmental resources. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 1

2 The Empowerment Model To empower is to give power or authority to. The Empowerment Model is a set of techniques and strategies that increase a survivor s sense of control over the situations and decisions of life. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 2

3 The Counselor/Advocate s Role: To assist survivors of violence to move towards safety. To provide information and resources to help survivors begin a healing process. To empower survivors to make healthy and informed decisions. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 3

4 Fundamental Counseling Concepts The perpetrator is responsible. Always. No one deserves to be battered or raped. It is never about what the survivor did or who they are. Survivors made the best choices that were available to them at the time. It is possible to heal from violence. The survivor is the expert in their own experiences, needs, choices, and healing. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 4

5 Culture A survivor s culture has everything to do with her or his reactions and healing process. Reactions are often informed by race, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic status, religion, and other factors unique to the survivor. Cultural competency is key to developing a good relationship with the survivor. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 5

6 Understanding Reactions to Violence Begin with understanding common reactions to battering, rape, sexual assault and abuse. Understand that these are normal reactions. Having experienced violence does not mean that there is now something wrong with the survivor. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 6

7 Reactions to Violence Self-Blame, Shame, Guilt I feel as though it was all my fault; I never should have worn that dress to the party. I should have known about his temper when we got together. Anger, Rage I feel angry all the time, even toward people who had nothing to do with the situation, like my kids and my co-workers. Isolation I can t think of anyone to trust or talk to; I just want to be by myself, even though I feel lonely. Fear, Terror When I m home, I m afraid that I ll get beaten; when I go out, I m terrified I ll be attacked. My guard is always up. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 7

8 Reactions to Violence (continued) Loss, Grief I feel like a part of me died like my life will never be the same. Powerlessness My life is not my own; what s the use of making decisions when I have no control over anything? Sadness, Anger I barely manage to function. I feel like there is a dark cloud following me around, and I can t remember what it s like to be happy. Flashbacks, Nightmares I close my eyes to go to sleep, and all I can see is the assault; I feel as though it s happening to me over and over. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 8

9 Reactions to Violence (continued) Triggers Every year around this time, I start to feel sad. Because my rape happened in springtime, the signs that make everyone else happy make me feel depressed. Physical Concerns My body just isn t the same. I have back pain, and I am always on the alert for signs of sexually transmitted infection. Changes in Sexuality I want my partner s support, but I can t stand the idea of having sex, even though it has been almost a year since the rape. Spiritual Crisis The God that I believed in would never let this happen. I ve lost my faith and sense of who I am. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 9

10 How Advocates Help Empower Survivors Validate and believe. Create environment of safety. Dispel myths and misconceptions. Normalize the survivor s reaction(s). Offer options, not advice. Let the survivor express the full range of feelings. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 10

11 How Advocates Help Empower Survivors (continued) Work informed by cultural sensitivity. Assist in building a long-term support network. Help develop constructive ways of coping. Advocate in related systems. Provide information, education and referrals. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 11

12 Safe Ways to Talk with Survivors Share your concern for the survivor s safety and the safety of any children (appropriate in intimate partner sexual assault cases). Do NOT tell the survivor what to do. Do NOT pass judgement on the abuser/ perpetrator. Provide options. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 12

13 Share Your Concern Do you feel safe at home? (in an intimate partner sexual assault situation) I m worried about your safety. (in an intimate partner sexual assault situation) I m glad you called. We re available if you d like to talk more. There are several options you might be interested in. Would you like to hear about some? Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 13

14 Summary of Empowerment Model Advocacy Information and knowledge Clarity of counseling relationship: boundaries, expectations, safety Vision of strength and healing Options Safety Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory SLIDE 14