Crisis Counselling

A crisis can refer to any situation in which an individual, family or group perceives a sudden loss in their ability to problem solve and cope. These may include natural disasters, sexual assault, criminal victimisation, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, homicide, a drastic change in relationships and so on. As a result, a crisis can produce a period of transition or a turning point. It may be seen as a challenge or a threat, a "make or break" new possibility or risk, or a gain or a loss.

Crisis counselling is not intended to provide psychotherapy or similar, and it differs from other counselling interventions by focussing on short-term strategies to prevent damage during and immediately after the experience of trauma. This is often followed by counselling for long-term improvement of the client’s mental health and personal wellbeing. Crisis intervention also aims to reduce the intensity of the person’s physical, mental, emotional and behavioural reactions to a crisis. It also helps the individual return to the level of functioning they were at before the incident.

This course will assist you to develop your ability to effectively counsel and assist clients in times of crisis. It provides those already in the counselling or helping industries with knowledge and skills to give specialised counselling, and will contribute to comprehensive counselling training for those wishing to work in this field.

Aims of this course:

• Identify what constitutes a crisis and discuss methods of crisis intervention.
• Discuss current ethical, professional and legal implications of crisis intervention.
• Explain the dangers posed by crises to the individual, the counsellor and those around them during crisis intervention, and determine effective modes of intervention
• Identify and explain crises evolving from a developmental perspective.
• Explain the symptoms, treatment options and possible outcomes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Describe the effect of violence and sexual assault on the individual and possible modes of intervention.
• Explain the relationship between crises and drug dependence.
• Discuss the major issues that arise in family crises and appropriate methods of intervention.
• Discuss cultural influences on crisis situations.