CRIS 303
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CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
As you learn more about crisis intervention, appropriate models, and the impact of a critical
event, it is important to take time to “put everything together.” During this module, you will
review a case study (see below) and seek to apply what you have learned to the case. This
assignment will also allow you the opportunity to practice writing in a clear, concise, and
professional manner.
INSTRUCTIONS
After reviewing the case study provided below, you will write a paper adhering to these
guidelines:
● Contains at least 750 words (not including title page and reference page)
● Formatted according to the current APA format
● The goal is to critique the crisis in the case study by exploring:
o The nature of the crisis presented using specific information from the case
o Interventions appropriate for alleviating the crisis response
o Coping skills that could aid the victim
o How the victim can develop resiliency
o The grief process of the primary victim and whether he/she effectively grieved
through the loss.
● Each section must contain scholarly support.
● Integration of at least 3 scholarly sources is required, 1 of which must be from the course
content (texts or presentations). Outside sources must be current (published within the
last 5 years).
o Watch: Safer Model: CRIS303: Acute Stress, Grief and Trauma (B01) (liberty.edu)
o Liberty University Online Bookshelf: CUSTOM: Liberty University CRIS 303 Crisis
Counseling: Acute Stress, Grief and Trauma Custom Electronic Edition (vitalsource.com)
o Liberty University Online Bookshelf: Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy, Fifth Edition
(vitalsource.com)
o Liberty University Online Bookshelf: Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy, Fifth Edition
(vitalsource.com)
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
CASE STUDY
Rachel was on her regular commute to work one Tuesday morning. She had dropped her two
children off at school and had plans to meet her husband for lunch later that day. Everything was
going well, as she looked forward to working with clients during the morning and teaching a
self-care workshop for some medical staff members at the local hospital that afternoon. She was
turning left into her counseling practice when out of nowhere a truck hit the passenger side of her
car, causing her to be thrown from the vehicle. A person at the business across the street
witnessed the accident and immediately called 911 to inform them help was needed for Rachel
and for the man driving the truck. Neither of them seemed to be moving on first glance.
CRIS 303
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Paramedics arrived on the scene a few minutes later, one person assessing the man and one
person assessing Rachel. The man appeared to be badly bruised and may have a broken arm, so
was transported to the hospital. Rachel, however, was in serious condition and at least had a
broken leg. She was rushed to the hospital and assessed while her husband was notified of the
accident.
Rachel woke up in a hospital room, her husband sitting by her bed, and a nurse assessing her
vital signs. She was hooked to monitors and cords, and realized she had little feeling in her legs.
The nurse gently oriented her to the situation and where she was, which she was appreciative of.
She smiled and nodded her head, but didn’t speak. Her husband was asking if she was okay,
what he could do, wondered how she was feeling, but she couldn’t answer any questions. She
barely remembered what happened.
Weeks passed and Rachel remained in the hospital, eventually regaining some memory of what
happened in her accident that day. She began physical therapy for her legs, as both were broken
in the accident. Day after day she told herself she had what it took to get through this. After all,
she had a strong support system and her training in counseling gave her the resources she needed
to deal with this horrible thing that had happened to her. Some days, however, none of this was
enough. She battled depression and anger, knowing the man who was responsible for this was
already back to work, living his life. He didn’t have to suddenly close his counseling practice he
worked so hard for, didn’t have to find someone else to help care for her children when she
couldn’t be there and her husband was working to stay ahead of medical bills. He didn’t have to
attend physical therapy and endure such pain every day, just to be able to walk again. Rachel met
with her pastor weekly, but didn’t know if she should be honest about the struggle she was
feeling. She wanted to prove to herself and to her family that she had what it took to get through
this. Deep down, she really questioned whether she did, and whether her family would still stand
by her if they eventually found out how she was really feeling. Maybe they wouldn’t have
to...maybe it would just get better…someday.
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Critique and Intervention for a Traumatic Crisis: A Case Study Analysis
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Code/Name
Instructor’s Name
Due Date
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Critique and Intervention for a Traumatic Crisis: A Case Study Analysis
Introduction
This paper critically examines the case study of Rachel, whose life-altering
catastrophe has left her suffering from physical and psychological trauma. By examining the
nature of the crisis, the appropriate response, the victim's coping skills, ways to develop
resilience, and Rachel's grieving process, we can comprehensively understand her situation. A
sudden car accident that left two people with broken legs and other severe injuries caused the
problem. Rachel is experiencing physical agony, emotional pain, and difficulties adjusting to
her new situation. The recovery of Rachel can be aided by continuing medical treatment,
obtaining counseling, and entering a support group. These factors can help mitigate the crisis
response. Rachel must acquire problem-solving skills, develop resilience, and healthily
navigate the grieving process to regain control of her life and continue to develop after a
traumatic event.
Nature of the Crisis
Rachel's life was turned upside down when she was involved in a terrible automobile
accident that broke her legs and caused great pain. This traumatic event caused severe
physical suffering and much mental damage. Rachel's anxiety was exacerbated by her
inability to verbalize her thoughts, and her legs ached less. This compounded the situation.
She experienced effects from the catastrophe that extended beyond her physical health. It
altered her daily routine, made her job more complex, and significantly impacted her caring
mother and devoted wife duties. The stark contrast between her enduring problems and the
perpetrator's return to everyday life exacerbated Rachel's feelings of injustice, resentment,
and loss.
Interventions for Crisis Alleviation
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Several interventions may facilitate Rachel's reaction to the crisis. First, she must
continue to receive comprehensive medical care, including regular physical therapy, to
facilitate and accelerate her physical recovery. In addition to her physical health, Rachel's
mental health must also be considered (Dass-Brailsford, 2009). Psychological interventions
such as counseling or therapy can provide her with a secure and supportive environment in
which she can work through the emotional effects of the accident, confront feelings of anger,
sadness, and helplessness, and learn to cope with these issues. Rachel may benefit from
joining a support group with individuals who have experienced similar traumatic events. This
would provide her with a place to discuss her issues, receive sympathy, and gain insight from
people who truly understand her situation. This sense of belonging and shared comprehension
can significantly aid her recovery and give her a sense of strength and belonging (Wesemann
et al., 2020).
Coping Skills for the Victim
Rachel has many alternatives for coping with her trauma. She must communicate
honestly with her husband, family, and friends. Rachel will be understood and helped if she is
honest about her feelings, fears, and worries. Rachel's well-being depends on self-care. She
will feel calmer if she practices deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. Sports and other
hobbies can help her recover by distracting her. Regular exercise, decent food, and relaxation
can improve her physical and mental health. Rachel finds that journaling helps her cope.
Writing allows her to communicate and reflect. By journaling, she can better understand her
feelings, track her progress, and identify trends or triggers that may impede her rehabilitation.
Rachel can build resilience by using these coping techniques daily as she heals and rebuilds
her life (Singer et al., 2020).
Developing Resiliency
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Rachel must maintain a positive attitude and develop new problem-solving skills to
become more resilient. Encourage self-compassion and reassure her that it is acceptable to
experience different emotions while she is recovering. This will aid her in developing
resilience. Setting attainable objectives and celebrating small victories will give you a sense
of accomplishment and motivate you. Connecting with other survivors who have thrived after
enduring similar challenges can provide hope and motivation and demonstrate the possibility
of post-traumatic growth (Armstrong et al., 2019).
Grief Process and Effective Mourning
Rachel's loss is complex and encompasses a variety of emotions, including anger,
sorrow, and a sense that something is unfair (Worden, 2018). Even though she sees her priest
regularly, she finds it difficult to determine whether or not to tell him everything that's
happening inside her. Rachel needs to express her genuine emotions because suppressing
them can hinder healing. She can get the support and reassurance she needs to cope with her
loss if she discusses her sorrow openly and honestly (Shear, 2022).
Conclusion
The case study of Rachel demonstrates how a distressing event can have a significant
impact and how difficult it can be for the individual experiencing it. Rachel can feel better
and regain control over her life if she receives the appropriate assistance, such as medical
care, therapy, and support groups. She will be able to overcome her mental issues and begin
again if she learns how to cope with them, which increases her resilience. In the end, Rachel
must recognize and grieve her losses appropriately. This will place her on a path to recovery
that is healthier and more stable.
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References
Armstrong, L. L., Desson, S., St. John, E., & Watt, E. (2019). The DREAM program:
developing resilience through emotions, attitudes, & meaning (gifted edition)–a
second wave positive psychology approach. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 32(3-
4), 307-332.
Dass-Brailsford, P. (Ed.). (2009). Crisis and disaster counseling: Lessons learned from
Hurricane Katrina and other disasters. Sage Publications.
Shear, M. K. (2022). Grief and mourning gone awry: pathway and course of complicated
grief. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience.
Singer, J., Cummings, C., Boekankamp, D., Hisaka, R., & T. Benuto, L. (2020). Compassion
satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout: A replication study with victim
advocates. Journal of Social Service Research, 46(3), 313-319.
Wesemann, U., Mahnke, M., Polk, S., Bühler, A., & Willmund, G. (2020). Impact of crisis
intervention on the Mental health status of emergency responders following the Berlin
Terrorist attack in 2016. Disaster medicine and public health preparedness, 14(2),
168-172.
Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health
practitioner. springer publishing Company.
