Describe how the duration of time, the degree of emotional stamina, the developmental
stage of the client, and the ecosystem contribute to the crisis.
Duration of time, a client’s emotional stamina, the developmental stage of the client, and the
ecosystem all contribute to the crisis because they can make the overall feeling of the crisis more
or less severe for the client. Additionally, these elements will play a vital role in how the crisis is
approached from the aspect of the counselor (Iversen, 2023).
When taking into consideration the duration of time it is important to determine whether the
client is a normal person who is in a singular situational crisis or a person with a chronic, crisis-
oriented life history. The individual facing a one-time crisis typically necessitates immediate
intervention aimed at aiding them in overcoming the particular event or circumstance that
triggered the crisis (James & Gilliland, 2017). On the other hand, the client dealing with a
chronic crisis typically demands an extended duration of counseling (James & Gilliland, 2017).
A client with limited emotional stamina necessitates more active involvement from the crisis
worker compared to a client who possesses substantial emotional endurance. A sense of
hopelessness or helplessness can indicate a diminished reserve of emotional strength (James &
Gilliland, 2017).
When considering the impact of the ecosystem on crisis situations, it's essential to recognize
that it constitutes a varied external factor capable of profoundly affecting how clients manage
their challenges. Geographical location and accessibility, communication infrastructures,
linguistic factors, cultural norms, religious convictions, socioeconomic standing, and interactions
within social micro- and macrosystems represent merely a portion of the ecosystemic variables
that could exert subtle or significant impacts on a client's emotional coping capabilities (James &
Gilliland, 2017).
What is facilitative listening? Support your answer with an illustration.
Facilitative listening in short is listening with full and complete attention to the client. It
is a form of listening that encourages the client, assists and guides the client through the
communicative process, and creates an environment that allows the client's heling to happen
smoothly. This is done by dedicating one’s complete attention to the client by engaging their
entire mental capacity in understanding the client's perspective as well as acknowledging both
the client's spoken and unspoken messages. Additionally, demonstrating attentive behavior
through verbal and nonverbal cues, thereby reinforcing the connection and fostering the client's
trust in the crisis intervention process (James & Gilliland, 2017). An example of this would be to
let the client know they have your undivided attention, and that you will focus on what they are
saying and how they are saying it. Additionally, respond to the client with intent. Be intentional
in letting the client know in the response that you not only grasped the facts, but also how the
client is feeling emotionally about the facts.
Listening and comprehending is honestly the cornerstone of the crisis mitigation process.
Jeremiah 29:12 reads “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to
you” (New International Version, 2011). Even God emphasizes the importance he places on
listening when called out to.
Provide some strategies for handling difficult clients.
Dealing with difficult clients requires setting boundaries, and these boundaries can be set in the
form of ground rules. Developing a set of ground rules that can be printed out and handed to the
client at the initial session or before the first meeting is vital. These rules will provide an
operating space that the client is allowed to move in. They serve as a guide to help the client stay
within a space that is best for their growth and the effective deployment of the counselors’
resources. Establishing rules such as the crisis worker will not take sides, everyone has a chance
to be fully heard, and no physical or verbal violence, are all great ways to establish clear
boundaries for difficult clients (James & Gilliland, 2017)
Describe how online crisis counseling is utilized. What are some potential pros and cons of
texting, internet, phone, and in-person interviewing?
The use of texting, the Internet, and phone are all utilized to deliver a level of service to
the client that is in a medium that is more convenient and acceptable to the client. These forms
of telehealth can be used to access behavioral health assessments, interventions, consultations,
supervision, and education, and also to provide information without distance being an issue
(James & Gilliland, 2017). Overall, these online services can be beneficial, as they can be fast,
convenient, accessible, cheap, anonymous, and helpful. (Iversen, 2023) There are several studies
that show positive outcomes in the use of online services, however issues do exist. Issues such
as confidentiality, licensing, and insurance, or people who just seek to take advantage of
potential clients are concerns.
References
Iversen, C. (2023). Self-disclosures in online crisis counselling: Levelling asymmetries while
maintaining client-focus. Nordic Social Work Research, 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.1080/2156857x.2023.2236629
James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017a). Crisis Intervention Strategies. Cengage Learning.
New International Version. (2011). Holy Bible: New International Version. Bible Gateway
Good evening Derek,
I have to agree with the various elements you identified that are crucial for understanding
and effectively addressing crisis intervention. Key factors such as time, emotional stamina,
client developmental stage, and the ecosystem, which collectively shape the dynamics of a crisis
and without a doubt influence the intervention approach (James & Gilliland, 2017).
The distinction between acute or situational crises and chronic or long-term crises based
on the duration of the crisis is significant. It highlights the importance of timely assessment and
appropriate referrals, ensuring that clients receive the most suitable form of support, tailored to
their immediate and overall need.
The consideration of emotional stamina and coping abilities is essential. Recognizing that
clients with varying emotional strengths may require different intervention strategies underscores
the need for a tailored approach. It's crucial for crisis workers to adapt their methods to align
with the client's emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.
Your take on the client's developmental stage adds some interesting points to the
discussion. Understanding that different age groups may have unique emotional and cognitive
needs during a crisis is not something I even considered, and emphasizes the importance and a
need for age-appropriate interventions. This insight can guide crisis workers in providing
effective support to clients of all ages.
The ecosystemic perspective you've outlined is vital. Acknowledging the impact of
various external factors such as economic status, geographic location, and cultural background
on a client's crisis experience reinforces the need for a holistic and context-aware approach to
crisis intervention (James & Gilliland, 2017). It recognizes that no crisis occurs in isolation and
that the broader environment plays a significant role.
In regard to your point of view on dealing with difficult clients I agree wholeheartedly,
and identified the same in my original post; setting clear rules and boundaries at the outset is an
absolute must in order to establish a framework for the therapeutic relationship.
I believe that approaching difficult clients with a certain peace about your personal self is
not only vital in maintaining positive energy but also in helping lead the client to a place of
peace. Roamans 12:18 states "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone" (New International Version, 2011). As simple of a verse as that is, its simplicity
highlights the importance of living at peace, and in this realm of crisis interventions, I believe
that importance is magnified. human and empathetic aspects of therapy. Thank you for sharing
this valuable perspective.
References
James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017b). Crisis intervention strategies. Cengage Learning.
New International Version. (2011). Holy Bible: New International Version. Bible Gateway
Good Evening Sheila,
Your post effectively highlights several crucial factors to consider when assessing a
client's emotional well-being during a crisis, drawing from the insights in James and Gilliland's
work. These factors, including the duration of the crisis, the client's coping skills, developmental
stage, and the ecosystem, collectively provide a comprehensive view of the client's situation and
how they may respond to it (James & Gilliland, 2017).
The discussion of online crisis counseling as an accessible and versatile method is
particularly relevant in today's digital age, and is in line with several different businesses and
services turning to a virtual medium. You rightly point out that online counseling offers several
advantages, such as eliminating geographical barriers, making it more convenient for clients, and
allowing for immediate feedback. These advantages are especially valuable in crisis situations
where timely support can be critical. Additionally, the convenience that is created in the virtual
space, makes seeking services a lot more palatable for those who would use time or location as
an excuse to not get help. One must however be mindful of the limitations imposed by online
counseling. Avoiding distractions and even just eye contact are easy to do in person, but could
pose a challenge via a virtual medium (Markowitz et al., 2021).
Your observations about different methods of crisis counseling, including texting, phone
calls, and in-person counseling, provide valuable insights into how clients may choose to seek
help and how these methods can influence their interactions. The notion that some clients may
prefer texting due to its anonymity and the attention they receive is an intriguing point to
consider.
Additionally, your mention of the potential challenges faced by crisis workers, especially
when dealing with problem callers who may exaggerate their situation, underscores the
complexities of crisis intervention. Phone counseling's unique dynamics, where personal
connections are less direct, can make it challenging for a crisis specialist to get an appropriate
assessment of how the client is actually feeling.
References
James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017b). Crisis intervention strategies. Cengage Learning.
Markowitz, J. C., Milrod, B., Heckman, T. G., Bergman, M., Amsalem, D., Zalman, H., Ballas,
T., & Neria, Y. (2021). Psychotherapy at a distance. American Journal of
Psychiatry, 178(3), 240–246. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050557
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