CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 2
Crisis Intervention Plan
Defining Crisis
A crisis is an occurrence that involves perceiving or experiencing an event as an
overwhelming challenge, surpassing one's existing coping mechanisms and resources (Brooks,
2017; Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018). Even though a crisis might disrupt life, it does not
necessarily translate to trauma. Typically, the concept of a crisis is defined using a trilogy
approach, which hinges on three key elements: a triggering event, perception that the event is
distressing, and a decline in functioning due to inadequate coping methods (Brooks, 2017;
Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018).
Neurobiology of Crisis
When an individual becomes distressed, their physiological crisis response activates and
triggers the brain's crisis mode (Brooks, 2017). This mode shifts them away from stability into a
flight, fight, or freeze response. In this hyper-vigilant and hyper-reactive state, rational problem-
solving takes a backseat as the individual's brain focuses on perceiving and reacting to perceived
danger. This distressed state is usually temporary and characterized by heightened sensitivity
(Brooks, 2017).
The limbic system, situated in the mid-section of the brain and encompassing the
amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, takes center stage during a crisis (Brooks, 2017).
The limbic plays a vital role in responding to stress, affecting memory formation, emotion
regulation, olfactory processing, and sexual arousal. Prolonged exposure to stress or trauma can
lead to various behavioral responses, from agitation to memory impairment. This area also
releases hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine, which prepare the body for fight,
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 3
flight, or freeze reactions. While this response is healthy and natural, chronic cortisol release can
harm brain cells and disrupt memory processes (Brooks, 2017).
Risk Factors of Crisis
The factors contributing to the risk of a crisis are diverse and encompass various
conditions and characteristics that increase the likelihood of individuals resorting to self-harm or
developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018). Among these
risk factors are feelings of hopelessness, a lack of faith in the effectiveness of seeking help,
experiences of shame, and social isolation. Additionally, mental health conditions like
depression, substance use issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia significantly elevate the
risk of crisis. Traits such as aggression, mood fluctuations, and challenges in forming
relationships, along with conditions like conduct disorder and anxiety disorders, also contribute
to this vulnerability (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018).
Additionally, severe physical health conditions and traumatic brain injuries can further
intensify the risk (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018). The accessibility of lethal means, including
firearms and drugs, along with prolonged stress stemming from harassment, bullying,
relationship strains, or unemployment, heightens the potential for crisis. Stressful life events such
as rejection, divorce, financial upheavals, and other major life transitions, coupled with exposure
to instances of suicide or graphic portrayals of it, can compound these risk factors. The impact of
past suicide attempts or a family history marked by suicide needs clinical attention. Experiences
of childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma contribute to an individual's overall risk profile (Jackson-
Cherry & Erford, 2018).
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 4
Signs of Someone in Crisis
When facing a crisis, individuals may exhibit various signs indicating distress (Brooks,
2017; Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018). These signs encompass changes in sleeping and eating
habits, persistent intrusive thoughts, nightmares, social isolation, loss of interest in once-enjoyed
activities, heightened agitation, and easy irritability. These manifestations are often accompanied
by a sense of unease, making it challenging for the person to find solace in their usual coping
mechanisms. Attentive to these indicators is crucial, as they can offer insights into the
individual's emotional state and help determine the appropriate interventions to provide support
(Brooks, 2017; Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018).
Long Term Neurological Affects to Untreated Crisis
When individuals have experienced intense or prolonged trauma, their reactive brain can
become hyperactive, remaining in a constant state of vigilance towards external stimuli and
primed for either fight or flight response disorders (Brooks, 2017). Prolonged periods of crisis
have the potential to induce detrimental neurological effects, which can significantly impact
essential aspects of long-term functioning. These effects include compromised executive
functioning, inadequate self-regulation, and diminished emotional intelligence. If left untreated,
these symptoms might progress into acute stress disorder (ASD) and subsequently develop into
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018). The longer an
individual's brain remains entrenched in the limbic system, the greater the risk of developing
stress disorders (Brooks, 2017), further emphasizing the critical nature of early intervention to
prevent these potential outcomes.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 5
Community Crisis Event
Crisis News Story
On May 6, 2023, Mauricio Garcia, age 33, killed eight people and injured seven others in
a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets Mall in Allen, Texas (Bleiberg & Johnson, 2023;
Boyer & Sentendrey, 2023; Fox4 Staff, 2023). Among the victims, a shooter killed three
children. Authorities later identified the shooter as a neo-Nazi. An Allen police officer at the
outlet mall speaking with a mother and two children shot and killed him upon hearing the
gunshots and seeing people run from the scene. The mass shooting only lasted four minutes
(Bleiberg & Johnson, 2023; Boyer & Sentendrey, 2023; Fox4 Staff, 2023).
Crisis Explanation
The mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets Mall on May 6, 2023, fits the criteria of
a crisis event, as explained earlier. The triggering event, characterized by the tragic loss of eight
lives and the injury of seven others, including innocent children, presents a clear and immediate
threat to life and security. The abrupt eruption of violence in a public space inherently induces
distress and a sense of danger, aligning with the essence of a crisis.
The aftermath of this tragic event exhibits several indications of a crisis. The sudden
disruption of normalcy and the ensuing emotional turmoil inherently push individuals and the
community into a state of temporary imbalance. Such events often lead to a surge of distress that
can impede regular functioning. Moreover, the ripple effect of this traumatic occurrence extends
beyond the immediate victims, affecting witnesses and the entire community. Given the
profound impact of the event, comprehensive intervention and support is pivotal to aiding those
impacted, aiding in their recovery, and eventually restoring a semblance of stability.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 6
Sandy, a 33-year-old mother of two, was the person talking with the Allen police officer
along with her two children when gunfire rang out. She feared for her children's lives and her
own, so she sought shelter until they neutralized the threat. Two days after the event, Sandy is
experiencing poor sleep, nightmares, distressing memories of the shooting, intrusive thoughts of
something bad happening to her children, hypervigilance, and the inability to rest. She reports
mood swings from sadness to irritability to intense fear. She avoids leaving her home due to
feeling unsafe. She states she cannot concentrate on anything other than the shooting.
Additionally, Sandy is questioning if she can trust God to keep her safe.
Treatment Plan
Problem 1 (mental): Sandy is experiencing distressing memories of the shooting and
intrusive thoughts of something bad happening to her children.
Goal 1: Sandy will be able to recall the shooting without being caught up
in distressing memories or experiencing intrusive thoughts in one month by addressing them
with EMDR therapy.
Objective 1: Over the next four weeks, Sandy will engage in
EMDR sessions to identify and process distressing memories and negative beliefs related to
the shooting.
Intervention 1: Sandy's therapist will employ EMDR
therapy to assist her in identifying and processing distressing memories and negative beliefs
related to the shooting.
Problem 2 (physical): Sandy cannot physically relax since the shooting. This is
affecting her ability to sleep.
Goal 1: Sandy will be able to physically relax in two weeks of doing
progressive muscle relaxation.
Objective 1: Over the next two weeks, Sandy will practice
progressive muscle relaxation twice daily.
Intervention 1: Sandy's therapist will teach Sandy
progressive muscle relaxation within the session and check in with her the following week to
see how she is progressing in her ability to relax.
Problem 3 (emotional): Sandy reports experiencing mood swings of sadness,
irritability, and fear that interfere with her interpersonal relationships.
Goal 1: Sandy will be able to access positive feelings and maintain
emotional regulation within two months by addressing her intense emotions with EMDR
therapy.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 7
Objective 1: Over the next two months, Sandy will engage in
EMDR sessions to address her intense emotions over the shooting with EMDR therapy.
Intervention 1: Sandy's therapist will employ EMDR
therapy to assist her in processing her intense emotions related to the shooting.
Problem 4 (social): Sandy reports not leaving the house out of safety concerns. This
is causing her to isolate.
Goal 1: Sandy will overcome her fear of leaving her house and regain her
social life before the shooting in one month.
Objective 1: Sandy will leave the house once this week to go to a
friend’s house for social support and to challenge her anxiety. Each additional week will
require more time outside of the house.
Intervention 1: Sandy's therapist will employ prolonged
exposure therapy to assist in challenging Sandy's fears of leaving the house to bolster her
social support system and counteracting isolation.
Problem 5 (spiritual): Sandy reports not knowing if she can trust God to keep her
safe.
Goal 1: Sandy will regain her trust in God in two weeks.
Objective 1: Sandy will engage in prayer within and outside of the
session to regain her trust in God in the next two weeks.
Intervention 1: Sandy's therapist will use prayer as an
intervention to reinforce a secure base attachment between Sandy and God.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PLAN 8
References
Bleiberg, J., & Johnson, G. (2023, May 10). What to know about the mass shooting at a Texas
mall. AP News. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://apnews.com/article/shooting-
outlet-mall-allen-texas-200f1ffadf7daefa42cfbe45510b083f
Boyer, A., & Sentendrey, D. (2023, June 28). Allen outlets shooting: Police body camera video
shows officer confronting gunman. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth. Retrieved August
11, 2023, from https://www.fox4news.com/news/allen-outlets-shooting-police-body-
camera-video-released
Brooks, J. (2017). Crisis intervention: The neurobiology of crisis. Elani Publishing.
Fox4 Staff. (2023, July 18). Allen outlets shooting: Gunman was shot three times, had nazi
tattoo, autopsy shows. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from
https://www.fox4news.com/news/allen-outlets-shooting-gunman-was-shot-three-times-
had-nazi-tattoos-autopsy-shows
Jackson-Cherry, L. R., & Erford, B. T. (Eds.). (2018). Crisis Assessment, Intervention, and
Prevention (3rd ed.). Person.
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