Crisis Intervention

Key Concepts:

- Stay calm
- Actively listen
- Create a sense of empathy
- Assess situation

Prioritize:

Is the person suicidal/homicidal?
Is the person in immediate danger?
Is emergency help needed?

- Give options and / or explicit instructions
- Create a sense of hope
- Give referrals
- Prepare person for end of intervention
- Combine Laughter/Sex Therapy with Crisis Intervention:

Understand laughter as a release of pain
Acknowledge this for person - relieve guilt for laughing
Respect person - do not laugh with / at them
Encourage person to let all of the laughter out
Encourage "light activities"
Be familiar/comfortable with language

Educate:

- Symptoms are common
- Police/Hospital procedures
- Enjoyment of crisis experience does not equal fault

- Address relationship issues
- Campbell's Soup Ending

Making A Referral:

- Be familiar with your referrals
- Give at least 3 referrals
- Make sure they are appropriate:

Is gender match important?
Are specialties relevant?
Is person ready for this type of intervention?
Costs?

Educate Yourself:

Make personal contacts with professionals
Visit hospitals / clinics / police stations
Take classes / workshops