Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory • Crisis is an acute emotional upset arising from situational, developmental, or social sources and resulting in a temporary inability to cope by means of one’s usual problem-solving devices. • Crisis intervention is a helping process that focuses on the resolution of the immediate crisis through the use of personal, social, and environmental resources. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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The Empowerment Model • To empower is to give power or authority to. • The Empowerment Model is a set of techniques and strategies that increase a survivor’s sense of control over the situations and decisions of life.

Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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The Counselor/Advocate’s Role: • To assist survivors of violence to move towards safety. • To provide information and resources to help survivors begin a healing process. • To empower survivors to make healthy and informed decisions.

Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Fundamental Counseling Concepts • The perpetrator is responsible. Always. • No one deserves to be battered or raped. • It is never about what the survivor did or who they are. • Survivors made the best choices that were available to them at the time. • It is possible to heal from violence. • The survivor is the expert in their own experiences, needs, choices, and healing. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Culture • A survivor’s culture has everything to do with her or his reactions and healing process. • Reactions are often informed by race, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic status, religion, and other factors unique to the survivor. • Cultural competency is key to developing a good relationship with the survivor. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Understanding Reactions to Violence • Begin with understanding common reactions to battering, rape, sexual assault and abuse. • Understand that these are normal reactions. • Having experienced violence does not mean that there is now something wrong with the survivor. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Reactions to Violence Self-Blame, Shame, Guilt

Isolation

• “I feel as though it was all my fault; I never should have worn that dress to the party.” • “I should have known about his temper when we got together.”

• “I can’t think of anyone to trust or talk to; I just want to be by myself, even though I feel lonely.”

Anger, Rage • “I feel angry all the time, even toward people who had nothing to do with the situation, like my kids and my co-workers.”

Fear, Terror • “When I’m home, I’m afraid that I’ll get beaten; when I go out, I’m terrified I’ll be attacked. My guard is always up.”

Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Reactions to Violence (continued) Loss, Grief

Powerlessness

• “I feel like a part of me died – like my life will never be the same.”

• “My life is not my own; what’s the use of making decisions when I have no control over anything?”

Sadness, Anger

Flashbacks, Nightmares

• “I barely manage to function. I feel like there is a dark cloud following me around, and I can’t remember what it’s like to be happy.”

• “I close my eyes to go to sleep, and all I can see is the assault; I feel as though it’s happening to me over and over.”

Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Reactions to Violence (continued) Triggers

Changes in Sexuality

• “Every year around this time, I start to feel sad. Because my rape happened in springtime, the signs that make everyone else happy make me feel depressed.”

• “I want my partner’s support, but I can’t stand the idea of having sex, even though it has been almost a year since the rape.”

Physical Concerns

Spiritual Crisis

• “My body just isn’t the same. I have back pain, and I am always on the alert for signs of sexually transmitted infection.”

• “The God that I believed in would never let this happen. I’ve lost my faith and sense of who I am.”

Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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How Advocates Help Empower Survivors • • • • • •

Validate and believe. Create environment of safety. Dispel myths and misconceptions. Normalize the survivor’s reaction(s). Offer options, not advice. Let the survivor express the full range of feelings. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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How Advocates Help Empower Survivors (continued) • Work informed by cultural sensitivity. • Assist in building a long-term support network. • Help develop constructive ways of coping. • Advocate in related systems. • Provide information, education and referrals. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Safe Ways to Talk with Survivors • Share your concern for the survivor’s safety and the safety of any children (appropriate in intimate partner sexual assault cases). • Do NOT tell the survivor what to do. • Do NOT pass judgement on the abuser/ perpetrator. • Provide options. Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Share Your Concern • “Do you feel safe at home?” – (in an intimate partner sexual assault situation)

• “I’m worried about your safety.” – (in an intimate partner sexual assault situation)

• “I’m glad you called.” • “We’re available if you’d like to talk more.” • “There are several options you might be interested in. Would you like to hear about some?” Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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Summary of Empowerment Model • Advocacy • Information and knowledge • Clarity of counseling relationship: boundaries, expectations, safety • Vision of strength and healing • Options • Safety Session 3: Counseling and Crisis Intervention Theory

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