A crisis interventionist is a person who provides professional assistance to people in crisis. He is often a psychologist, but it happens that such a function is performed by a pedagogue or psychiatrist who has undergone appropriate training.
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How does a crisis psychologist work?
During the first meeting, the crisis interventionist diagnoses the problem, i.e. determines what caused the crisis. The next step is to ensure safety, because a person who has found himself in an extremely difficult situation may pose a threat to himself or others (risk of suicide, also known as extended suicide).
In the next stage, the intervener and the patient build a relationship based on trust and acceptance. Then, together they establish an action plan that will enable the problem to be solved. This plan is tailored to the needs and resources of the person who is going through a crisis. Later, the intervener supports the patient in the implementation of subsequent assumptions and checks their effects, including the impact on the patient’s well-being.
Crisis intervention is a form of short-term support – it usually includes from a few to a dozen meetings. It is not the same as psychotherapy, which usually lasts longer. However, in certain situations, the crisis interventionist may recommend that the patient undertake psychotherapy. This happens, for example, when a person in crisis has symptoms of depression.
In what situations should you use the help of a crisis psychologist?
It is worth using the help of a crisis interventionist in the case of:
- death of a loved one,
- suicidal thoughts,
- divorce or separation from a partner,
- diagnosis of a serious illness of one’s own or a loved one,
- loss of job,
- nervous breakdown,
- a cataclysm or car accident,
- traumatic event, e.g. deprivation of liberty.