Last Week

Warmth, empathy &

genuineness stand out as key relational factors in people helping

skills

Review: Techniques

of Counseling A. Attending B. ListeningC. RespondingD. TeachingE. Immediacy

Questions to Ponder

• What is a crisis?• What has helped

you in a crisis?• What is your goal

in helping another in crisis?

I. Crisis Defined

•Danger?

•Opportunity?

•Other?

I. Crisis Defined

The Bible & Crisis: who is in crisis in the Bible?• Everyone! (almost)(think of Mary, Cain,

Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Samson, David… Paul, Disciples… Jesus!)

II. Types of Crises

A. Accidental or Situational: a sudden threat or unexpected loss

II. Types of Crises

B. Developmental:during the course of normal human development

II. Types of Crises

C. Existential:forced to face

disturbing truths

III. Goals of Crisis CounselingA. help person cope &

return to usual level

B. decrease anxiety- insecurities in crisis

III. Goals of Crisis CounselingC. teach crisis-solving

techniques- to be better prepared for the next

D. learn from crisis & grow through it

IV. Techniques of Crisis CounselingA. Make Contact

• go to them

• show warmth

• pull them into reality

• touch (appropriately)

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

B. Reduce Anxiety • relaxed, calm manner• provide reassuring facts• state approval of actions• offer prediction if poss.• encourage breathing-

muscle relaxation• Breathe

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

C. Focus on Issues • What specific issue must

be faced• What specific issue must

be solved

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

D. Evaluate Resources • Spiritual resources• Personal resources• Interpersonal resources• Additional resources

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

E. Plan Intervention • What are the facts and

options?• “Do for others that which

they cannot do for themselves… & no more”

• encourage help if needed

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

F. Encourage Action • action, evaluate progress,

modify plans and action if needed

• or- change thoughts, express feelings, plan for future… some crises cannot be resolved

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

G. Instill Hope realistic hope for the

future releases energy to face the crisis

• thru Scriptural truths• thru examining self-

defeating logic• thru activity- even

minimal activity

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

H. Provide Environmental Help-

changing the environment

• prayer from others• money or supplies• practical help

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling

I. Follow-Up: contact• How are they getting

along?• What do they need?• What did they learn?• How would they/will

they do it differently?

V. Knowing Your Limits

Know when to refer… when are you in over your head? Who can you turn to? (know referral sources ahead of time)

V. Refer When:• Things don’t improve• Severe $ needs• Medical/legal advice• Depressed/suicidal• Severe aggression• Emotional disturbance• Inapprop.boundaries• Your gut says so