While many people associate a crisis with a catastrophic incident, in mental health terminology, it relates to people dealing with difficult situations. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, personal traumatic events, and the death of a loved one are all examples of circumstances that a crisis counselor may deal with.
Crisis counselors jump in during these moments to assist people in dealing with the circumstance. Many people are unaware of the following facts regarding crisis counseling.
Understanding Crisis Counseling
According to the American Counseling Association, crisis counseling helps people cope and find support after a big crisis. Crisis counseling is quick and time-limited, aiming to create stability, develop a sense of personal empowerment and safety, and discover appropriate resources.
While crisis counseling is not a replacement for long-term therapy or psychiatric care, it can provide a secure outlet for temporary relief.
Psychological first aid, which focuses on lowering acute distress, restoring physical and mental stability, and integrating prosocial coping skills, is frequently used by crisis counselors.
Professionals trained in mental health first aid assist in detecting and responding to indicators of mental illness or substandard mental health care.
How It Helped Back in World War I
While the concept of counseling has existed for millennia, the current practice of crisis counseling is relatively recent. This approach has its roots in World War I and assisting troops in dealing with what they had observed in the war.
Previously, many soldiers who experienced psychiatric breakdowns were considered disloyal to their nation. However, counselors began to notice that troops who got immediate treatment turned out better than those who did not receive any treatment.
Nowadays, this concept has been modernized with the availability of technology, giving way to online counseling services.
This Form of Therapy Requires Special Training
While some schools for therapists or social workers will briefly examine crisis counseling procedures, most counselors require formal training in crisis counseling before beginning their professions.
This training might involve learning when and how to call the police or other emergency services. The program will also address how to establish boundaries, cope with cultural differences, and the ethical principles that all crisis counselors must adhere to.
Although crisis counseling is a relatively new concept, many individuals are still unfamiliar with the discipline and its startling and intriguing characteristics.
Children May Require Care Different from Adults
While a tragedy can affect both children and adults, crisis counselors understand that aiding children after the event necessitates a unique approach. Although everyone reacts differently, children often experience mental fog, headaches, stomachaches, or act out emotionally.
Because children sometimes lack the vocabulary required to communicate their feelings in traditional treatment, crisis counselors employ various types of therapy, such as art or play therapy, to help children recognize and reframe their thoughts.
It Is Not a Replacement for Long-Term Therapy
Unlike psychotherapy, crisis counseling is generally short, lasting from a few weeks to less than three months. The goal of crisis therapy is to help people focus on stressful circumstances, treat their current needs, and learn coping skills to face similar or identical situations in the future.
Crisis counselors do not replace long-term therapy options. Instead, they assist their customers in dealing with the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Conclusion
People may react to trauma and disasters differently. Crisis counseling plays a vital role in allowing people to understand their trauma and learn how to cope healthily.
While crisis counseling can’t replace long-term therapy or psychiatric care, it can provide a safe avenue for short-term support.
Are you in need of crisis counseling in Houston, TX? Hope Speed Support Center specializes in crisis counseling, other counseling, and therapeutic services for children, teens, and adults. Request an appointment today!
