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Crisis Intervention

There are different theories of crisis. My favorite is chaos theory (Gleick, 1987) that posits that events may look like they are random (chaos) but when we examine them closely we will see there really is an orderly pattern operating. It’s important to remember that although a crisis feels awful and certainly can be dangerous, it is also an opportunity to change. We all experience crisis and some people have them more often than others. According to James and Gilliland (2004) there are 4 basic types of crisis:

1) Developmental
2) Situational
3) Existential
4) Environmental

I recommend their book, “Crisis Intervention Strategies.” Some other good crisis intervention resources are at the links below.

Recommended Books and Journals

·      Greenstone, J. & Leviton, S. (2001). Elements of Crisis Intervention (2nd Ed.).  Wadsworth Publishing.

 

·      Roberts, A. (2000).  Crisis Intervention Handbook (2nd Ed.).  Oxford University Press.

 

·      Aguilera, D. (1998). Crisis Intervention: Theory and Methodology (8th Ed.).  C.V. Mosby.

 

·     Myer, R. (2000).  Assessment  for Crisis Intervention.  Wadsworth Publishing.

          by Rick A. Myer

 

·      Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention (a journal published by Oxford Press)

          http ://brief-treatment.oupjournals.org/

Below are links to Recommended Crisis Intervention Web Sites

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information

               Crisis Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect: User Manual Series
               National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
               Crisis Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect:  User Manual Series
               http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/pubs/usermanuals/crisis/crisis.cfm

User friendly guides for professionals in the social work field to improve their assistance to children and families in crisis. It includes an overall description of what a crisis is as well as a description of goals, steps, and assessment involved in crisis intervention.

  • The School Psychologist Homepage

Crisis Intervention Manual
http://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/psych/crisis/cimanual.html

A crisis manual created for those working with children in a school setting. Many of the intervention tips and guidelines can be applied to different settings. Includes descriptions of intervention plans, crisis intervention guidelines, as well as printable handouts for parents, teachers, and students.

  • Gay/Lesbian Resources

Domestic Violence In Gay Couples
http://www.psychpage.com/gay/library/gay_lesbian_violence/

Good resource for information about domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships. Recognized stigmas involved including the issue of males often being overlooked/ignored as victims of domestic violence. Discusses stages of healthy gay relationships, patterns of domestic violence, as well as treatment options.

Starr A.Wood, MSW, Ph.D.

University at Albany

School of Social Welfare