Prevention and Crisis Intervention; Unit 5
9/25/2012
The ABC model of crisis intervention is a method created by Gerald Caplan and Eric Lindemann in the 1940s. The purpose of this crisis intervention method is to conduct a brief mental health interviews with clients whose functioning level has been lowered following a stressful precipitating event. The ABC model is a problem-focused approach and has been known to work best when applied within 4 to 6 weeks of the stressor. The ABC model of crisis intervention uses a three-stage approach to problem solving. This method allows a counselor to (A) build a rapport with the client, (B) identify the client’s perceptions and cognitions of the precipitating event, and finally (C) learning to manage and cope with the feelings in ways that will decrease the stressor (Kanel, 2007). A of the ABC model of crisis intervention is developing and maintaining contact. In order to successfully carry out this portion of the three-stage model, a counselor must possess certain skills. Firstly, attending behavior is very important when attempting to build good rapport with a client. Attending behavior includes good eye contact, attentive body language and expressive vocal style as well as verbal following. It is also important to know that the concept of good attending behavior could vary slightly in regard to cultural differences. In order to be a successful counselor when using the ABC model, it is also important to have knowledge of cultural sensitivity (Kanel, 2007). Another important skill a counselor must possess is the ability of how to appropriately ask questions. Most often in this model, it is important to use open ended questions in order to learn the most information about the precipitating event. Questions beginning with “what” or “how” are most effective in this case. The ability to paraphrase is also important, which is the counselors ability to restate what they thought they