Six-Step Model Of Crisis Intervention Analysis

This critical analysis and evaluation of the video recording (VR 2016) uses the six step model of crisis intervention (SSCIM) that is outlined by James and Gilliland (2005). Identification of the issues for the client and its correlation to crisis definitions is discussed. A brief explanation of the SSCIM steps and an evaluation of the counsellor’s efficacy in the VR (2016) are presented. Further, coping theory and grief narrative theory, focusing on vulnerability and therapeutic approaches are discussed. Overall the counselling skills of the counsellor were within the SSCIM recommendations. However, the alcohol consumption issue should have had more of a focus due to the risks of addiction for the client in his vulnerable state.
Ben is the
Firstly, defining and understanding the client’s view of the crisis is paramount to the successful intervention for both the client and the counsellor. That is, the client is able to express his view and the counsellor is able to express his understanding of the clients view. Second, the counsellor ensures the clients safety throughout the intervention by assessing the totality of the crisis. Assessments measure the “severity, current emotional status, alternatives, situational supports, coping mechanisms, resources, and level of lethality until the client has achieved his or her pre-crisis level of mobility” (James and Gilliland 2005, p. 31). In terms of ensuring the clients safety, assessments are fluid throughout the session/s. Third, the counsellor provides support throughout the session/s by communicating to the client that the counsellor cares and wants to help them. This third step requires the counsellor to be genuine and accept the client and the client’s situation. The fourth step involves the counsellor emphasizing and assessing the alternatives available to the client. This step requires the counsellor to encourage a few realistic choices for the client with regards to their social connections, coping mechanisms and the client’s thoughts. The fifth step directly follows the forth step; once the choices are made by the client, the counsellor in
For example, Ben’s coping mechanisms before Sara’s illness and death was weaker than Sara’s, in his opinion, thus his reaction reveals his vulnerability to stress and his limited capacity to cope with stress (Machin 2014, p. 31). Another theory regarding loss and grief suggests that these vulnerabilities can be identified in a crisis by using the Range of Response to Loss Model and the Adult Attitude to Grief Scale (Machin, 2014, p. 118). Once the level of vulnerability is determined the therapeutic processes can begin with a focus on the person’s story of loss using goal activities and therapeutic approaches that engage with the grief narrative. For example, Ben’s is overwhelmed and vulnerable thus a person centered, constructivist, psychodynamic, cognitive shifting, meaning making and systems approaches can be used variably by the counselor (Machin 2014,