BEST COUNSELING PRACTICES: TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CRISIS
Presented by Randy Kinnick, M.Ed.
We live in a world that is volatile and uncertain. Because of the proliferation of
terrorism, cultural and national conflict, as well as the certainty of “natural disaster” that
comes in the forms of storms, flooding, earthquakes and wildfires, we often find groups
of people in the midst of crisis.
Additionally, families and individuals face crises through accidents, sudden illness and
death as well as the trauma of family breakdown (divorce or separation).
As those who are in ministry (professional or layperson), we are often in a unique and
effective position to be among the “first responders” to such crises. What do we do?
How do we respond? What should be our goal in addressing the crisis?
 TYPES OF CRISES
1. Human Caused – violence or trauma caused by the actions of a person or
people. (Terrorism, Random Violence, War, Gang Violence)
2. Natural Disaster – weather/geographically related (storms, earthquakes, floods,
wildfires)
3. Accidents – incidents that are caused by human error or malfunction of
equipment (auto accidents, train accidents, work-site accidents)
A crisis is simply normal people responding to an abnormal event…therefore it is not
considered a psychological disorder.
 PURPOSE OF CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELING
To stabilize the victim and return them to a state of balance in emotional functioning to
the level prior to the crisis.
o It is not intended to be ongoing counseling or therapy
o It is solution-focused in scope
 IMMEDIATE TRAUMA INTERVENTION
1. Make sure first contact is nonintrusive and respectful (they may not be ready)
2. Use Bilateral Stimulation - gently squeezing each of the victim's hands alternately
until they are able to make eye contact and begin to talk.
3. Provide a safe and secure environment, physically and emotionally (this is
paramount)
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 DISASTER COUNSELING
1. Solution-Focused – address the needs that will get them to the goals as quickly
and effectively as possible.
2. Goals:
a. Safety
b. Stabilization
c. Self-care
d. Coping skills
3. Disasters caused by human actions (terrorism) cause a loss of belief that we live
in a basically safe world.
a. Disrupts our inner core
Hierarchy
Of
Needs
Abraham
Maslow
b. Feelings of sadness and grief are mingled with anger, hatred and revenge
4. Natural disasters have a different focus with less fear of future attack (steps)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Feelings of sadness, grief and shock are mixed with resignation
Resolve to return to normal follows
Determination to rebuild homes and neighborhoods
Restoration of connection with family and friends is sought
There can be a focus on recovery without fear of future attack
5. Phases of Recovery:
a. Safety and Stabilization
b. Remembering and Mourning
c. Reconnecting and Healing
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6. We must help the victims to reestablish a sense of safety, normalcy and
predictability
7. We must resist the desire to “fix” the situation and never tell victims “everything
will be okay.”
8. Remind ourselves and the victims that trauma actually provides and opportunity
for psychological growth.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID
In immediate trauma situations, it is helpful to have an approach that will encourage
secure, safe and controlled interaction. It actually reduces the immediate distress
and the potential for long-term psychological problems such as PTSD.
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STOP - acronym that is helpful in getting respondent and victim connected:
S = Sit
T = Think
O = Observe
P = Plan
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SOLER - behavioral approach
S = Sit or Stand Squarely
O = Open Posture
L = Lean Forward
E = Eye Contact
R = Relax
Teaching Coping Skills
Adaptive coping actions are those that help to reduce anxiety, lessen other distressing
reactions, improve the situation, or help people get through bad times. In general,
coping methods that are likely to be helpful include:
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Talking to another person for support (Tapping into support network)
Getting needed information (authorities and officials)
Getting adequate rest, nutrition, exercise
Engaging in positive distracting activities (sports, hobbies, reading)
Trying to maintain a normal schedule to the extent possible
Telling yourself that it is natural to be upset for some period of time (facing
reality)
Scheduling pleasant activities
Eating healthful meals
Taking breaks
Spending time with others
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Participating in a support group
Using relaxation methods (i.e., breathing exercises, positive imagery)
Using calming self talk
Exercising in moderation
Seeking counseling (pastor, deacon, teacher, professional)
Keeping a journal (prayer journal)
Focusing on something practical that you can do right now to manage the
situation better
 SCRIPTURES FOR DEALING WITH CRISIS AND RECOVERY FROM ANXIETY
o Safety/Refuge
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 2:12)
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
(Deuteronomy 33:27)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me
with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.
(2 Samuel 22:2)
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:3)
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my
salvation.
(2 Samuel 22:3)
The LORD will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to
his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy
4:18)
o Help & Guidance
I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? (Psalm 121:1)
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:2)
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The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials.
(2 Peter 2:9)
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
o Comfort/Peace
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be
on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27)
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every
way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
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Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:5-7)
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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever you have
learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
o Adapted from a Treatment Model from Remudah Ranch
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Phase I: Laying a Foundation
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It is important to put a safety plan in place so that the individual
is in a network of accountability and support.
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual
house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)
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Phase II: Transformation
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The individual must face issues of loss and learn to grieve.
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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the
will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans
12:2)
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Phase III: Integration
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The individual begins to put the skills and concepts learned
into daily practical use for continued growth.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will
bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
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RESOURCES:
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The resource, Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide for Community Religious
Professionals, contains helpful information in handling crises for the pastor and faith
community. Included are handouts and charts, like the ones in this packet, that are
helpful tools for those serving the victims and for the victims themselves. This
resource is available in PDF format and may be downloaded for free from the
following link:
http://www.randykinnick.com/resources/educational-resources-downloads/
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Information and ideas about the use of prayer in the faith community.
http://www.randykinnick.com/community-prayer/
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Information and ideas about the journey of discipleship.
http://www.randykinnick.com/1discipleship-101/
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