Last Week Warmth, empathy & genuineness stand out as key relational factors in people helping skills

Review: Techniques of Counseling A. Attending B. Listening C. Responding D. Teaching E. Immediacy

Questions to Ponder What is a crisis? What has helped you in a crisis? What is your goal in helping another in crisis?

I. Crisis Defined Danger? Opportunity? Other?

I. Crisis Defined

The Bible & Crisis: who is in crisis in the Bible? Everyone! (almost) (think of Mary, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Samson, David… Paul, Disciples… Jesus!)

II. Types of Crises A. Accidental or Situational: a sudden threat or unexpected loss

II. Types of Crises B. Developmental: during the course of normal human development

II. Types of Crises C. Existential: forced to face disturbing truths

III. Goals of Crisis Counseling A. help person cope & return to usual level B. decrease anxiety- insecurities in crisis

III. Goals of Crisis Counseling C. teach crisis-solving techniques- to be better prepared for the next D. learn from crisis & grow through it

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling A. Make Contact go to them show warmth pull them into reality touch (appropriately)

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling B. Reduce Anxiety relaxed, calm manner provide reassuring facts state approval of actions offer prediction if poss. encourage breathing- muscle relaxation Breathe

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling C. Focus on Issues What specific issue must be faced What specific issue must be solved

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling D. Evaluate Resources Spiritual resources Personal resources Interpersonal resources Additional resources

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling E. Plan Intervention What are the facts and options? “Do for others that which they cannot do for themselves… & no more” encourage help if needed

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling F. Encourage Action action, evaluate progress, modify plans and action if needed or- change thoughts, express feelings, plan for future… some crises cannot be resolved

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling G. Instill Hope realistic hope for the future releases energy to face the crisis thru Scriptural truths thru examining self- defeating logic thru activity- even minimal activity

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling H. Provide Environmental Help- changing the environment prayer from others money or supplies practical help

IV. Techniques of Crisis Counseling I. Follow-Up: contact How are they getting along? What do they need? What did they learn? How would they/will they do it differently?

V. Knowing Your Limits Know when to refer… when are you in over your head? Who can you turn to? (know referral sources ahead of time)

V. Refer When: Things don’t improve Severe $ needs Medical/legal advice Depressed/suicidal Severe aggression Emotional disturbance Inapprop.boundaries Your gut says so