Crisis Intervention Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'equilibrium' as used in crisis theory?

Answer: The balanced psychological state that exists before and is restored after a crisis

Equilibrium in crisis theory refers to the stable psychological baseline disrupted by a precipitating event; crisis intervention aims to restore it.

A counselor discovers that a client has been stockpiling opioids retrieved from other residents at a sober living home. This constitutes what type of crisis indicator?

Answer: Potential preparatory behavior for a suicide attempt requiring immediate action

Stockpiling medications (means acquisition) is a recognized preparatory behavior for suicide and requires immediate safety assessment and intervention.

When a counselor uses active listening during a crisis, which response demonstrates GENUINE empathy rather than sympathy?

Answer: 'It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed and trapped right now.'

Reflecting the client's specific emotional experience ('overwhelmed and trapped') demonstrates empathy by acknowledging their subjective reality rather than minimizing or projecting.

A client presents in crisis after losing custody of her children following a DUI. She denies suicidal ideation but is tearful and states 'I don't see the point anymore.' The counselor's FIRST response is to:

Answer: Clarify what 'I don't see the point anymore' means in terms of suicidal thinking

Ambiguous statements like 'I don't see the point' must be directly clarified to determine whether suicidal ideation is present before proceeding.

Which of the following is TRUE about the use of no-suicide contracts in chemical dependency counseling?

Answer: They have limited empirical support and should not replace a comprehensive safety plan

Research does not support the effectiveness of no-suicide contracts in preventing suicide; safety planning is considered a more evidence-based alternative.

A client in methamphetamine-induced psychosis is agitated and paranoid in the waiting room. The counselor's FIRST priority is to:

Answer: Ensure environmental safety and call for medical or emergency assistance

Stimulant-induced psychosis can escalate rapidly; ensuring environmental safety and obtaining medical assistance is the immediate priority.

In the context of crisis intervention, the term 'precipitating event' refers to:

Answer: The specific stressor that triggered the current crisis state

The precipitating event is the identifiable trigger—such as job loss, relationship breakdown, or relapse—that directly activated the crisis.