CIC Intervention Techniques & De-escalation Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which proxemics principle should a crisis counselor apply when physically approaching an agitated individual?
- Stand within arm's reach to show engagement
- Maintain personal space (4-12 feet) to avoid triggering defensiveness (Correct answer)
- Stay at least 30 feet away until the person calms completely
- Position directly behind the person to avoid eye contact
Correct answer: Maintain personal space (4-12 feet) to avoid triggering defensiveness
Maintaining personal space (4-12 feet) during crisis reduces the individual's sense of threat and lowers physiological arousal.
Question 2: A client in crisis begins speaking very rapidly and jumping between topics. The BEST counselor response is to:
- Ask multiple clarifying questions simultaneously to keep up
- Gently slow the pace by speaking calmly and asking one focused question at a time (Correct answer)
- Match the client's rapid speech to show empathy
- Interrupt and redirect to a predetermined topic
Correct answer: Gently slow the pace by speaking calmly and asking one focused question at a time
Speaking calmly and asking one focused question helps co-regulate the client's nervous system and brings cognitive clarity.
Question 3: In the ACT model of crisis intervention, what does 'C' stand for?
- Containment
- Connecting (Correct answer)
- Crisis assessment
- Cognitive reframing
Correct answer: Connecting
In ACT (Assessment, Crisis, Treatment), 'C' stands for Connecting—building rapport and a therapeutic alliance with the person in crisis.
Question 4: Which statement BEST describes the purpose of offering limited choices during de-escalation?
- It confuses the client so they stop resisting
- It restores a sense of control and autonomy, reducing escalation (Correct answer)
- It speeds up the intervention by narrowing options quickly
- It tests the client's decision-making capacity
Correct answer: It restores a sense of control and autonomy, reducing escalation
Offering two or three acceptable choices returns agency to the client, which directly reduces feelings of helplessness that fuel crisis behavior.
Question 5: When using the SLANT technique in active listening during crisis, 'L' refers to:
- Lowering your voice
- Leaning slightly forward (Correct answer)
- Limiting questions
- Listening without responding
Correct answer: Leaning slightly forward
In SLANT (Sit up, Lean forward, Attend, Nod, Track), leaning slightly forward signals engagement and attentiveness to the person in crisis.
Question 6: A crisis counselor notices a client's fists are clenched and jaw is tight but the client says 'I'm fine.' The counselor should FIRST:
- Accept the verbal statement and move on
- Gently reflect the nonverbal cues without confrontation (Correct answer)
- Immediately call for security
- Challenge the client's statement directly
Correct answer: Gently reflect the nonverbal cues without confrontation
Reflecting nonverbal cues (e.g., 'You say you're fine, but I notice some tension in your body') invites honest disclosure without confrontation.
Question 7: Which de-escalation technique involves repeating the last few words a person said to encourage them to continue speaking?
- Paraphrasing
- Minimal encouragers
- Trailing repetition (echoing) (Correct answer)
- Summarization
Correct answer: Trailing repetition (echoing)
Trailing repetition (echoing) reflects the client's own words back to them, signaling attentiveness and prompting further self-disclosure.
CIC Intervention Techniques & De-escalation Strategies 2
Which proxemics principle should a crisis counselor apply when physically approaching an agitated individual?