Analyze the Crises Theory and The Crises Intervention Social Work Model - Case Study Example

Janet's Family Problems: A Review of Crisis Theory and Crisis Intervention Social Work Model Janet's Family Problems: A Review of Crisis Theory and Crisis Intervention Social Work Model Introduction This study aims to analyze The Crises Theory and The Crises Intervention Social Work Model. The study also aims to list out the methods to prevent crisis differentiating between the methods and the theory. It focuses on the strengths and the weaknesses of the theory and the methods of crisis prevention, while applying Robert's Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model to solve Janet's Family Problems. Another objective of the study is to bring out the limitations of the model. Crisis Theory as Robert says is defined "as a temporary state of upset and disequilibrium, characterized chiefly by an individual's inability to cope with a particular situation using customary methods of problem solving and by the potential for positive or negative outcome." (As cited in Crisis Intervention, 2004, para. 2 "Crisis Theory") Crisis Theory assumes a certain points, which according to Butcher and Maudal (As cited in Crisis Intervention, 2004, para. 4 "Crisis Theory") include high levels of subjective distress followed by an inability to modify the source of stress. It also assumes that crisis can be the cause of stressful life situations, which are dangerous and are most likely to cause stress. Besides these, some natural calamities and events like death of spouse also provoke crisis reactions. These reactions can take up to 6-8 weeks to be resolved. The theory also assumes that Crisis Intervention is suitable for the individuals who are not able to cope up with their environment temporarily and not who have long-term psychological problems. Crisis Intervention Theory, which is well practiced to deal with the crisis problems of individuals in day-to-day life facilitates crisis resolution through "adaptive rather than maladaptive" means. Crisis Intervention can start with the victim service provider accomplishing two steps, they can administer "emotional first aid" through verbal or non verbal communication with a view to relieve the victim of stress and they can make the victim "feel heard, understood and accepted". (Crisis Intervention, 2004, para.2, "Developing an Awareness of Crisis') Difference Between Theory and Methods Crisis Intervention Theory and Methods are basically based on the very principles of Crisis Intervention, however, when it comes to application of those principles, methods pertain to the more practical side of the issue, whereas theory underlines the ways in which the problem can be overcome. For example, the Theory focuses on giving immediate relief by resolving the immediate problem instead of restructuring the personality of an individual. The Theory also believes in helping the individual identify ways to cope up with the problem and also try and make them engaged in problem-solving behavior. Roberts model professes a thorough assessment of the problem and the individual, to start with, followed by establishing a rapport, identifying the major problems, dealing with the emotions, generating alternatives, formulating an action plan, and following-up. So the above-mentioned process talks about the theory, but to put this into practice Crisis Intervention methods are taken up. There can be methods like "Safety and Security", "Ventilation and Validation", and "Prediction and Preparation". (Crisis Intervention, 2004, para.1, Basic Techniques for Crisis Intervention). Overview of Methods- Strengths and Weaknesses The first method mentioned above- Safety and Security talks about the physical safety of the victim, which can be in danger because of many reasons like if the victim has not been given enough time to replace torn clothing after the incident, or the victim is at the place where an incident took place. The first duty of the victim service provider is to ask the victim, if they are safe, and if they are not it becomes critical to get them first aid. Security on the other hand is very important for a victim. They need to be assured that their reactions and pain will be kept confidential and so they are mentally secured. The relative strength of this method is that the victim gets a chance to take charge of the things after the aftermath and so they can restore their security back. Such a method also brings to the discussion many things the victim is concerned with, like the place where they felt the safest or the well being of their close relatives. The method allows a victim to open their heart out, providing a sense of relief to the victim, assurance of the service provider makes thing even better. Limitations however, can be in the form of non-compliance by the victim or refusal to co-operate or talk properly. Another big problem can crop up if the service provider ends up being a rescuer for the victim. Ventilation and Validation is another method used in dealing with Crisis Intervention. Ventilation deals with allowing the victim to tell their story. The victim is made to tell their story over and over again, so that all the bits and pieces of the story are clear in the victim's mind. The practice of making the victim repeat the story is particularly important because, often the first memory of the incident is narrowly focused on a certain parts of the incident. As the new events get registered in the conscious mind of the victim, their story changes and takes a new shape. So Ventilation involves finding words to give expression to the experience of the victim. Validation however, focuses on the intervenor making it apparent to the victims that the reactions given by them in are natural and normal. The biggest advantage this method has is that it makes a victim feel that their reaction are considered to be normal and will be kept secret. It also makes the victim feel that they are accepted. This method also helps the victim to take charge of the situation after the disaster. Also when questions are posed at the victim, they can answer in detail if there have been any loopholes with the system of justice and the plight of things after the incident. Weaknesses may include victim's wild reactions to themselves or to others. There is another weakness from the law enforcement perspective that the process of ventilation may result in a paradox or self-contradicting stories. Prediction and Preparation is yet another method meant to help victims regain control. The method tries to answer what will happen in victims' lives in future including all the core realities and the practicalities. Such realities may include the legal issues related to the crime or the relocation of the victim or even the medical concerns. The method tries to reorganize the lives of victims by integrating problem solving techniques. Overview of Theory- Strengths and Weaknesses As mentioned above, The Crisis Intervention Theory recognizes the crisis faced by the victim and tries to provide immediate relief. It is improbable to erase the pain of a crime, but the victim may be helped "to avert residual damage and promote new strengths for coping with the memories and future similar challenges." (As cited in Crisis Intervention, 2004, para. 1 "Crisis Intervention"). Crisis Intervention includes addressing everything from the characteristics of the incident to the reactions, anger, self-blame, and the task of helping the victim gain control over their life anew. Robert's model addresses Crisis Intervention in a very phased manner. His model believes in assessing the damage in the first place and then taking it on form there in a phased manner. The strength of the theory is that it deals with crisis-based traumas and is a genuine short-term tool. The theory dabbles with all the sensitive issues related to the victim and the crisis. For example, the victim may be concerned about their loved ones after a disaster, so the theory can come into play perfectly in such a situation, where the victim needs to know about their loved ones. The theory however, fails to resolve longer-term mental problems, neither is it capable of doing away with the pain of the incident forever. It certainly make victims feel better by giving them a chance to express themselves, make their voice heard, and seek remedial measures. To conclude, we can say that Crisis Intervention theory is highly effective as an intervenor is all a victim has in a disastrous situation, and they are indeed the first thing the victim looks up to. Application of Theory to the Case Janet's case is a peculiar case of taking to drugs as a result of sexual abuse early in her life. Janet was sexually abused at a very young age as a result she took to drug abuse quite early in her life. Recovery in such cases, where problems started at such a young age is generally not easy. Terry also is a drug abuse victim, so the case is not any better if Janet's family environment is looked into. Robert's seven-stage model can be applied to the case to solve her drug abuse problem. Robert's Crisis Intervention Model's first stage is about assessing the extent of damage by Planning and Conducting a Crisis Assessment. To begin with the stage, "lethality and bio-psychosocial risk assessment is conducted." (Roberts and Yeager, 2005, "Application of Robert's Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model", Stage 1). This is carried out with the help of lethality scales, to assess if the patient is currently in danger. A similar assessment can be conducted in case of Janet to identify, if she has suicidal or homicidal tendencies or even to assess the level of her anger and self-blame. This assessment is indispensable, as it helps in determining whether a patient needs inpatient hospitalization or any other measure. Stage Two is about Establishing Rapport and a Relationship. The intervenor or the social worker dealing with the case can meet with the victim and develop a plan to cure them. The stage involves a critical analysis of the history of the victim. Easy questions can be posed to the victim to help them make quick decisions, which helps them in gaining control. In Janet's case also she can be posed questions related to her illness like, what steps she thinks can be taken to cure her It is of prime importance that intervenor makes her persistence, to deal with impulsive behavior of victim, clear to them. Identifying Major Problems constitutes stage three. Emphasis is laid on identifying the basic problems with the victim. Making the victim voice their concerns and problems carries out the step. This step is related to the Ventilation process mentioned above, as the patient is Ventilated and Validated. Janet also should be ventilated, so that she gets the picture of her troubles right, in her mind. Dealing with Feelings and Emotions is the next step. Any victim, while telling their story feels many an emotion. It is very important for the intervenor to listen patiently and not let overwhelming emotions overpower the victim. This will make Janet feel better and she will start to trust her social worker. Generate and Explore Alternatives being the next step, victims are made to identify their major problems related to life. All the issues and problems like anger, frustration, self-blame, and loss must be explored. The victim should also be directed toward social groups, music, art, and other productive and positive things so that they gain control. Janet may also be put under such an environment and the social worker dealing with her should make sure that they work with Janet in close association to overcome her problems. Development and Formulation of an Action Plan is the next step forward. Depending upon the extent of damage, as mutually decided by the victim and the intervenor, there could be a host of plans in store for the victim like a residential treatment or transitional visits to treatment groups. Besides a victim's agreement to take part in such a program, they should also realize that they actually want to live. Follow-Up is the last stage of the process. The stage emphasizes on a result-oriented relationship through mutual contact. The social worker dealing with Janet when realizes that the action plan developed for Janet has indeed worked and the treatment has shown results, they must not stop and go complacent, as a victim is always vulnerable. It is one of the duties of the intervenor to see that the result shown by the victim continues, and for that to happen, they should keep in touch with the victim till they get completely cured. Conclusion Robert's Model of Crisis Intervention is a huge relief for the survivors of crime, as it has proved to be. Janet's case is not a very complicated case if compared to some of the other cases, under which the victim obtains a full ranking on lethality and shows suicidal tendencies. There has been a proper evidence of the model correcting such problems by the sheer patience of the social workers and the methods of intervention. Janet's case if examined closely can definitely be solved, as she already has the will to quit drugs and return to a normal life. Terry's release from prison however, can be a factor working to the detriment of Janet. Social workers' concern over his release is justifiable. Janet could try to have an impact on Terry's drug abuse, by trying to make him seek intervention, but if he declines, she can go ahead on her way to get rid of drugs by making a fresh start. She cannot afford to stay with Terry, as she will be risking her life and may end up abusing drugs all over again. It is because of this effect, a victim must be set free from their old environment, as it can trigger a need to abuse drugs or alcohol once again. To conclude, we can say that the model is a paradigm and definitely works wonders provided there is a will and a desire to gain control over life once again. References Roberts and Yeager. (2005). Adolescents Substance Abuse and Crisis Intervention [Electronic Version]. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention vol.5 No.1 Oxford journal Crisis Intervention,(Dec 28, 2004). Retrieved Mar30, 2006. Crisis Intervention,(Dec 28, 2004). Retrieved Mar30, 2006. Crisis Intervention,(Dec 28, 2004). Retrieved Mar30, 2006. 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