Crisis is defined as an individual's internal reaction to an external hazard. The two types are developmental crisis and situational crisis. Developmental refers to the predictable experiences we go through, and situational refers to accidental, exceptional and unpredictable experiences. Crisis intervention is stepping into the life of a disturbed person, a family, or a group at an opportune time, in such a way as to stop the downward spiral of a deteriorating situation or condition. It's purpose is to bring support and insight, in an effort to lead to decisions that can redirect a person's life. It is decisive moments in people's lives; in other words, it is “Growth Counseling”. To sum it up, crisis intervention consists of (1) reducing, whenever possible, the impact of the crisis-precipitating event, and (2) using the situation to help those affected to strengthen themselves in solving future problems.
There are some advantages of Crisis Counseling. Crisis intervention methods are designed specifically to deal with crises. It focuses on immediate problem solving and the counselor does not have to probe into the person's psyche, therefore, there is less chance of the person resenting the counselor out of embarrassment. It does not take up long periods of the counselor's time. It can be practiced not only by ministers but by laypersons in the congregation with not a lot, but some training and supervised practice.
I have had the opportunity to examine many books on the subject of counseling throughout my career as an elementary school administrator and as a therapist. The following is an overview of the information I gleamed from the books, Crisis Counseling by Howard W. Stone and The Minister as Crisis Counselor by David K. Switzer. I am sure you will be able to gain helpful insights from the information they provided in their excellent books
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CRISIS MINISTRY TRAINING PROGRAM
This program has been designed to train lay persons to assist the pastor, and deacons and other officers in crisis counseling. This program is for those individuals who desire to minister to the body of Christ and have the necessary gifts and abilities to do so. The purpose of this program is not to make persons qualified as psychologist or psychiatrists but rather to equip them to assist others to become all that God intends them to be.
The program will consist of 6 class sessions that will be approximately 2 hours in duration. The sessions will include lectures, discussions, worksheets, and role playing. In addition to class sessions, those persons involved in the program will accompany the pastor, ministers, and/or other officers during visitation of members of the church. After class training, times of observation and participation, these persons will be qualified to become leaders during times of visitation and assist in the training of others.
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