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Adult Help Line:
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972.233.2233
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Teen Help Line:
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972.233.TEEN
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Español Help Line:
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972.233.2428
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In mental health terms, a crisis refers not necessarily
to a traumatic situation or event, but to a person's
reaction to an event. One person might be deeply affected
by an event, while another individual suffers little or
no ill effects. The Chinese word for crisis presents a
good depiction of the components of a crisis. The word
crisis in Chinese is formed with the characters for danger
and opportunity. A crisis presents an obstacle, trauma,
or threat, but it also presents an opportunity for either
growth or decline.
We often think of a crisis as a
sudden unexpected disaster, such as a car accident, natural
disaster, or other cataclysmic event. However, crises can
range substantially in type and severity. Sometimes a crisis
is a predictable part of the life cycle. Situational crises
are sudden and unexpected, such as accidents and natural
disasters. Existential crises are inner conflicts related
to things such as life purpose, direction, and spirituality.
The purpose of crisis counseling is to deal with the
current status of the individual dealing with a crisis.
Chronic exposure to stress or trauma can lead to mental
illness, so it is important that crisis counselors have
the skills and knowledge to help clients cope with current
stressors and trauma. Crisis counseling is not intended to
provide psychotherapy, but instead to offer short-term
intervention to help clients receive assistance, support,
resources, and stabilization.
The following three sequential phases incorporate the work
of Kanel (1999), Hoff (1995, 2001), and other crisis theorists.
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Do you need help now?
If you are in crisis or need immediate
help, please call our crisis line now.
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If this is a
life-threatening
emergency,
call 9-1-1
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