In the context of crisis intervention, what should responders aim to do?

In crisis intervention, responders should prioritize resolving the situation verbally whenever possible. This approach is rooted in the principle of de-escalation, which aims to address the emotions and behaviors of individuals in crisis through communication. By engaging in dialogue, responders can help individuals express their feelings, clarify misunderstandings, and ultimately allow the person in crisis to regain a sense of control and calmness. Effective verbal resolution helps prevent the escalation of the situation and can foster a therapeutic relationship, enabling the responder to provide support and assistance.

Minimizing communication would likely increase feelings of isolation and frustration for the individual in crisis, which could worsen their emotional state. Ensuring personal safety is indeed important, but it is part of a broader strategy that includes communication and support; simply focusing on safety may overlook the individual’s emotional needs. Engaging only when physical harm is imminent limits the potential for proactive intervention, which can often avert crises before they escalate. Therefore, aiming for verbal resolution aligns best with the overall goals of crisis intervention strategies.