A Guide to Crisis Intervention Practice Exam Answers

A Guide to Crisis Intervention Practice Exam Answers

Q: What is crisis intervention?
A: A short-term, focused approach to help individuals cope with an immediate crisis, aiming to stabilize emotional responses.
Q: What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A: To stabilize the individual, reduce immediate stress, and provide support.
Q: What is the difference between a crisis and a normal life stressor?
A: A crisis is a situation that disrupts a person’s usual coping mechanisms and requires immediate intervention, while a life stressor can be managed over time.
Q: What are the four phases of a crisis?
A: 1) Pre-crisis, 2) Impact, 3) Crisis, 4) Resolution.
Q: What role does the therapist play during crisis intervention?
A: The therapist acts as a guide to help the individual regain control, provide emotional support, and assess the situation for appropriate interventions.

Q: What is an existential crisis?
A: A crisis triggered by a person’s questioning of the meaning and purpose of life, often related to major life transitions.
Q: What is a situational crisis?
A: A crisis caused by an unexpected event, such as a death, job loss, or natural disaster.
Q: What is an interpersonal crisis?
A: A crisis stemming from conflicts or breakdowns in relationships, such as divorce, family conflict, or loss of social support.
Q: What is a developmental crisis?
A: A crisis related to significant developmental milestones or changes, such as adolescence or midlife transitions.
Q: What is a psychiatric crisis?
A: A crisis caused by the exacerbation of a mental health condition, such as a manic episode or severe depression.

Q: What is the ABC model of crisis intervention?
A: A structured model involving three stages: A) Achieving rapport, B) Boiling down the problem, and C) Coping strategies and action.
Q: What is the 7-Step Model in crisis intervention?
A: A model that includes: 1) Assessing the crisis, 2) Establishing rapport, 3) Exploring the problem, 4) Providing emotional support, 5) Developing coping strategies, 6) Re-establishing equilibrium, and 7) Making follow-up arrangements.
Q: What does the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) model focus on?
A: A structured group discussion after a traumatic event aimed at reducing stress and preventing PTSD.
Q: How does the Cognitive-Behavioral Crisis Intervention model work?
A: This model focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the crisis while promoting healthier coping mechanisms.
Q: What is the goal of the Person-Centered Approach in crisis intervention?
A: To create a non-judgmental, empathetic environment where the individual feels understood and empowered to explore solutions.

Q: What is active listening in crisis intervention?
A: A communication technique where the therapist listens attentively, paraphrases, and asks clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
Q: Why is empathy important during crisis intervention?
A: Empathy helps establish rapport, build trust, and reassure the individual that they are supported and understood.
Q: How does non-verbal communication impact crisis intervention?
A: Non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions convey compassion and can help de-escalate emotional distress.
Q: What is reflective listening?
A: A technique where the listener mirrors the speaker’s feelings and emotions to validate their experience and promote emotional processing.
Q: Why is clear and concise communication important in crisis intervention?
A: It helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the person in crisis can follow the conversation and feel supported.

Q: What are the key components in assessing a crisis situation?
A: The severity of the crisis, the individual’s coping mechanisms, the availability of support systems, and the potential for harm to self or others.
Q: What is a risk assessment in crisis intervention?
A: A process used to evaluate the potential risk of harm to self or others, such as suicide or violence.
Q: How is the lethality of a crisis determined?
A: By assessing the intensity of emotions, the presence of self-harm or suicidal ideation, and the level of coping resources.
Q: What is the significance of understanding the person’s history in crisis intervention?
A: It provides insight into their past coping mechanisms, potential triggers, and whether previous interventions have been effective.
Q: How do you assess an individual’s level of functioning during a crisis?
A: By evaluating their ability to think clearly, communicate, and make decisions, and whether their daily life is disrupted.

Q: What is de-escalation in the context of crisis intervention?
A: A process of reducing tension and calming the individual using communication, body language, and emotional support.
Q: What are some common de-escalation strategies?
A: Using calm tones, offering choices, maintaining a safe distance, and focusing on understanding the individual’s emotions.
Q: How can a therapist use body language to de-escalate a crisis?
A: By maintaining an open, non-threatening posture, avoiding gestures that could be perceived as confrontational, and respecting personal space.
Q: Why is it important to validate emotions during a crisis?
A: Validating the person’s feelings helps them feel understood and can reduce anger or anxiety, facilitating better communication.
Q: What should you do if de-escalation techniques are unsuccessful?
A: Call for additional support, create a safe environment, and ensure that emergency procedures are in place if necessary.

Q: What are the warning signs of suicidal ideation?
A: Withdrawal from social activities, expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about death, and giving away possessions.
Q: How should you respond if someone expresses suicidal thoughts?
A: Take them seriously, provide immediate support, and help them access professional resources or emergency services.
Q: What is a suicide risk assessment?
A: An evaluation process to determine the individual’s level of risk for suicide, based on factors like intent, plan, and means.
Q: What are the key steps in a suicide intervention?
A: Ensure safety, create a support plan, engage the person in therapy, and follow up on their mental health.
Q: How can a therapist assess the seriousness of a suicide threat?
A: By inquiring about the individual’s intent, available means, and a specific plan for carrying out the suicide.

Q: What is confidentiality in crisis intervention?
A: The ethical obligation to protect the individual’s privacy and disclose information only when required by law or with consent.
Q: What are the limits of confidentiality in crisis situations?
A: If there is an imminent risk of harm to the individual or others, the therapist may be required to breach confidentiality to ensure safety.
Q: Why is informed consent important in crisis intervention?
A: It ensures the individual understands their treatment options, the goals of intervention, and the potential risks involved.
Q: How does cultural competence impact crisis intervention?
A: Understanding and respecting cultural differences ensures that interventions are relevant and effective for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Q: What ethical issues arise when working with minors in crisis intervention?
A: Balancing the rights of the minor with parental consent and ensuring appropriate safeguarding in crisis situations.