Pastoral Care in Human Crisis

1. Pastoral Care in Human Crisis Crisis Intervention Theory I RWBell 03/02

2. Crisis Intervention Theory • Modern CI Theory manifests a psychological focus that often overlooks the specifically spiritual/religious dimension inherent in human crisis. • Crisis Ministry itself has tended to reflect this orientation by way of psychologically defined goals for ministry (focused upon human functioning). • Charles V. Gerkin posits that “pastoral response to crisis situations . . . must be informed . . . by a theology of ministry in crisis situations that incorporates a theological understanding of human crisis.” (“Crisis Ministry,” Dictionary of PC & C, 247)

3. Crisis: A Theological View • “First” Aid in Pastoral Care is God’s aid. • Pastoral care is “an explicit involvement in the caring response of God to man…” • “The person cared for is potentially set free in pastoral care from attachment to the caring person for a response to the caring God.” • “Pastoral care is acknowledged involvement in the responsiveness of God.” • Canon Leslie Virgo. “First Aid in Pastoral Care: I. The Biblical Basis,” Expository Times 95 (7), 196.

4. Crisis: A Theological View 1 • A pastoral approach to crisis requires both: • pragmatism - (practical) • theological reflection - (Biblical)

5. Crisis: A Theological View 2 • All crises are theological at their core; to wit: “Why?” (i.e., “Why did God . . . ?”) • A cry of pain (“Why!!?) versus a question needing immediate discursive response. • Our concern is both for the immediate and the ultimate concerns that arise in the crisis experience, and usually in that order. • Consider Job’s experience.

6. Crisis Intervention: Purpose • The purpose of all acts of pastoral care in response to human crisis is ?

7. Crisis Intervention: Purpose • The purpose of all acts of pastoral care in response to human crisis isto enable persons to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

8. Crisis: Definitions • Crisis: danger + opportunity • Crisis: turning point (in which a decision is required) • Crisis: a person’s internal reaction to an external hazard • Crisis: a state of feeling overwhelmed due to an event/situation for which one is unable to cope using one’s customary means.*

9. Crisis Development 2 • Precipitatory event = situation at hand • Appraisal = what meaning a person attributes to the event • Coping Resources = ways and means of responding to threatening situations or events. The adequacy of the resources affects the extent to which the event will be experienced as a crisis.

10. Crisis Development • Precipitatory Event Appraisal of Resources & Coping Methods = if OVERWHELMED, then . . . • CRISIS !!

11. Crisis: “Turned Up-Side Down” • Normal: • In Crisis:

12. Crisis: Timeframe • Usual timeframe is less than six weeks (acute phase). • Crisis Intervention Techniques are used during this phase alone to address the immediate, urgent needs. • Do only for the person(s) what they are unable to do for themselves.

13. Crisis Behavior • Crisis behavior is not a sign of weakness or mental illness, but is normal. • BBehaviorally • AAffectively • SSomatically {Hand} • IInterpersonally • CCognitively • SSpiritually

14. Crisis Intervention: Objectives 1 • Remember that crisis = • 1) DANGER • 2) Opportunity • Purpose of crisis intervention > • Objectives of intervention (how purpose is achieved)>

15. Crisis Intervention: Objectives 2 • 1) [Danger] > to reduce the impact of the crisis. • 2) [Opportunity] > to equip those in crisis to deal with the present as well as future crises by learning more effective means of coping.Alternatively: to assist the person in integrating the crisis for the sake of future growth in Christ. • In summary:reduce impact&equip to cope

16. Slaikeu’s Strategy for Crisis Intervention

20. Second-Order Intervention:What to Do Once the Sea Has Been Calmed 1 • Remember that not everyone needs 2nd order intervention in order to resolve their crisis. • Others will benefit from short-term counseling or assistance in working through a crisis in its aftermath.

21. Second-Order Intervention:What to Do Once the Sea Has Been Calmed 2 • 2nd order intervention is most effective when it coincides with the period of disorganization (six or more weeks) of the crisis itself. • During this period some reorganization is taking place. Hence, the intent is to affect the reorganization toward growth and health.

22. Crisis Intervention Theory 1 (CIT) • CIT involves five sequential steps: • 1) Understanding Crisis as Homeostatic Upset • 2) Recognizing the Kind of Imbalance • Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Physical, Spiritual • 3) Recognizing the Cause of the Crisis • Loss of support, loss of control, a new/unique situation • 4) Achieving Short-Term Stabilization • 5) Achieving Long-Term Stabilization • Robert Pavelsky, “Crisis Intervention Theory” in Dictionary of Pastoral Care & Counseling, ed. Rodney J. Hunter (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990), 245-46.

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