Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response: Theory and Practice

by Barbara Rubin Wainrib EdD, Ellin Bloch PhD

Overview

"The doctor said that the surgery on my wife's cancer was a failure and that there was nothing more that they could do. I felt as if I was in a bad movie, and everything around me had come to a halt."
---James G., husband of a cancer victim

Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response are short term, problem-oriented, therapeutic interventions whose goal is to produce constructive change in the life situation of the client as quickly and directly as possible. Written in a lively and informative style, the authors present their successful General Crisis Response model for intervention. Using real life case examples, the authors encourage therapists to focus on clients' inner strengths rather than on pathologies that need to be "fixed," to help clients (like James G.) cope. The book is filled with exercises to develop techniques for building verbal and non-verbal skills, awareness of individual and cultural differences, and much more. A Crisis and Trauma Assessment checklist is included for effective therapeutic interventions, whether in your office or at a trauma site. The authors' down-to-earth approach to this topic will appeal to crisis intervention professionals as well as teachers and students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826196941
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	02/28/1998
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Barbara Rubin Wainrib, EdD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist in independent practice in Montreal.

Table of Contents

"

1. ABOUT THIS BOOK
2. CRISIS, TRAUMA AND YOU: THEORIES OF CRISIS AND TRAUMA
3. HOW WE RESPOND TO CRISIS AND TRAUMA
4. PRINCIPLES AND MODELS OF INTERVENTION
5. ASSESSMENT FOR CRISIS AND TRAUMA
6. SUICIDE AND VIOLENCE: ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
7. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: THE PRAGMATICS

"

What People are Saying About This

John A. Clizbe

This book is very special in its integration of solid conceptualization and compassionate practice. Through the use of well-integrated exercises and introspections, it successfully conveys the message that 'Helping' is a personal—not just an academic—experience. (John A. Clizbe, PhD, Red Cross Mental Health Program)

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

In this book, the authors examine human responses to trauma and to the traumatized, describe approaches to crisis response, and offer a theoretically-based model of intervention based on observed individual differences integrating work in these areas. Both scholarly and hands-on perspectives are offered; these are based upon the different but complementary clinical backgrounds of the two authors and their extensive work in the field of crisis intervention. Experiential exercises designed to sensitize readers to their own experiences of traumatization or crisis are provided with the goal of helping the reader develop effective, generalizable intervention skills that focus on the client's unique inner strengths and capabilities. Given this goal, and the fact that people are often called upon to work in this area with minimal or no training, the objectives are commendable and useful. This is a good introduction to traumatology for students and a valuable resource for practitioners who do not regularly work in this field. It may also serve as a reminder to experienced professionals of the need for introspection during circumstances that demand client focus. It also contains exercises and techniques designed to reduce the incidence of inappropriately pathologizing clients appropriate for all readers, regardless of experience. The authors base their philosophies in their own work, evidenced by the descriptions and examples provided of their own training, experiences, and encountered difficulties. Strengths of this book include its workbook form, its descriptions of the impact of trauma/crisis and of the responses often chosen, assessment procedures (particularly the sections on suicideand violence), and its coverage of the pragmatics involved in this model. However, the authors choose to sacrifice depth for breadth. Covering so many scenarios makes the book difficult to follow at times as it switches rather abruptly from topic to topic. Thus, careful reading and considerable time digesting the material are required. Relevant references are included with each chapter.

Tracy Smith-Simko

Reviewer: Tracy Smith-Simko, MA (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: In this book, the authors examine human responses to trauma and to the traumatized, describe approaches to crisis response, and offer a theoretically-based model of intervention based on observed individual differences integrating work in these areas. Both scholarly and hands-on perspectives are offered; these are based upon the different but complementary clinical backgrounds of the two authors and their extensive work in the field of crisis intervention.
Purpose: Experiential exercises designed to sensitize readers to their own experiences of traumatization or crisis are provided with the goal of helping the reader develop effective, generalizable intervention skills that focus on the client's unique inner strengths and capabilities. Given this goal, and the fact that people are often called upon to work in this area with minimal or no training, the objectives are commendable and useful.
Audience: This is a good introduction to traumatology for students and a valuable resource for practitioners who do not regularly work in this field. It may also serve as a reminder to experienced professionals of the need for introspection during circumstances that demand client focus. It also contains exercises and techniques designed to reduce the incidence of inappropriately pathologizing clients appropriate for all readers, regardless of experience. The authors base their philosophies in their own work, evidenced by the descriptions and examples provided of their own training, experiences, and encountered difficulties.
Features: Strengths of this book include its workbook form, its descriptions of the impact of trauma/crisis and of the responses often chosen, assessment procedures (particularly the sections on suicide and violence), and its coverage of the pragmatics involved in this model. However, the authors choose to sacrifice depth for breadth.
Assessment: Covering so many scenarios makes the book difficult to follow at times as it switches rather abruptly from topic to topic. Thus, careful reading and considerable time digesting the material are required. Relevant references are included with each chapter.

Doody's Review Service