Robert Green

Crisis Article Review Paper

The article I read provided a practical framework and rationale for crisis
preparation and response by counselors in their daily work with clients. The article
further highlighted some of the current deficiencies in training of new counselors as well
as common responses to crisis in light of those deficiencies. In light of my recent
experience in practicing crisis response, I found that this article held particular relevance
to my growth as a counselor.
In writing this article, the authors purposed to examine the current standards of
protocol in relation to crisis response for counselors. Their examination began with
highlighting the current professional counseling standards for crisis management through
CACREP, NBCC, ACES, and ACA. According to McAdams and Keener (2008),
national and state standards for professional counseling address the need for attention to
crisis preparation and appropriate response; however, they do not specify the type or level
of attention necessary to minimize the risk of crises and maximize the effectiveness of
crisis intervention and the potential for full post-crisis recovery among all those affected
(p. 388). For example, CACREP specifies that counselor preparation include knowledge
of prevention and crisis intervention strategies. But, McAdams and Keener point out that
CACREP does not indicate a minimum level or knowledge or skill proficiency as
necessary for effective crisis response.
Specification of skill proficiency for counselor preparation in response to crisis
management is more than a pedantic chore. According to McAdams and Keener (2008),
the frequency of serious client crises confronting human service professionals has
escalated to such proportions that crises have been referred to as an occupational
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hazard in the professional literature. Nearly a third of all practicing mental health
counselors can expect to encounter the suicide of a client at some point in their careers;
nearly two thirds should anticipate a clients suicide attempt (as cited in Schwartz &
Rogers, 2004).
Correspondingly, a strength of this article was its focus on the how crisis affects
the counselors even after the event is over. Most times the preparation for counselors
dealing with crisis is directed towards how to work with the client in the moment. Yet,
the article highlights the emotional toll that it takes on the counselor his/herself and the
necessity to have a systematic process for all counselors confronted with crisis in their
work. McAdams and Keener (2008) point out that in the aftermath of a major crisis such
as clients suicide or major violence counselors have reported feelings of guilt, sadness,
anger, and fear in dealing with at-risk clients; these feelings remain at intrusive or
debilitating levels even years after the event (p.389). It is invaluable as a counselor to
understand the need for support after working through crisis. Even more so, preparation
in anticipation of crisis management is vital for counselors to remain effective.
The article presents a more systematic and comprehensive model for crisis
management in phases called the preparation, action, and recovery (PAR) framework.
The framework presents mandatory counselor responsibilities and awareness in phases
for pre-crisis preparation, in-crisis action, and post-crisis recovery. The strength of this
model is that it focuses on the safety and wellness of both the counselor and client
throughout the process of intervention. Furthermore, the model seeks to normalize the
presence of heightened emotional response within the counselor who is working directly
to address the crisis. Although natural, the feeling of heightened emotion or felt sense on
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behalf of the counselor will likely cloud the counselors objectivity. The model specifies
the need for acceptance of support especially for new and seasoned counselors who both
may feel the need to prove their ability to handle the situation. One weakness I noticed of
the model was that it did not specify a particular crisis assessment protocol for new
counselors. The more Im guessing that the authors did not want to endorse a particular
assessment that may be in conflict with some counseling agencies procedures. Still, I
believe it would be salient to initial preparation of counselors to be more specific in the
steps of a particular crisis assessment as part of the PAR model.
Reading this article resonated with me particularly at this time in light of my
recent experience volunteering in class to conduct an assessment. In my assessment class
on last Wednesday, I was asked to step out of the class while an assessment scenario was
set up with the rest of the class and a volunteer client. Upon stepping back into the class,
I had no clue of what the scenario would be. Likewise, when clients step into our office
as counselors we are not aware of what issues they may be bringing in with them on that
day.
The client scenario was of a client experiencing depression and stating that he was
considering committing suicide for some time prior to coming in for counseling. I felt an
initial anxiety and uncertainty of what steps to take next as the counselor in this situation.
I did remember to remain present with the client and learn more about the intensity of the
thoughts. However, I could not think of any other specific questions to ask while in the
midst of the situation. Therefore, I was appreciative to have experienced that uncertainty
and initial anxiety within the classroom setting prior to confronting this scenario in real
life.
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After this classroom exercise, I better understood the post-crisis experience that
counselors likely go through. Fortunately, I was able to get immediate feedback from my
classmates who were watching the scenario. Counselors in the community do not have
that luxury, and are left to process their actions in the crisis moment on their own. In
reading this article, I am curious to find out more about the intrapersonal responses to
crisis management for counselors in the community. I feel that more study of the effects
of crisis on mental health professionals would lead to better training and preparation in
the area of crisis. Better preparation would likely lead to less burnout and questioning of
decisions within the moment of crisis for new and experienced counselors.
In summary, the article I read highlighted many practical issues confronting
counselors in their work with crisis management. My own experiences as a counselor in
training have helped me better understand the relevance of crisis management preparation
as well. In the future, I would like to research more about counselor responses to crisis.
This information will likely help me to highlight the need for preparation with my
colleagues in the field. Also, I will use the PAR model as a guide for my future work as a
counselor.







Robert Green



Reference List
McAdams, C. R., & Keener, H. J. (2008). Preparation, action, recovery: A conceptual
framework for counselor preparation and response in client crises. Journal Of
Counseling & Development, 86(4), 388-398.
Schwartz, R., & Rogers, J. (2004). Suicide assessment and evaluation strategies: A
primer for counseling psychologists. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 1(7), 89
97.