Crisis intervention and assessment are the first steps in strengthening clients problem-solving skills. Instead of studying the client s or family s background, the crisis workers assess and focus on the unresolved problems that led to the crisis. Client and crisis worker energies are fully focused on the precipitating events and the problem-solving process. A solution-focused paradigm, which addresses the clients concerns, can generate cooperation and quicker solutions to the crisis. By helping clients think about what has worked for them in the past and what might be more effective now, planning and action steps are put in place for resolving the family s problems.
Crisis intervention emphasizes that clients have the strengths to resolve crises.
Crisis workers help clients discover and use their potential. The crisis workers positive attitude about the clients abilities has a powerful suggestive impact on clients. Therefore, crises present a unique opportunity for change in the lives of the parents and children involved. During a period of intense crisis, when usual methods of coping fail, families become more open to new problem-solving approaches. Moreover, during this period of imbalance, they are willing to consider that change for the better is possible.