The purpose, duration, frequency and potential impacts must be defined. Challenging irrational beliefs and unrealistic expectations. Few people, during times of crisis, have the necessary skills to fully examine what they are thinking, what they assume and what they expect from their self and from others. Our thoughts, especially the ones we don't look at, contribute a great deal to how we feel and what we do next in response to our feelings. Breaking vicious cycles and addictive behavior.
Many crises are the result of vicious cycles or addictions.
For example, drug and alcohol use can not only destroy our life, but it will confuse how we actually feel about our self, others and the world around us. One cannot know how they feel and what they truly want if their feelings are modified by chemicals, medications, alcohol and other drugs. A painful crisis can lead a person to avoid and escape how they feel. Unhealthy escape and avoidance of emotional pain and distress may involve the use of medication, drugs, alcohol, sex, thrill seeking, parties or working excessively. Prolonging the crisis by refusal to deal with a crisis can create supportive relationship.