How does crisis psychotherapy work?

Giving conventional therapy to a person in acute crisis is the wrong tactic and often leads to negative consequences.

- First of all, the psychologist clarifies all the circumstances of the crisis situation, identifying and clarifying the main problem of the client in crisis. To do this he asks the client a lot of structuring questions, which help the psychologist to understand the situation and outline a further plan of action, and help the client to put his own thoughts and feelings in order.

- Secondly, the psychologist finds out what actions the person has already taken and continues to take to get out of the crisis situation or to alleviate it. This is necessary so that the client can rethink the situation and, together with the psychologist, look for alternative solutions to the problem.

- Thirdly, together with the client, the psychologist develops a further plan of action to get out of the crisis situation and restore the client, choosing the most practical, constructive and effective behavioral strategies.

- Fourth, when the most difficult period of the crisis is behind us, the main task of the psychologist's work is to restore the client's ability to rely on and believe in himself or herself and to solve his or her problems independently. This stage of therapy is very important for removing the client from an addictive position and strengthening his or her internal supports and coping strategies for dealing with crisis situations.