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Crisis Intervention Strategies, 7th Edition
This authoritative, best-selling text presents the latest skills and techniques for handling real crisis situations. The authors' six-step model clearly illustrates and elucidates the process of dealing with people in crisis: Defining the Problem, Ensuring Client Safety, Providing Support, Examining Alternatives, Making Plans, and Obtaining Commitment. Using this model, the authors then build specific strategies for handling a myriad of different crisis situations, accompanied in many cases with the dialogue that a practitioner might use when working with the individual in crisis.
752 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2000
25 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the case studies used in this book. The book broke down each section. It was a good asset to my classes.
February 12, 2022
This was the text for a graduate course.
I'm sure that, in terms of overall quality of content, thoroughness, and author knowledge of the field, this book is the gold standard. I feel much better prepared for having read it. If I were to end the review here, it would be a 5-star book. But I'm shaving off 2 stars for poor writing, clumsy organization, and excessive length.
The book is too long and too repetitive. It's not written or organized well, and editing was either too light or nonexistent. Phrasing is often awkward and unnecessarily wordy, and there are many outdated idioms that probably don't make sense to students under 40. Very often, the main idea of a section isn't provided until the last paragraph, following several paragraphs or even pages of explication on it. Some terms are defined multiple times throughout a section, a little differently each time. Several times, a series of "X" number of items is introduced, but the number of items provided falls short of the number that was promised. There is a lot of editorializing, some of which is understandable in light of how the field of disaster preparedness has been neglected, but too many words are expended merely complaining about politics rather than teaching. The first edition of this book was published in 1988, and it shows. Toward the end of this edition, Mr. James wrote that his co-author, Mr. Gilliland, had died several years earlier. Gilliland is still in the byline of the book, which I believe supports my position that it's time to find a good editor, start over with a fresh draft, and stop revising the old draft.
I'm sure that, in terms of overall quality of content, thoroughness, and author knowledge of the field, this book is the gold standard. I feel much better prepared for having read it. If I were to end the review here, it would be a 5-star book. But I'm shaving off 2 stars for poor writing, clumsy organization, and excessive length.
The book is too long and too repetitive. It's not written or organized well, and editing was either too light or nonexistent. Phrasing is often awkward and unnecessarily wordy, and there are many outdated idioms that probably don't make sense to students under 40. Very often, the main idea of a section isn't provided until the last paragraph, following several paragraphs or even pages of explication on it. Some terms are defined multiple times throughout a section, a little differently each time. Several times, a series of "X" number of items is introduced, but the number of items provided falls short of the number that was promised. There is a lot of editorializing, some of which is understandable in light of how the field of disaster preparedness has been neglected, but too many words are expended merely complaining about politics rather than teaching. The first edition of this book was published in 1988, and it shows. Toward the end of this edition, Mr. James wrote that his co-author, Mr. Gilliland, had died several years earlier. Gilliland is still in the byline of the book, which I believe supports my position that it's time to find a good editor, start over with a fresh draft, and stop revising the old draft.
June 17, 2013
Great crisis intervention book! I learned so much! I was sad that my course did not cover the chapter on School Crises and Crisis in Institutions. I read all of the other chapters. I will probably read those two soon though. Reading this book has helped me clarify wanting to work in disaster counseling. I want to help in situations like those described in Chapter 17 about disasters. The examples or case studies offered are very realistic. I read this book for a crisis intervention course, and I was expecting the examples to be similar to others I have read in textbooks. I was surprised by how realistic the situations were. The were heartbreaking, and they gave me a good idea of how I would handle a similar situation. The basic principles and models of crisis intervention were presented. This is the 7th edition of this book, and you can tell all that has been added. The authors of this book helped create the Memphis CIT program. I learned so much about different ways a crisis worker can be used. I learned about the CERT program, and found a local course so I can be CERT certified to help in disasters in my area. If you are interested in crisis intervention, or want to work in a similar field, you will learn a lot in this book. The authors know what they are talking about, it is well written, and gives concrete and specific examples of people in genuine crisis. I would recommend reading this is you are interested in this field. I am certainly glad I did.
February 18, 2014
Excellent read. Crisis Intervention Strategies focuses on a more trauma informed care approach and is helpful in teaching practices the mental health realm is heading towards. The text is easy to read and extremely helpful in daily practice.
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May 18, 2025**Overview**
*Crisis Intervention Strategies* by Richard K. James and Burl E. Gilliland is a foundational text in the field of crisis counseling and intervention. It provides a structured framework for assessing, managing, and resolving various types of personal, social, and systemic crises. The book combines theory, case studies, and practical techniques to equip professionals—counselors, social workers, first responders, and educators—with the tools needed to respond to crises effectively, ethically, and empathetically. It addresses both immediate crisis response and the longer-term psychological impact of traumatic events.
**Key Concepts and Actionable Ideas**
**1. Defining Crisis**
* A crisis occurs when an individual’s normal coping mechanisms fail in the face of a sudden, overwhelming event.
* Crises are time-limited and highly subjective; what constitutes a crisis for one person may not be for another.
**Action:** When encountering someone in crisis, avoid assumptions. Focus on their perception and emotional state rather than the objective severity of the situation.
**2. The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention**
* **A**: Develop and maintain rapport through active listening and empathy.
* **B**: Identify the nature of the problem and break it down into manageable parts.
* **C**: Explore coping strategies and collaborate on an action plan.
**Action:** Use the ABC model as a conversational guide. Begin by listening without judgment, then assess the core issue, and finally work toward small, achievable next steps.
**3. Psychological First Aid (PFA)**
* PFA emphasizes immediate support: safety, comfort, stabilization, and connection to resources.
* It avoids probing for deep trauma in the moment and focuses on reducing initial distress.
**Action:** In a crisis situation, prioritize basic needs: ensure the person is safe, grounded, and not alone. Provide clear, calming communication and resource referrals.
**4. Types of Crises**
* The book categorizes crises into developmental (e.g., life transitions), situational (e.g., accidents, job loss), existential (e.g., identity or purpose), and adventitious (e.g., natural disasters, violence).
* Each type requires different emphases in approach.
**Action:** Tailor your response to the crisis type. For situational crises, provide structure; for existential crises, offer time and space for reflection and identity support.
**5. Assessment of Risk and Danger**
* Immediate assessment should screen for suicide, self-harm, violence, or harm to others.
* Use tools like the SAD PERSONS scale or direct, compassionate questioning.
**Action:** Ask direct but sensitive questions about suicidal ideation or intent. If risk is identified, follow emergency protocols and involve appropriate services.
**6. Active Listening and Empathic Communication**
* Core skills include paraphrasing, reflecting emotion, validating experiences, and asking open-ended questions.
* The helper must remain calm, present, and attuned without becoming overwhelmed or directive.
**Action:** Practice non-verbal listening—eye contact, nodding, open body posture. Repeat key phrases to show understanding and build trust.
**7. Cultural Competence in Crisis Work**
* Cultural background influences how people perceive and respond to crisis, as well as whom they seek for help.
* Helpers must be aware of their own biases and adapt interventions to align with cultural values and communication styles.
**Action:** Ask about the individual’s cultural perspective on the crisis. Incorporate their beliefs and support systems into the intervention process.
**8. Legal and Ethical Considerations**
* Confidentiality, informed consent, and duty to warn are paramount. Crisis workers must also be aware of local laws related to involuntary commitment and mandated reporting.
* Ethical boundaries must be maintained even under high emotional pressure.
**Action:** Know your legal responsibilities and have emergency resources and procedures clearly documented and accessible.
**9. Working with Specific Populations**
* The book offers tailored strategies for working with children, adolescents, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of trauma.
* Each group has unique psychological and communication needs.
**Action:** Adjust language, pace, and expectations based on developmental level and emotional state. Use visual aids or tactile tools with children when appropriate.
**10. Burnout and Self-Care for Crisis Workers**
* Exposure to trauma and high-stakes emotional labor puts helpers at risk of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
* Self-care is not optional; it is part of professional responsibility.
**Action:** Build a personal self-care routine, including regular debriefing with peers, boundaries between work and personal life, and activities that restore emotional balance.
**Conclusion**
*Crisis Intervention Strategies* delivers a pragmatic and compassionate framework for helping individuals in acute psychological distress. It balances clinical tools with human sensitivity, encouraging helpers to be both skilled and emotionally present. Whether dealing with personal tragedy, public disasters, or systemic trauma, the strategies taught in this book empower practitioners to respond with clarity, care, and confidence—making a difference when people need it most.
*Crisis Intervention Strategies* by Richard K. James and Burl E. Gilliland is a foundational text in the field of crisis counseling and intervention. It provides a structured framework for assessing, managing, and resolving various types of personal, social, and systemic crises. The book combines theory, case studies, and practical techniques to equip professionals—counselors, social workers, first responders, and educators—with the tools needed to respond to crises effectively, ethically, and empathetically. It addresses both immediate crisis response and the longer-term psychological impact of traumatic events.
**Key Concepts and Actionable Ideas**
**1. Defining Crisis**
* A crisis occurs when an individual’s normal coping mechanisms fail in the face of a sudden, overwhelming event.
* Crises are time-limited and highly subjective; what constitutes a crisis for one person may not be for another.
**Action:** When encountering someone in crisis, avoid assumptions. Focus on their perception and emotional state rather than the objective severity of the situation.
**2. The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention**
* **A**: Develop and maintain rapport through active listening and empathy.
* **B**: Identify the nature of the problem and break it down into manageable parts.
* **C**: Explore coping strategies and collaborate on an action plan.
**Action:** Use the ABC model as a conversational guide. Begin by listening without judgment, then assess the core issue, and finally work toward small, achievable next steps.
**3. Psychological First Aid (PFA)**
* PFA emphasizes immediate support: safety, comfort, stabilization, and connection to resources.
* It avoids probing for deep trauma in the moment and focuses on reducing initial distress.
**Action:** In a crisis situation, prioritize basic needs: ensure the person is safe, grounded, and not alone. Provide clear, calming communication and resource referrals.
**4. Types of Crises**
* The book categorizes crises into developmental (e.g., life transitions), situational (e.g., accidents, job loss), existential (e.g., identity or purpose), and adventitious (e.g., natural disasters, violence).
* Each type requires different emphases in approach.
**Action:** Tailor your response to the crisis type. For situational crises, provide structure; for existential crises, offer time and space for reflection and identity support.
**5. Assessment of Risk and Danger**
* Immediate assessment should screen for suicide, self-harm, violence, or harm to others.
* Use tools like the SAD PERSONS scale or direct, compassionate questioning.
**Action:** Ask direct but sensitive questions about suicidal ideation or intent. If risk is identified, follow emergency protocols and involve appropriate services.
**6. Active Listening and Empathic Communication**
* Core skills include paraphrasing, reflecting emotion, validating experiences, and asking open-ended questions.
* The helper must remain calm, present, and attuned without becoming overwhelmed or directive.
**Action:** Practice non-verbal listening—eye contact, nodding, open body posture. Repeat key phrases to show understanding and build trust.
**7. Cultural Competence in Crisis Work**
* Cultural background influences how people perceive and respond to crisis, as well as whom they seek for help.
* Helpers must be aware of their own biases and adapt interventions to align with cultural values and communication styles.
**Action:** Ask about the individual’s cultural perspective on the crisis. Incorporate their beliefs and support systems into the intervention process.
**8. Legal and Ethical Considerations**
* Confidentiality, informed consent, and duty to warn are paramount. Crisis workers must also be aware of local laws related to involuntary commitment and mandated reporting.
* Ethical boundaries must be maintained even under high emotional pressure.
**Action:** Know your legal responsibilities and have emergency resources and procedures clearly documented and accessible.
**9. Working with Specific Populations**
* The book offers tailored strategies for working with children, adolescents, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of trauma.
* Each group has unique psychological and communication needs.
**Action:** Adjust language, pace, and expectations based on developmental level and emotional state. Use visual aids or tactile tools with children when appropriate.
**10. Burnout and Self-Care for Crisis Workers**
* Exposure to trauma and high-stakes emotional labor puts helpers at risk of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
* Self-care is not optional; it is part of professional responsibility.
**Action:** Build a personal self-care routine, including regular debriefing with peers, boundaries between work and personal life, and activities that restore emotional balance.
**Conclusion**
*Crisis Intervention Strategies* delivers a pragmatic and compassionate framework for helping individuals in acute psychological distress. It balances clinical tools with human sensitivity, encouraging helpers to be both skilled and emotionally present. Whether dealing with personal tragedy, public disasters, or systemic trauma, the strategies taught in this book empower practitioners to respond with clarity, care, and confidence—making a difference when people need it most.
December 22, 2020
Very comprehensive content and extremely knowledgeable, great resource for crisis counseling. The writing style gets a little difficult at parts - seems like some chapters are written in more transparent way than the others.
April 12, 2018
Really simple and straightforward book on crisis intervention.
April 30, 2018
Used for a class. A lot of good information.
July 5, 2020
AWFUL grammar!
April 16, 2025
Good resource. Very detailed. Lots of examples
May 8, 2011
Very good for the work I do, written by an authentic, empathic, experienced crisis counselor.
May 27, 2012
Had to read it for school. Noticed that Kindle reading is no longer available. That's too bad.
September 17, 2015
Excellent book on crisis intervention!
May 10, 2016
Although some of this is snoresville, most of this text book is very good!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews