As we’ve seen thus far, the primary focus of a crisis interventionist is to ensure the safety of all involved in the crisis situation. We’ve examined the theories, models, and strategies necessary to intervene successfully in a crisis

As we’ve seen thus far, the primary focus of a crisis interventionist is to ensure the safety of all involved in the crisis situation. We’ve examined the theories, models, and strategies necessary to intervene successfully in a crisis, as well as examined the essential characteristics of crisis intervention workers. Next, we will review the specific dynamics of crisis case handling.

Abraham Maslow (1970) wrote concerning a hierarchy of needs. Meeting the basic physical needs of food, clothing, and shelter were first on his list. This is an important concept, particularly in the field of crisis intervention.   According to Gilliland and James (2013) “paramount in psychological first aid is attending to Maslow’s needs hierarchy and taking care of survival needs first”.  Many counselors, social workers and psychologists helped meet basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and other survival needs during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina before they did any counseling” (p. 19).

Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a reference, explain why you feel it’s important to have an understanding of this hierarchy in relation to the field of crisis intervention. Predict some of the pitfalls even experienced crisis workers could fall into without knowledge of basic human needs when intervening on a client’s behalf.

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