To understand effective service delivery in response to critical incidents, helping professionals must first understand theories of how individuals process crisis and models for responding to survivors. For example, being aware of the Childhood Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome can help sexual trauma practitioners conceptualize the cognitive processing of sexual abuse from the perspective of the child or adult survivor (Summit, 1992). Other theories include the eco-systemic theory (the effects of crisis affect more than just the survivor), the constructivist self-development theory (each individual constructs the meaning of his or her own traumatic event), and the resilience theory (the ability to recover from crisis events). Models provide techniques for working with crisis survivors, including but not limited to Psychological First Aid and suicide prevention models. Familiarity with theories and models related to crisis and crisis intervention provides important foundational knowledge that informs effective response to survivors.
For this Assignment, select three theories and/or response models that are used when working with survivors of critical incidents and that you think are particularly valuable.
The Assignment (2–3 pages):
Briefly describe each of the theories/models you selected.
For each, explain its value in helping individual(s) who have experienced or are experiencing crisis, trauma, or disaster. Be specific and provide examples to illustrate your points.
