Forensic Psychology (MA) Program

Course Descriptions

FS 540—Crisis Interventions

Crises affect individuals, families, communities, societies, or may even be experienced on a global level. The common theme is that crises tax existing, previously effective, coping mechanisms. This course provides an overview of individual and collective patterns of disruption and coping before, during, and after crises. Culturally patterned, distinctive patterns of reaction to personal and family crises, natural disasters, and man-made disasters, including terrorism and war, will be discussed. A range of helpful interventions, including from “compassionate presence”1 and Psychological First Aid, will be considered. PTSD as a possible outcome of crises and disasters will be considered. The transition from crisis care to intermediate and long term care will be considered. Measurements of coping will be included. The importance of the clinician remaining vulnerable to emotions, and the consequent necessity of attention to self-care, including debriefing, for the clinician, will be a special focus of the course.

Updated 10/18/07