| 
|
Crisis
Counseling and Spiritual Support
Crisis Counseling
When receiving a crisis call from someone seeking help
from an abusive relationship:
- Ask if the person is in immediate danger.
- Ask how you can help.
- Do not go to the home.
- Call the police at 911 if there is immediate danger.
Err on the side of safety.
- Check out the current circumstances by asking
the caller specific questions about what is happening at the moment,
where the abuser and children are, if there are weapons, etc.
- As soon as the immediate crisis is past, strongly
encourage survivor to call local advocacy program.
- If the couple comes to you for couple counseling,
agree to meet with them separately
- Couple counseling is not advised in crisis circumstances.
Spiritual Support
- Offer to pray with and for the survivor.
- The survivor needs to hear and make faith statements
that address the person's safety, well-being and empowerment.
- Reference scripture that may provide insight and
courage and suggest that scripture reading may be helpful. (See
Marriage and relationship, Understanding the intent of scripture)
- Avoid platitudes such as "God never sends
us anything we can't handle." This sincere belief may be an obstacle.
It implies that God has sent this abuse, that it is God's will that
violence be perpetrated against them. This could stand in the way of
the survivor's safety.
- Consider offering this thought: "Let's name
the resources you think God has given you to deal with this situation."
- "I am confident God does not want you to suffer."
- "I do not believe God is punishing you for
sin."
- Be with the survivor in her or his suffering and
healing. Do not stand withdrawn. Acknowledge your fears and pain as
you hear the stories.
- Affirm the survivor's faith regardless where she
or he stands theologically.
- Praise and support the survivor as there is movement
towards wholeness.
|
