1. Greetings Professor Six and class, in this discussion post, I would like to
1. Greetings Professor Six and class, in this discussion post, I would like to explore the application of the ABC Model of crisis intervention, which I recently used in a session with my brother. He shared his concerns about the stress he is experiencing with his daughter expecting her third child at a young age. This situation prompted our discussion, and I aimed to enhance my listening skills throughout our conversation. We began our session by fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect. I asked my brother how he felt about balancing work and family, which opened up a fruitful dialogue. During our conversation, I maintained eye contact and utilized open body language to promote a sense of openness and ensure there were no interruptions. I asked him, “Can you tell me how you manage work with your daughter’s new baby arriving?” This led to deeper insights,, I reiterated his feelings by saying, “You’re finding it difficult to juggle work and personal commitments, right’? This kind of paraphrasing not only demonstrated that I was actively listening but also that I truly understood his struggles, as noted ( Kanel, 2015). Overall, applying the ABC Model allowed us to navigate the conversation effectively, making my brother feel heard and supported during a challenging time ( Kanel, 2015).
As the session continued, I asked a clarifying question “When you shared earlier that you are struggling with work-life balance, can you give me an example of what that feels like for you”? My brother expressed that working 10 hours a day and coming home to a crying baby can be overwhelming for him, He shared how this situation adds to his stress and makes it difficult to manage everything. We discussed how taking a few days off to go to a resort that I had previously visited might help him recharge and gain a new perspective this open dialogue allowed us to explore solutions while ensuring he felt comfortable sharing his feelings ( Kanel, 2015).
During our session, my brother expressed how he had not had the opportunity to get away since his divorce and the arrival of his third grandchild. I could sense the frustration in his voice and body language. I said, ” It sounds like this is overwhelming for you, and that a few days away could be beneficial.” I then asked, ” Do you have the means and support to take time off work?” He responded affirmatively, saying, ” I’m sure my job will allow me paid leave; I do have seniority within the company. I will reach out to HR and find out when I can take a day off.” This exchange helped him consider practical steps toward alleviating some of his stress ( Kanel, 2015).
I concluded the meeting by summarizing our discussion: “You are dealing with a lot of stress both a work and at home, and I see that you are looking for ways to help manage your situation.” As we wrapped up, I reflected on my experience during our session and felt that I did an excellent job practicing my listening skills. Transitioning into a social work role felt natural to me, and I felt confident and comfortable using these skills as I believe they will serve me well in a client-counselor setting. These skills are crucial during crisis responses, as they create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood. The main objective of our meeting was to listen to him actively and empathically rather than to provide immediate solutions or advice. I encourage everyone to consider the Importance of listening during a crisis. Often, people in distress are not looking for solutions; they simply want someone to understand their situation and empathize with their feelings. Listening is a powerful tool and can be the best remedy for those who feel that nothing else is working. I’ve noticed that many individuals tend to isolate themselves when facing crises, and simply listening to those who are experiencing this isolation can be incredibly beneficial. Listening truly is key in these situations (Kanel, 2014).
This is addressed to my classmates in light of our discussion on the ABC Model of crisis intervention, what additional strategies can you implement that could be beneficial to someone in crisis?
2. I recently practiced the ABC Model with a family member who talked about the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Throughout the conversation, I focused on staying engaged by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using encouraging phrases. I asked open-ended questions to help them share more, paraphrased their concerns to show understanding, and reflected on their feelings. For example, when they talked about being overwhelmed by deadlines, I said, “It sounds like you’re feeling a lot of pressure from work.” This helped them feel heard and allowed them to elaborate.
Clarifying and summarizing were also really helpful. When they expressed frustration about not having time for self-care, I reflected, “It seems like you’re upset because you’re not able to focus on yourself as much as you’d like.” Wrapping up with a summary of what they shared felt like a good way to close the conversation on a supportive note.
Overall, I think I did well, especially in showing empathy and listening attentively. Some parts, like paraphrasing, felt natural, but I had to put more thought into reflecting their feelings without overthinking.
These skills are essential in crisis response because they help create a safe space where people feel heard and validated (Kanel, 2015). Techniques like reflecting feelings and clarifying help ensure that clients know they’re understood, which is vital for building trust and calming the situation.
I’d love to know how others approach reflecting feelings, does it feel natural or challenging? How do you make sure you sound empathetic without coming across as rehearsed or overly formal?