Crisis Responsiveness
Many of us became therapists because we were called to help others who are feeling emotional pain, sorrow, or some other life altering experienced that was terrifying. We are trained to jump in and assess the situation, hold space, listen intently without judgment, and write treatment plans. No one is ever prepared for a traumatic event. By definition most traumatic events are sudden, unplanned, and overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. I was not prepared for the catastrophic events that happened on December 2, 2015. In fact, I was in the middle of seeing clients when my business partner said there had been a shooting at Inland Regional Center (IRC). Having been a social worker for many years I had worked with many children that were “dual” clients of IRC and CPS programs. It was often my job to find these little ones an adoptive home. My brain said, when hearing the news and confusion took over, “There must be a mistake…. there are children, precious babies served there.” “What is happening?” I know many of you were also thinking the same things and were also feeling the same disbelief as I as the events unfolded. I was not sure what I should do to help. I knew I wanted to do something, anything, but what? I started to hear from many of you; yes, you too wanted to do something, but what? This tragedy occurred right here in our backyard and we were compelled to reach out. The board and I called out for your help and you responded and responded fast. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It turned out that so far the crisis teams in place at the various work sites are working well and people are being helped by therapists on these teams. I am affiliated with Crisis Care Network and I have spent a few days at various sites providing crisis counseling. I would encourage you to look into specific additional training in crisis response if you have an interest in getting on a (paid) referral list to be called for crisis in our community.
As a chapter, we want to create a list of people that have experience with Critical Incident Response, Psychological First Aid, PTSD or other traumatic event training. If you have an interest, please provide me with the following information:
1. Name and license number
2. Office address
3. Phone number
4. Email
5. Experience with crisis
6. Number of clients you are willing to provide services for.
If you do not have an office or you work for the Counties and can't see private clients at your work site. I am willing for you to use my office to provide this service. Just let me know if this applies to you. Please send the above information to me directly: Sherry@CentralCounselingServices.net
I am so proud to be part of such a great caring and compassionate community. Thank you for your dedication to this field.
Looking forward to a prosperous, successful and peaceful 2016.
Happy New Year!
Sherry
