While you are a counselor on the crisis lines, you may hear different counselors use different “styles” of counseling. Even with the same caller, under similar circumstances, different counselors use totally different approaches. This can be very confusing and disorienting.
Can’t we just have a recipe for how to answer crisis calls?
No we can’t have a recipe. Nor do we want one. What makes our crisis line special is the fact that callers can have a unique connection with each and every counselor on the crisis lines.
What is style, anyways? Devah defines it as a combination of self and skill. What crisis line callers are looking for is that you show up and that you are sincere, authentic and congruent. Our individual life experiences help shape our self. The skills to do our job include assessing for suicide, building rapport, limit setting etc.
As you are developing your skills and style, think about what is your rationale for your interventions. For example, If you want to self-disclose to a caller, ask yourself how it might be helpful to the caller. Also ask yourself, how it might be harmful to the caller.
Think about the core set of values that drive CSS. We talk about empowering callers, preventing suicide, meeting callers where they are at, and self-care. How do your interventions uphold these core values?
As counselors, we want you to develop the capacity to explore when and why you do something. Self-reflection is key to being an effective counselor. We also want you to discuss with your trainer, shift partners, and shift supervisors different approaches to the crisis lines.
Have an open mind to alternate styles and be willing to sharing your thoughts and feelings. This how we grow and learn.
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