Towards a theory of therapeutic processes in crisis intervention: A grounded qualitative perspective

Abstract

To provide an effective crisis intervention, there is a need to better understand how these interventions work. The aim of this study was to develop an explanatory theory of therapeutic processes implied in the psychological process of crisis intervention.

Objectives

We aimed to reduce the gap between clinicians and researchers by showing how a qualitative method may reveal experiences about how professionals explained their clinical practice in crisis intervention and what their representation are of people in crisis.

Method

In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and independently reviewed by using Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM). Data were analyzed with the constant comparative method. The study was conducted in crisis experts in Psychiatric Emergency Room (PER). A purposive sample of 17 professionals in crisis intervention included in our study.

Results

Results showed that therapeutic processes are managed in multiple interactions and regulations. Crisis intervention is an opportunity to highlight the psychic functioning. There are multiple settings of interventions oriented by the context of the institution and theorical background of professionals. The social realities slow down the possibility to elaborate the end of the intervention.

Conclusion

This study illuminates that clinicians and professionals in crisis intervention need guidelines to better improve their therapeutic interventions. They also need a political support to create specialized training and develop medical and psychological services to take in charge people in crisis. This research contributes to show the discrepancy between what the professional thinks to do in their interventions and what he really do.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.