Intervention Techniques & De-escalation Strategies Flashcards
7 cards from real CIC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Intervention Techniques & De-escalation Strategies flashcards as text
Which proxemics principle should a crisis counselor apply when physically approaching an agitated individual?
Answer: Maintain personal space (4-12 feet) to avoid triggering defensiveness
Maintaining personal space (4-12 feet) during crisis reduces the individual's sense of threat and lowers physiological arousal.
A client in crisis begins speaking very rapidly and jumping between topics. The BEST counselor response is to:
Answer: Gently slow the pace by speaking calmly and asking one focused question at a time
Speaking calmly and asking one focused question helps co-regulate the client's nervous system and brings cognitive clarity.
In the ACT model of crisis intervention, what does 'C' stand for?
Answer: Connecting
In ACT (Assessment, Crisis, Treatment), 'C' stands for Connecting—building rapport and a therapeutic alliance with the person in crisis.
Which statement BEST describes the purpose of offering limited choices during de-escalation?
Answer: It restores a sense of control and autonomy, reducing escalation
Offering two or three acceptable choices returns agency to the client, which directly reduces feelings of helplessness that fuel crisis behavior.
When using the SLANT technique in active listening during crisis, 'L' refers to:
Answer: Leaning slightly forward
In SLANT (Sit up, Lean forward, Attend, Nod, Track), leaning slightly forward signals engagement and attentiveness to the person in crisis.
A crisis counselor notices a client's fists are clenched and jaw is tight but the client says 'I'm fine.' The counselor should FIRST:
Answer: Gently reflect the nonverbal cues without confrontation
Reflecting nonverbal cues (e.g., 'You say you're fine, but I notice some tension in your body') invites honest disclosure without confrontation.
Which de-escalation technique involves repeating the last few words a person said to encourage them to continue speaking?
Answer: Trailing repetition (echoing)
Trailing repetition (echoing) reflects the client's own words back to them, signaling attentiveness and prompting further self-disclosure.