Recall our earlier example in which Dick learned of his wife’s marital infidelity.  Were we not to intervene, the outcome might be that Dick could pack his bags and leave.  As we look at that crisis, we see that the precipitating event (Dick’s learning of his wife’s infidelity) is not amenable to influence or change.  There is nothing that can be done to change that situation.  However, our intervention can lead to an alternative and less destructive outcome.  For example, through discussion and understanding, Dick may realize that leaving home immediately may be a less desirable option than staying at home until he and his wife work out other arrangements.  This does not mean that he necessarily will or should reconcile with his wife.  It only means that he stays at home until a better and less destructive plan can be worked out.  This enables Dick to avoid the possible snowball effect of leaving now.

As a further example, suppose the crisis involves a teenager who has left home and is tripped out on drugs.  As we think about his predicament with him, we learn that his leaving home was precipitated by a serious argument with his parents over curfew hours.  We became sufficiently involved with the teenager and his crisis so that we both understand that the curfew precipitated the crisis, and we have explored the possible consequences of being away from home and tripping out on drugs.  Intervention might be directed toward these undesirable consequences or effects of the crisis.  We may use the crisis communication skills (discussed in a later section of this text) to talk him down from his bad trip.  At the same time, we might encourage the teenager to consider the option of returning home and accepting the curfew and at the same time, with his permission, talking with his parents about the possibility of counseling or guidance for the family.  In crisis intervention, our goal is to modify or change the effects or outcomes of the crisis, modify or change situations or conditions precipitating the crisis, or achieve some change mix in both causes and outcomes. …

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