How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 158

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view!  Be aware of exit routes for yourself and for the person in crisis. A paranoid or agitated person must not feel that they are trapped, and a crisis service provider must have an avenue of escape if the person does become violent.  Pay attention to the person's speech and behavior. Clues to impending violence include:  speech that is loud, threatening or profane;  increased muscle tension, such as sitting on the edge of the chair or gripping the arms; o hyperactivity (pacing, etc.);  slamming doors, knocking over furniture or other property destruction.  Do not stay in a dangerous situation! What factors should be considered when assessing a person for potential of harm to others? The following factors are important in determining if the person is likely to actually attempt to harm someone else:  Previous episodes of violent or assaultive behavior (This is perhaps the best indicator of potential for violent behavior.)       Under what circumstances was the person violent in the past? What is the frequency of violence? How does the person behave in between episodes? What is the most violent thing that the person has ever done? What was the intent? Clarity of the plan for violence.    Has the person identified a victim? Do they have means or access to a means to harm the potential victim? Does the person have or could he or she gain access to the potential victim?  The level of isolation, agitation, paranoia, or belief that another is planning to or is hurting or harming them in some way.  Command hallucinations ordering violence.  Intoxication from alcohol or other drug use, especially cocaine, amphetamines or other stimulants or withdrawal from alcohol, drugs or medications.  Psychotic symptoms/lack of contact with reality  The level of stress and number of concurrent stressors.  The intensity and duration of homicidal or assaultive ideation.  The normal ability to cope with life's ups and downs - coping skills and mechanisms.  The person's physical health  Any history of mental illness, especially command hallucinations. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 158