Theoretical and Intervention Preferences of NYC Rape Crisis Counselors

Theoretical Models

GENERAL MODELS
1. Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention therapy aims to intervene as quickly as possible after the traumatic event occurred. The goals are to help the client clarify the event, minimize the use of destructive coping skills, and create productive coping techniques.

2. Psychoeducation: This therapy involves the therapist teaching the survivor about the impact of trauma, common disorders associated with trauma, and ways to cope with symptoms.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral theory stems from the idea that people are characterized by how they think about the world, and that the way they think and interpret events leads to emotional responses. The goal of CBT in the context of rape crisis counseling, is to teach the client to identify and change irrational or dysfunctional thoughts about their rape that are causing negative emotions and reactions (Hembree et. al 2003).

4. Psychodynamic /Psychoanalytic: Psychoanalytic therapy aims to uncover unconscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychodynamic theory also focuses on uncovering repressed thoughts and emotions while focusing on the dynamics of the client’s family.

[Read the complete list of theoretical models (pdf)]