Lori Haas
5135 E. Wardlow Rd.
Long Beach, CA 90808
(949) 852-5297
Crisis can be transformative in. its ability to open the person up to the richer experiencing of life. Crisis is therefore, not
something which should always be avoided but rather should be embraced for its catalyzing expansion of the soul. It 's
through crisis that many people have found a way into religion and have gained some small sense of soul, Bridges (2001)
noted that being in crisis, or the process of transformation, also allows one: to take a step forward in our own development
by letting go of a less-than adequate-reality and an out of date self image. As we are forced. either through the lack of
psychic energy to maintain our usual defenses, or through purposeful soul searching, to question our previous structures, we
generate an enhanced receptivity for transformation. Transformation or awakening is at the root of many of the world's
religions, as manifested by Siddhartha, Muhammad, and Jesus. Deep awareness of human pain, suffering, or death gives
depth to the spiritual person and provides a paradoxical awareness of joy, appreciation and valuing of life.
"Spiritual emergencies axe crisis' during which the process of grower and change becomes over-whelming. Individuals in
such episodes often suddenly and dramatically enter into new realms of mystical and spiritual experience"(Harridan, 2000).
Traditional, more directive crisis interventions include responding to, and validating feelings, clarifying distortions,
education, and referral. Transpersonal psychologists assert that solace is often achieved when crisis creates adeeper
connection to the spiritual world. Spiritual explanations, the pursuit of spiritual quests, as well as total rejection of religion
represent additional possible responses to crisis.
Spirituality is often a neglected aspect of crisis counseling. However, polls indicate that not only do people desire the
inclusion of spiritual concepts in coping with daily life stressors, but they also find it essential in coping with the
disorganization caused by crisis. In fact, including spirituality in coping often leads to a more transformative recovery. We
are often not trained in how to make these interventions. Because of this, we are often reluctant to approach the idea.
Differences in affiliations or belief systems, ignorance about various religious concepts and not understanding how to
positively integrate spiritual issues into the intervention process also inhibit the inclusion of spiritual issues into interventions.
Although we will briefly address the various belief systems, my goal is to provide general spiritual concepts, as they relate
to the specific needs of the personality with whom yon are intervening. My goal is to address issues related to deeper
human concepts, which surpass specific cultural perspectives. This presentation will seek to discern how "consciousness
shifts " are experienced, how it benefits the client, and how therapists can best facilitate transformative growth in
interventions with clients undergoing trauma..
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