Disaster, Trauma, and Crisis Counselling: Aims and Techniques

Introduction

Human life is often disrupted by unexpected events—natural disasters, traumatic incidents, and crises that shake the foundations of individual, family, and community well-being. Earthquakes, floods, pandemics, accidents, assaults, and sudden losses leave behind not only physical destruction but also deep psychological wounds. In such contexts, counselling becomes a lifeline, helping survivors process their emotions, regain resilience, and rebuild meaning in their lives.

Disaster, trauma, and crisis counselling are three interconnected approaches in psychology that specifically address individuals and communities affected by overwhelming experiences. While disaster counselling focuses on those impacted by large-scale catastrophes, trauma counselling deals with survivors of deeply distressing experiences, and crisis counselling provides immediate, short-term psychological support during acute distress.

The central goal across these approaches is to reduce psychological suffering, restore functioning, and promote post-traumatic growth. This chapter explores the origins, aims, techniques, and applications of disaster, trauma, and crisis counselling, supported by theory, research, and case examples.

1. Disaster Counselling

1.1 Historical Background

The need for disaster counselling emerged strongly after World War II and subsequent global catastrophes, such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984), the 9/11 terrorist attacks (2001), and the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004). These events highlighted how survivors often suffer from grief, survivor’s guilt, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over time, disaster counselling has evolved into a structured response integrated within humanitarian aid.

1.2 Aims of Disaster Counselling

• Immediate Psychological First Aid: Stabilizing survivors emotionally.

• Normalization: Helping individuals understand that their reactions are common under extreme stress.

• Grief Support: Assisting survivors in processing loss of loved ones or property.

• Community Resilience: Rebuilding trust, solidarity, and hope within communities.

• Long-term Recovery: Preventing chronic PTSD and fostering post-disaster adaptation.

1.3 Techniques of Disaster Counselling

1. Psychological First Aid (PFA) – Offering comfort, safety, and practical assistance within the first 48–72 hours.

2. Group Counselling – Facilitating shared experiences, reducing isolation.

3. Narrative Therapy – Allowing survivors to narrate their disaster story.

4. Cognitive Restructuring – Reframing catastrophic thoughts into manageable perspectives.

5. Resilience Training – Teaching coping strategies for long-term recovery.

1.4 Case Example

After the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, many children lost parents and homes. Disaster counsellors used group therapy in relief camps to help children draw, write, and share their experiences. This creative expression reduced nightmares and improved sleep, showing how structured disaster counselling restores psychological safety.

2. Trauma Counselling

2.1 Historical Background

Trauma counselling stems from the study of combat stress in soldiers (WWI and WWII) and later the recognition of PTSD as a psychiatric condition in DSM-III (1980). Today, trauma counselling extends to survivors of abuse, accidents, violence, and medical emergencies.

2.2 Aims of Trauma Counselling

• Stabilization: Reducing overwhelming emotional reactions.

• Processing the Trauma: Helping survivors confront and integrate painful memories.

• Restoring Self-Efficacy: Rebuilding confidence and control.

• Preventing PTSD: Addressing symptoms early to reduce chronic effects.

• Post-Traumatic Growth: Supporting survivors in finding new meaning in life.

2.3 Techniques of Trauma Counselling

1. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – Addressing distorted trauma-related beliefs.

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Helping reprocess traumatic memories.

3. Exposure Therapy – Gradually facing avoided situations or triggers.

4. Grounding Techniques – Using sensory exercises to reduce flashbacks and dissociation.

5. Creative Arts Therapy – Using drawing, music, or dance to express unspeakable experiences.

2.4 Case Example

Rashmi, 21, a university student, survived a road accident that killed her close friend. She developed nightmares and avoided traveling. Trauma counselling with EMDR helped her reprocess the memory and reduce flashbacks. Over time, she regained confidence and resumed her studies, showing how trauma counselling restores functioning after loss.

3. Crisis Counselling

3.1 Historical Background

Crisis intervention began in the 1940s with Lindemann’s work on grief reactions after the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston. Gerald Caplan later developed crisis theory, emphasizing that timely intervention prevents long-term dysfunction. Today, crisis counselling is used in suicide prevention hotlines, emergency medical units, and academic institutions.

3.2 Aims of Crisis Counselling

• Immediate Stabilization: Preventing self-harm or destructive behavior.

• Problem-Solving: Helping individuals identify practical solutions to immediate stressors.

• Restoring Balance: Supporting clients to regain emotional equilibrium.

• Mobilizing Support Systems: Connecting clients with family, peers, or professionals.

• Short-Term Growth: Encouraging resilience within weeks of the crisis.

3.3 Techniques of Crisis Counselling

1. Active Listening – Creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

2. Suicide Risk Assessment – Evaluating thoughts of self-harm.

3. The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention –

   • A: Achieve contact (rapport, safety)

   • B: Boil down the problem (clarify stressor)

   • C: Cope actively (explore coping strategies).

4. Crisis Hotlines & Telecounselling – Immediate support via calls/chats.

5. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Helping clients identify strengths quickly.

3.4 Case Example

Aman, 19, a first-year engineering student, calls a crisis helpline after failing an exam and feeling suicidal. The counsellor listens empathetically, assesses risk, and helps Aman see that failure is temporary. They involve his parents, arrange follow-up counselling, and connect him with academic support. The intervention prevents self-harm and restores hope.

4. Comparative Evaluation

Though related, disaster, trauma, and crisis counselling differ in scope and timing:

• Disaster counselling deals with large-scale, community-wide events (earthquakes, floods).

• Trauma counselling is more individual and long-term, focusing on survivors of deeply distressing experiences.

• Crisis counselling is immediate, short-term, and often life-saving.

Yet, they complement each other. For instance, after a disaster, survivors may first receive crisis counselling, followed by trauma counselling for deeper wounds, and community disaster counselling for collective recovery.

5. Research Evidence

• Psychological First Aid is shown to reduce acute distress and improve functioning (WHO, 2011).

• Trauma-Focused CBT is effective for children and adolescents after abuse or accidents (Cohen, Mannarino & Deblinger, 2017).

• Crisis hotlines reduce suicidal ideation and improve emotional states during calls (Gould et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Disaster, trauma, and crisis counselling address some of the most urgent human needs—support during times of overwhelming distress. While disaster counselling rebuilds community resilience, trauma counselling heals deep psychological wounds, and crisis counselling saves lives in moments of acute despair. Together, they demonstrate the power of psychological intervention in restoring hope, dignity, and strength in the aftermath of human suffering.