What do abuse and crisis counselors do?

Many people have to deal with situations that are extremely stressful and sometimes dangerous. Without someone to turn to for help, their lives would be even more difficult. That's where abuse and crisis counselors come in. They listen to people dealing with crises or abuse and help them to resolve their issues or find a way out.

Some counselors work primarily with people who face domestic violence in their homes. Others counsel people dealing with different kinds of crises, such as a robbery at gunpoint or suicidal thoughts. Though the aim of all counselors is to improve the lives and situations of their clients, exact duties vary depending on the issues their clients are dealing with.

Domestic violence counselors first inform their clients of the immediate options available to them so that they can leave an abusive environment. For instance, a counselor would refer a wife who was beaten to a shelter for battered women and inform her of government programs that could provide her with temporary financial assistance.

Counselors also explain their clients' legal rights to them. For example, a counselor may talk to a victim of domestic violence about applying to the court for a restraining order against the abuser.

In addition, these counselors use various strategies to help victims of domestic violence become empowered enough to leave the abuser. Counseling strategies vary, but generally the counseling process is aimed at building self-esteem and confidence and helping clients to realize that the abuse is not their fault.

Crisis counselors also deal with those who are overwhelmed by certain aspects of their lives or by specific events that have happened to them. In these cases, the main job of the counselor is to help clients find coping strategies to deal with whatever they are experiencing, be it grief, fear, or anger. Ultimately, counselors try to help clients overcome their problems and become more positive, hopeful, and productive.