What is the goal of the Supportive Stance in intervention?

The goal of the Supportive Stance in intervention is to convey a sense of safety and openness. This approach allows the individual in crisis to feel secure and understood, fostering a setting conducive to effective communication. By embodying this stance, the caregiver or professional signifies that they are there to support rather than to confront or provoke.

This sense of safety is crucial, as individuals in crisis may feel threatened or anxious, and creating a non-threatening environment can help de-escalate the situation. Establishing openness encourages dialogue, allowing individuals to express their emotions or thoughts more freely, which is an essential component in crisis intervention.

Other approaches, such as establishing authority, demonstrating vulnerability, or reducing physical space, serve different purposes but may not effectively create the atmosphere needed for successful intervention. Establishing authority might instill fear rather than safety, while vulnerability could lead to a power imbalance that is not conducive to resolution. Meanwhile, reducing physical space without the supportive stance could potentially escalate feelings of discomfort or threat.