This article will explore the NICC treatment protocol for crisis stabilization and debriefing and provide an in-depth look at the methods and principles guiding this approach, aiming to offer both immediate and long-term support for individuals navigating intense pain and suffering.
*Download the protocol document here: NICC TxP- (I) Crisis Stabilization & Debriefing 7-14-24
Understanding Crisis and Trauma
Pain and suffering are inevitable aspects of life, as Jesus himself noted in John 16:33, “In the world you will have trouble.” Trauma, however, can be mitigated or healed. Trauma occurs when our nervous systems are overwhelmed and dysregulated, preventing us from organizing our experiences effectively. The NICC protocol focuses on preventing or reducing traumatic responses through two primary goals: regulating the nervous system and organizing the experience.
Goals of Crisis Stabilization
Regulating the Nervous System
Regulating the nervous system is essential to stabilize someone in crisis. This process involves several steps:
Establishing a Sense of Safety
To bring the prefrontal cortex online, enabling rational thought and organization of experiences, people must feel safe. This involves ensuring their physical environment is secure and communicating this safety to them.
Example:
- “Jane, can you look around and tell me if you feel safe in this space? Are there any immediate threats?”
The tone, facial expressions, and body language of the counselor are critical in conveying safety. Speaking in a gentle, low-pitched voice and modeling slow, deep breathing can help shift the individual out of fight-or-flight mode into a calm state.
Troubleshooting Basic Needs
Ensuring that basic needs such as safety, shelter, food, water, clothing, and human support are met is crucial. The counselor should help the individual create a plan to meet these needs, involving another safe person to assist him or her.
Example:
- “Jane, do you have a safe place to go after our session? Do you have food, water, and someone to support you?”
Establishing a Self-Care Plan
Educating the individual on basic self-care practices is vital for continued regulation. Key elements include:
- Eating balanced meals three times a day.
- Getting 7-10 hours of sleep.
- Engaging in regular exercise to manage stress hormones.
- Taking it easy, avoiding extra challenges, and getting plenty of rest.
- Journaling to process thoughts and emotions.
- Connecting with safe friends and family to avoid isolation.
Organizing the Experience
Once the people’s nervous systems are regulated and their basic needs are secured, the next step is helping them organize their experiences.
