My Journey as a Certified Crisis Counselor

Since my junior year at Wesleyan University, I have dedicated significant time to exploring the role of a crisis counselor, providing support through text-based interventions, and immersing myself in evidence-based approaches. As a certified crisis counselor, I’ve learned how to create a safe and supportive environment from the very first message, allowing texters to open up in a non-threatening way. I focus on conveying warmth and empathy, such as starting conversations with: “Hi! This is Larissa. I’m here to listen and support you. Can you tell me what’s troubling you today?”

As the conversation unfolds, my primary goal is to assess the texter’s immediate safety. I ask questions like, “Have you had thoughts of suicide recently?” or “Have you taken any action to harm yourself today?” If they answer “yes,” I conduct a thorough evaluation, including reviewing their history of suicide attempts, any current plans, and other critical details. This helps me gauge the severity of the situation and determine the next steps in our intervention.

One of the most difficult aspects of crisis counseling has been working with texters who engage in self-harm. It can be challenging to navigate these conversations, particularly in understanding the reasons behind their actions. Motivations for self-harm can vary widely: some use it as a way to cope with emotions, while others may do it with suicidal intent. Over time, I’ve learned to guide texters in articulating their motivations, which allows me to tailor my interventions more effectively. For individuals at high risk of suicide, I assess their desire, intent, capability, and the buffers that may protect them. For those who use self-harm as a means of emotional regulation, I focus on helping them develop healthier coping strategies.

When developing a safety plan is difficult, I work with texters to brainstorm distractions, such as engaging in hobbies, journaling, or practicing mindfulness. I also help them identify support systems, like friends, family, or professionals, and provide resources for further assistance. These interventions aim to give texters the tools and support they need to navigate their crises and find healthier ways to cope.

Throughout this experience, I’ve gained extensive training in effective listening, emotional validation, de-escalation, and crisis intervention strategies. These hands-on experiences have solidified my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals in crisis.