Directive crisis interventions: Which of the following is an objective?

• A. Build a long-term therapy plan
• B. Focus on dream analysis
• C. Assess health status
• D. Promote problem-solving

Answer: (D)

In directive crisis interventions, the main goal is to stabilize the person quickly by guiding them through practical problem-solving to reduce acute distress. This approach focuses on the here and now: clarifying what is distressing, generating feasible options, weighing risks, selecting a concrete plan, and arranging follow-up to keep the person on track. By teaching and supporting concrete steps, the person regains a sense of control in a chaotic moment, which is the heart of crisis management.

Promoting problem-solving fits this objective perfectly because it directly translates the crisis into actionable actions. It helps the individual move from overwhelmed to empowered, turning uncertainty into a manageable sequence of steps, with safety and coping strategies in place.

Other options pull the focus away from immediate stabilization. Building a long-term therapy plan is important, but it targets aspects beyond the crisis moment and stability. Dream analysis belongs to deeper psychodynamic exploration, not the urgent task of calming and organizing during a crisis. Assessing health status matters and informs care, but it is part of gathering information rather than the core crisis-focused objective of guiding immediate problem-solving.