A Universal Approach to Crises: Using the Process of Change
*This article was first published “Breaking the Cycle” blog by J. Scott Fraser for Psychology Today.
The process of change model unifies interventions across different crises.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and crises often serve as pivotal moments that challenge our norms, beliefs, and coping mechanisms. Whether personal, professional, or societal, crises emerge as perceived threats to the status quo. Understanding the process of change can not only help resolve crises but also pave the way for growth and transformation. Here’s a closer look at the key elements of the process of change model:
Crises Arise From Perceived Risks. Crises evolve when people perceive potentially risky shifts in the flow of their lives. These shifts disrupt the familiar, prompting a sense of instability and uncertainty.
The Subjectivity of Crises. No two crises are alike because they are relative to the norms, values, and perspectives of those experiencing them. What may seem minor to one person could feel overwhelming to another.
Shaped by Perception. The identity and trajectory of a crisis are deeply influenced by how individuals view and interpret the situation. Perspectives shape the experience.
Reliance on Familiar Solutions. When faced with a crisis, people instinctively turn to tried-and-true methods for resolution. These solutions, shaped by past experiences, provide an initial sense of control.
The Trap of Repeated Failures. When familiar solutions fail to resolve the crisis, many individuals rigidly repeat these approaches, unintentionally feeding a vicious cycle that exacerbates the problem.
Shifting Perspectives: The Key to Resolution. Breaking the cycle often requires a shift in how the crisis is viewed, or a change in the attempted solutions. However, this process is far from easy.
The Paradox of Change. Shifts from the norm are often perceived as counterintuitive, paradoxical, or even riskier than the crisis itself. Fear of the unknown can make people hesitant to embrace new approaches.
The Tipping Point for Transformation. Interestingly, people are often most open to new perspectives and solutions when they reach a tipping point—when repeated efforts to resolve the crisis have consistently failed. These moments of desperation can serve as powerful opportunities for transformation.
Seizing the Window of Opportunity. Rapid intervention at these tipping points is crucial. Introducing new, often creative perspectives and solutions can disrupt the cycle and redirect individuals toward growth and resolution.
Aligning Values and Goals. Lasting change requires aligning the new direction with individuals’ core values and goals. This alignment fosters not only resolution but also personal growth and transformation.
A Universal Framework. Interestingly, research shows that effective crisis intervention approaches follow the same fundamental structure. This universality makes the process of change model a unifying framework for addressing and resolving crises across different contexts.
Conclusion: Turning Crisis into Opportunity
Crises, while challenging, can be transformative. By understanding and applying the principles of the process of change model, individuals and professionals alike can navigate crises more effectively, seizing moments of instability as opportunities for profound growth and transformation.
References
This post is an excerpt from Crisis Intervention: Using Tipping Points to Achieve Transformative Change in Therapy.
Fraser, J. S. (2025). Crisis Intervention: Using Tipping Points to Achieve Transformative Change in Therapy. Washington, DC: APA Books.
