Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

Crisis Text Line is an online organization that provides free, 24/7 support to those who text from anywhere in the United States while experiencing a crisis. Volunteers undergo a 30-hour training in online crisis counseling in order to support the texters in moving away from a heated moment to a “cool calm.” This summer, I worked remotely from my personal laptop to access the online Platform, respond to texts from people in crisis, and help guide them from their heated crisis moment to a cooler calm. Throughout this experience, I engaged in active listening, validating, risk-assessing, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning. I met weekly with a group of interns doing the same crisis text line work and our supervisor, Audrey Zakriski (Connecticut College Psychology Department), to discuss our experiences and other learning materials related to motivational interviewing and peer listening skills.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.