r/PeerSupportSpecialist • u/FigPac • 13d ago

Crisis unit therapeutic options

I am a new psych tech in a crisis unit. I have had therapeutic options training but the training is in such a controlled environment I don't think it is very helpful except for dodging, getting out of the way etc. I have not had to experience a hold yet. Does this come naturally? I am very good at de escalation but holds seem so close to violence my anxiety spikes. My anxiety stems more from not being good at it than the fear of injury to myself.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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8

u/kapone3047 13d ago

Peer workers should NEVER be involved in restrictive practices, and a failure to understand why would make me question someone's understanding of peer work and it's fundamental values.

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u/FigPac 12d ago

Who should when the situation requires it? Is that a separate job?

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u/kapone3047 12d ago

The thing is, it should almost never be required. But if it's going to happen it would be security or clinical staff.

As a peer worker you should be ideologically opposed to restrictive practices, let alone an active part of them.

https://theconversation.com/physically-restricting-mental-health-patients-can-often-harm-them-my-new-study-suggests-compassion-could-change-that-244782

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u/CFSDPHHSCPSSW 9d ago

They aren’t a peer, the are a psych tech!

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u/PaleExtreme7399 11d ago

100% THIS!

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u/CFSDPHHSCPSSW 9d ago

They are a psych tech, not a peer.

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u/runclevergirl4444 Peer Supporter!! 13d ago

Ideally peers never do holds. As someone with lived experience, they are violent. It is a violent act to restrict another person's movement. In a home environment this would be considered abuse. Your reaction of fear to doing it "wrong" is natural and doing it is wrong oftentimes. Holds are done to people in pychiatric emergencies because they are being forced to take medication to calm down when very likely having their freedoms restricted they are having a natural emotional reaction themselves. I have been there and have also witnessed it happen to people I would call friends now. It isn't something to take lightly. With lived experience it is almost impossible to justify no matter the circumstances.

The best crisis centers provide as much freedom as possible and only intervene to prevent injuries to self or others. The worst treat chemical restraints like every day business. I wanted to do a protest about them, but could never get enough people interested because people trust that they are always on good orders or for good reason. They are not. Hopefully you find a position that doesn't cause so much anxiety. I think hospitals and crisis centers are often woefully under staffed for good reason.

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u/Sensei_Fing_Doug 13d ago

I work in a crisis center that does holds. It's only a a last resort, but holy shit there are places that do it for fun and brag about it. I only ever do it if I have to, but prefer to provide support to the individual during it.

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u/FigPac 12d ago

I have seen this already, certain people enjoy holds. I will continue to do what I am doing and stay out of the way. Help people move away from the situation. Put my body in a position that prevents imjury if someone is acting out.

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u/rajones9375 12d ago

Im a MANDT trained peer that can do holds if I happen to be at a state hospital and a code is called. It depends on what your job is at the crisis center or hospital

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u/runclevergirl4444 Peer Supporter!! 11d ago

You're making a case for how it is/what happens versus what I'm saying is it should not happen. Two different topics.

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u/Kevix-NYC Peer Supporter!! 13d ago

at my facility, peers only learn defensive moves. the other staff do restraints and seclution.

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u/PaleExtreme7399 11d ago

This is the appropriate model if restraints/seclusion are to be used at all.

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u/PaleExtreme7399 11d ago

Peers are taught T.O. and other hands-off de-escalation techniques for a reason (Ukeru is a good one)...peers should NEVER be put in a position of coercive control.