What is PCM ~ the History of Professional Crisis Management
Our History since 1981
Starting in 1981, Neal
Fleisig, an experienced therapist and certified Behavior Analyst,
structured a system of clinical physical interventions that were
based on a set of ethical principles, behavior analytic teaching
methodologies (including shaping and fading), biofeedback
strategies, and safe bio-mechanical movements. These physical
interventions were an extension of clinical client-centered
therapies. They required that the person in crisis direct the
physical intervention. As in the case of biofeedback therapy, the
person in crisis is an active participant in the intervention and is
not simply subject to it. Under these conditions individuals would
often have a significantly less difficult crisis, have shorter
episodes without injury, and recover quickly, thereby re-entering
ongoing clinical and educational activities more easily.
The non-physical components of the system were also founded on a set of ethical principles emphasizing the importance of choice, basic human rights and behavior analytic strategies. These strategies were based on similar techniques used in main stream behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapies but structured for application in uncertain and unpredictable situations.
Both the physical and non-physical procedures were standardized over a number of years through clinical services conducted at the Intensive Residential Behavioral Treatment Center located in Pembroke Pines, FL, and two of the largest school systems in the United States, Broward County School District and Palm Beach County School District, with a combined enrollment of nearly 500,000 students.
Users of the Professional Crisis Management Association’s crisis management systems and services have maintained the highest level of effective and safe intervention and support services.
The effectiveness and safety of the PCM system is evidenced by research published in the only peer reviewed clinical study comparing outcomes across different crisis intervention systems.
This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Outcomes and is available here
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Testimonials | ||
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"The Guiding Principles really explain it all (Respect, Dignity, Choice, Least Restrictive Alternative, and Feedback). I truly promote them when teaching to other participants. It has helped me to show people positive ways to intervene and deal with crisis behaviors. Staff's feedback from the experience of using Professional Crisis Management is that it is valuable and positive." Melody Ferguson Staff Development Coordinator | ||
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"I was becoming frustrated with my field of work, but when I began receiving PCMA trainings, I rediscovered what I loved about my job. I'm now the Program Manager of my facility and a certified Instructor in all PCMA courses (PCM and Behavior Tools). PCMA gave me focus and direction." Matthew Arnold Program Manager |