Crisis Intervention

Client Description
"Chronically Disorganized" is our term for the extreme case of someone severely depressed to the point of "non-function". The client was a competent executive who had recently ended her relationship with an abusive husband. This is an extreme case of someone who was severely depressed and had "given up". The emotional turmoil resulting from an abusive relationship and its eventual termination left this client suffering from depression, out of control, stunned and numb -- unable to put anything away properly or to function normally.

• The level of trash was severe, used microwave plates sat dirty under couches and beds, growing mold and mildew.
• Client was threatened by social services that her child would be removed from her house and placed in foster care.

Challenge
Create crisis intervention team to flush the home of trash and debris, thoroughly clean the home and all remaining clothes, furniture, and other possessions in order to enable the client to begin a new life with a "clean start".

Insight
The emotional trauma this woman had suffered had led her into a serious depression. The trash she felt on the inside of her being was reflected onto her outside existence.

Solution/Results

• A crew of laborers was brought in with a shop vac.
• 100 large black trashbags of accumulation were gathered and removed.
• Client gained a renewed sense of hope and relief. She was so inspired that she was able to find good used furniture and new carpet to add the finishing touches. She regained her sense of pride and security in her home.

Client Comments
When the project was completed, the client asked the Working Order Team to view her online photo album with these comments: "This is my new peaceful place where I can find hope…compare it to the old photos…it is amazing! You are angels…you are unbelievable." Upon arriving home from school, the client's teenage child was initially upset that her room had been cleaned without her…then her eyes filled with tears and she said "Oh my gosh, now I can have a friend over." This child had not had a friend over in five years.