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
Testimonials | ||
"We are an independently owned facility that provides behavioral programming for adults and children with challenging behaviors. When we started the program 4 years ago we looked for a method of data collection that would be cost effective, would give us options in the data presentation, and would decrease the amount of time we had to spend in data analysis or data entry. Several systems did not meet our three points of criterion; cost effective, user friendly and allow us different options in the data presentation. When we reviewed the CARES system, it fulfilled all three requirements. Since we have started using the system we have been extremely pleased with the service and the program. Whenever we have issues or questions they have been readily available and have always returned our calls within 24 hours. They have made adjustments to the program based on our feedback and we have yet to present them with a request that they could not accommodate or present us with a viable alternative. Based on the level of service and competence we would strongly recommend PCMA software solutions to any behavioral facility." Richard J Thomson MA, BCBA | ||
"Use of PCM skills has reduced injuries to staff and individuals while encouraging prevention and de-escalation." Bruce Hinchliffe |