Beyond the PCA:

The contributions of psychological approaches to the Psychological Emergency Service

Abstract

This work focuses on the dynamics and interventions involved in the Psychological Duty Care model, which is a form of psychological assistance based on Psychological Counseling and the Person-Centered Approach (PCA), and aims to provide immediate support to those seeking help. This is an exploratory and qualitative study, developed through semi-structured interviews conducted online with professionals working in a Psychological Duty Care service specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ population. The objective is to understand the dynamics of care within a Psychological Duty Service that operates with a team of psychologists from different theoretical orientations, as well as to explore the techniques and strategies used by these professionals. Seven psychologists from various theoretical approaches participated in the study, aiming to identify the dynamics of care within the Psychological Duty model from different theoretical perspectives. The data collected were analyzed using content analysis, as proposed by Bardin. The findings revealed that, since the team is composed of psychologists with diverse theoretical backgrounds, the practitioners are able to draw on a range of interventions, techniques, attitudes, and postures from different frameworks to promote the client’s well-being. We conclude that the creative use of different interventions, techniques, and attitudes can be effectively employed in Psychological Duty Care, as long as they align with the core principles that define this model, and above all, focus on the client’s emotional recovery.