A 28-year-old female patient presents to the emergency department following a traumatic event in which she witnessed a fatal car accident. The patient is exhibiting symptoms of severe anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors. As the nursing staff formulates a crisis intervention plan, it is crucial to select the most effective intervention to assist the patient in processing her traumatic experience.
The nursing team is aware that crisis intervention entails immediate and short-term support aimed at helping individuals cope with overwhelming stressors. Given this context, which intervention should the nurse prioritize to ensure the patient feels supported while also addressing her symptoms?