CISD
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
What is CISD? It is a program designed to offer immediate support to people who have suffered a trauma.
People involved with, or exposed to, modern-day traumas can experience a range of emotional responses. Concern for victims of workplace and disaster-related trauma has led to increased popularity of early intervention and prevention strategies.
Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is one such strategy. CISD was originally developed by Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell to ease the acute stress responses of emergency workers. A critical incident is any event faced anyone that may cause strong emotional reactions that could interfere with their ability to function.
CISD hopes that immediate intervention following a traumatic event will eliminate or at least reduce delayed stress reactions.
CISD is an intervention conducted by trained mental health professionals, in either group or individual format. CISD encourages traumatized individuals to share their thoughts and feelings about the critical incident. Aside from the reassurance and support provided by the health care professional, resources and information regarding practical coping skills are also offered.
Debriefing typically occurs two to three days following the traumatic event and can last three to five hours. Debriefing responses are now recommended as standard practice in many schools, workplaces and government organizations. For example, people witnessing or experiencing workplace- or school-based violence will often receive a debriefing intervention.
Energy Tap Counsellors are trained in CISD and can help. Call us 905-524-3803
