PTSD

is defined as the development of certain characteristic symptoms following a psychologically distressing event which is outside the range of normal human experience.

PTSD can arise following a major disaster where many people have been affected, or after a more personal, intimate event that leaves the individual or a small group of people traumatised.

A poor support network, a lack of anyone to provide information or aid understanding of what is occurring and a failure of previously

learnt coping mechanisms may also contribute to the occurrence

of PTSD.

People who have not been psychologically debriefed following a traumatic incident are more likely to go on to develop PTSD or seek help because they do not understand what is happening to them and fear they may be losing their mind. 

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Training Programme

(Developed with major contributions from Dr. Marie McAdam PhD)

7 phases of a CISD

1. Introduction

Set scene: introduce facilitators, group, purpose & ground rules

2. Fact phase: in turn, each tells role, participation the event, what happened

3. Feeling phase: what were the feelings generated by the event for each-needs time not likely to be in turn

4. Thought phase:(as they saw it) factual information, not too much detail

5. Reaction phase: what reactions have participants experienced since the event: immediate, withing first day or two & now

6. Strategy phase: education of the group in normal critical stress reactions, sharing their strategies for dealing with them, demonstrating how experience helps in the future

7. Re-entry phase: summary of event, reactions & strategies, opportunity to check out any understandings, confirm understandings

* A brief exploration of CISD & rules for participants

* The need for participants to contribute was affirmed

* Ground rules, and our contract for working together were discussed, and agreement was made for the following:

1.   Total confidentiality within the group – whether smaller working groups or the main group.

2.   “I” statements as much as possible.

3.   Ensure a safe environment for “self to be explored.

4.   Support for each other – both overt and implied.

5.   To be tolerant of each other and our mistakes, remembering this is a learning situation.

6.   To encourage each other, when enthusiasm is flagging, individually and/or collectively.

7.   Communication – both within the group, and spreading the word.

8.   Ownership of the training – contributing, participating, and bringing own experience and expertise.

9.   Practice is likely to include both past and anticipated events, so caring for each other.

10.  Negotiation can always be considered.

11.  Time keeping is important – both start and finishing times.

12.  There will be a mid-morning break.

Neil Benbow & Dr. Marie McAdam

©neilbenbow 2026