Crisis intervention

Abstract

This article is a summary of my views as a crisis care practitioner over many years, and of hundreds of interventions following a wide range of incidents. I do not always use a debriefing model. When I do I have often adapted it to the specific circumstances and audience. I have used it as a process to take people through in the belief that it will be helpful to them. Many times I have finished a meeting with a very distressed group with that belief in question - only to return for a follow-up meeting to hear reports of improvements and comments such as, "I was sceptical, but it's been very helpful to talk about it, thanks". Many organisations, including commercial companies, emergency services and local and health authorities have taken up debriefing as part of their staff support services. I know of none that have stopped using it because they have found it ineffective.