Defusing
Defusing is the process of talking it out. It allows victims and workers of a crisis situation the opportunity to vent about their related crisis memories, stresses, losses, and methods of coping, and be able to do so in a safe and supportive environment.
A defusing is usually 20-45 minutes in length and is provided within 8 hours of an incident (preferably 1-2 hours if possible).
The goals of a defusing:
Mitigate the impact of a crisis event
Speed up the recovery process
Reduce cognitive, emotional, and physiological symptoms
Assess the need for debriefings and other services
Debriefing
I am trained in and use the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) model.
CISD is considered small group or individual “psychological first aid” and is a supportive and focused discussion of a crisis event.
CISD is a formal meeting that is generally held within 24-72 hours after the crisis event with follow up sessions as necessary. Given the nature of crisis we don’t always have the ability to debrief in that time frame. Fortunately, debriefing is still beneficial even long after the crisis.
The goals of a debriefing:
Improve resistance to stress
Build resiliency
Facilitate recovery
Return to healthy functioning