Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a process through which one of our experienced professionals helps a group of people work through their response to a highly stressful or traumatic event. CISD is a form of crisis intervention aimed at reducing the traumatic impact of an event by fostering a connection between people who went through the same experience, increasing effective coping and trauma education after the stressful event. One of our trained mental health professionals will facilitate the group. This can help provide space to process after a stressful or traumatic event occurred.
CISD is intended for use immediately (within 24 to 48 hours) after the incident occurred. Its purpose is to provide support and resources to people who experienced a traumatic event as soon as possible.
Although the process is flexible and can be adapted based on the needs of the group, CISD is generally structured in seven phases or steps that can be summarized as follows:
Your organization may benefit from Identity’s Critical Incident Stress Debriefing if a traumatic incident or event has occurred.
CISD is typically recommended in the immediate aftermath of a critical incident or traumatic event, such as workplace accidents, natural disasters, acts of violence, or other emergencies that have the potential to impact the mental health and well-being of employees or first responders.
The primary goals of CISD are to provide emotional support, facilitate coping and resilience, reduce the risk of traumatic stress reactions, and promote psychological recovery among individuals affected by a critical incident or traumatic event.
CISD can benefit individuals who have experienced or been exposed to a critical incident or traumatic event, including employees, first responders, volunteers, witnesses, and others directly or indirectly affected by the event.
CISD differs from regular counseling or therapy in that it is a brief, time-limited intervention specifically designed for addressing acute stress reactions following critical incidents. It focuses on providing immediate support and normalization rather than long-term therapeutic treatment.
Participation in CISD is typically voluntary rather than mandatory. However, organizations may strongly encourage employees to participate in CISD sessions following a critical incident to ensure their well-being and promote a supportive workplace culture.
CISD sessions are facilitated by our trained psychologists who have expertise in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques.
The duration of a CISD session can vary depending on the size of the group and the complexity of the incident being debriefed. Sessions typically last between 1 to 2 hours, although additional sessions may be scheduled as needed.
During a CISD session, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the critical incident in a supportive and confidential environment. The facilitator guides the discussion, provides psychoeducation, and helps participants process their experiences and emotions.
Following CISD sessions, individuals may be provided with information about additional support services available, such as counseling, therapy, or peer support groups. Organizations may also offer ongoing monitoring and follow-up to ensure employees' ongoing well-being.
