Group CRISIS Training

Group CRISIS Training: Psychological First Aid for Teams

When a group experiences a critical incident, the emotional and psychological impact can be significant. Group CRISIS Training offers a structured psychological first aid approach designed to help teams manage the immediate aftermath of trauma.

This 2-day workshop—available both online and in person—develops participants’ ability to apply CRISIS principles in a group setting. By focusing on practical methods for managing collective distress, participants learn to stabilise, inform, and support teams following critical incidents. This structured approach empowers group CRISIS facilitators to respond quickly and effectively, reducing emotional charge and augmenting recovery for distressed teams.

Building on CRISIS Training

Group CRISIS Training builds on the knowledge and skills gained through participation in CRISIS training. This progression equips facilitators with the additional skills needed to address group dynamics, communication challenges, and emotional responses that may emerge in group settings.

To participate, delegates must have completed CRISIS Training prior to registration. By expanding upon existing CRISIS principles, this workshop provides practical tools for working with groups after a stressful or traumatic experience.

Key Learning Outcomes

The Group CRISIS Training workshop introduces several key competencies designed to enhance group-focused crisis support. These include:

Applying Group CRISIS Schema
Understanding critical incidents and group dynamics
Analysing meta-critical incidents
Conducting critical incident risk assessments
Planning & initiating Group CRISIS sessions
Managing resources to support Group CRISIS sessions
Communicating with groups in crisis
Observing traumatic reactions within groups
Enhancing integrative learning within groups
Optimising safety & safeguarding for groups
Providing informational support for groups
Facilitating active monitoring for groups

Core Components of Group CRISIS Training

Group CRISIS Training introduces four structured components designed augment the natural integration of critical incidents. These components provide a flexible yet clear framework for supporting teams through the metapsychological theory concerning the integration and generation of subjective reality.

1. Critical Incident Stabilisation

Immediately following an event, emotions can run high, and confusion may dominate. Facilitators apply stabilisation techniques to create calm, order, and reassurance. This phase is focused on grounding participants, establishing a safe environment, and identifying anyone requiring urgent emotional support. Stabilisation also supports identity transition and reconnection with the environment.

2. Critical Incident Exploration

In the days that follow an incident, people may need space to reflect, consolidate their understanding, and acknowledge their experiences. Facilitators guide this process by encouraging reflection without pushing participants to disclose personal feelings. The focus remains on promoting understanding rather than reliving distressing details.

3. Critical Incident Briefing

Clear, factual information can reduce confusion and anxiety. During critical incident briefings, attendees provide information for each other in order to handle any informational distortions they may have regarding the incident. Facilitators provide verified details about the incident’s timeline, outcomes, and immediate steps going forward. The aim is to ensure attendees feel informed, prepared, and aware of available resources.

4. Critical Incident Analysis

When appropriate, facilitators may conduct an informational analysis of a critical incident with the help of subject matter experts, documentary evidence and witness testimony etc,

Active Monitoring: Ongoing Support for Recovery

In addition to stabilising groups in the immediate aftermath of a critical incident, Active Monitoring is a vital aspect of Group CRISIS Training that ensures individuals continue to receive the support they need over time. Emotional distress does not always surface immediately, and facilitators are trained to identify signs of delayed reactions.

Why Active Monitoring Matters

Some participants may initially seem unaffected or stable following a critical incident, only to show signs of strain days or weeks later. Facilitators are trained to observe behavioural changes, emotional shifts, or signs of social withdrawal that may indicate underlying distress. By maintaining ongoing contact, facilitators can help identify these concerns before they escalate.

Conclusion

Group CRISIS Psychological First Aid Training offers a structured yet flexible method for supporting groups in the aftermath of critical incidents.

Building on the principles of CRISIS Training, this 2-day workshop empowers facilitators to manage group distress effectively, equipping them with the skills needed to stabilise emotions, clarify facts, and support long-term recovery.