Group Crisis Intervention

ICISF & University of Maryland Certified Training

Learn strategic, structured group crisis interventions to mitigate organizational trauma following critical incidents. This course prepares CISM practitioners to lead small and large group debriefings, restore operational cohesion, and accelerate group recovery.

  • Duration: 2 Days (13 Contact Hours / 1.3 General CEUs)

  • Format: Virtual Classroom (Global) or Onsite Corporate Delivery

  • Accreditation: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) & UMBC

  • Prerequisites: None

Course Overview & Key Benefits

Critical incidents involving teams—such as line-of-duty deaths, workplace fatalities, disasters, or severe accidents—require immediate, coordinated group stabilization. This course provides comprehensive instruction on group psychological crisis response tactics, from informal defusings to formal Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD).

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand group crisis dynamics and the psychological impact of shared trauma.

  • Master the 7-phase Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process.

  • Learn to conduct informal Defusings and Crisis Management Briefings (CMB).

  • Evaluate organizational needs and select appropriate group interventions.

  • Recognize resistance, intense emotions, and group dysfunction during debriefings.

Comprehensive Syllabus Breakdown

Module 1: Strategic Group Crisis Intervention Framework

  • Overview of group crisis intervention and tactical goals.

  • The CISM continuum of care for organizations and teams.

  • Triage, timing, and assessment of group psychological impact.

Module 2: Tactical Group Interventions (Informal & Large Group)

  • Crisis Management Briefings (CMB): Information dissemination for large groups.

  • Rest-Information-Transition Services (RITS): On-scene support for emergency staff.

  • Defusings: Immediate, 3-phase informal small-group interventions post-shift.

Module 3: Formal Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

  • Detailed breakdown of the 7 CISD Phases: Introduction, Fact, Thought, Reaction, Symptom, Teaching, and Re-entry.

  • Co-facilitation roles: Lead Facilitator vs. CISM Peer Support Advisor.

  • Handling difficult group dynamics, intense grief, and organizational tension.

Who Should Attend?

  • Crisis Response Team Leads & Peer Support Coordinators

  • Emergency Services Leadership (Police, Fire, EMS, Corrections)

  • Hospital & Healthcare Trauma Teams

  • Corporate Risk Managers, HR Directors, and Safety Professionals

  • Disaster Response Specialists & Chaplains

Registration & Inquiry Form Section

Empower Your Organization with Proven Group Crisis Response Skills

  • Individual Seat Price: $325 CAD (CEU Certificates Included)

  • Group / Onsite Inquiries: Custom group training delivered directly to your department or agency.

Participant Notice: This course explores sensitive topics related to trauma and crisis intervention. By signing up, you acknowledge potential exposure to traumatic material, agree to take 100% responsibility for your own self-care, and release all organizers and instructors from any liability or claims.