Alternatively if unable to join the CIDTraining group but would would like to be kept advised of course dates and venues, or wish to organise an in-house training program, please contact us

Critical Incident Debriefing is a phasic intervention implemented immediately following a major incident such as war zone trauma, civilian disaster, terrorist incident or natural disaster. The aim of immediate implementation of CID after such an event is to specifically prevent or limit the onset of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following exposure to such an incident.

Critical Incident Debriefing or Psychological Debriefing, (the terms are used interchangeably) is ideally carried out two to three days after an incident, but within one month. Anecdotal evidence suggests however that a debrief such as this can be beneficial even many years after an event.

The most common model employed by debriefers is the Mitchell and Dyregrove model. This consists of a seven-stage process which people are guided through by the debriefer/s. The intention is to allow people the opportunity to talk, express their feelings, discuss any concerns arising from the incident and most essentially to prevent them from ‘bottling up’ their feelings and emotions. It is when this happens that psychological distress becomes a concern. The debriefing process is described by Dyregrove as: "a group meeting to review the impressions and reactions that survivors, bereaved or helpers experience during or following critical incidents, accidents or disasters. The meeting aims at reducing unnecessary psychological after-effects." Although Dyregov refers to a group meeting, debriefing can also be successfully used on individuals.

In both cases debriefers need to be properly trained and experienced. In general, cost prevents most organisations from maintaining their own teams and these are generally sourced through outside agencies.

CID was originally developed for the benefit of emergency services and military personnel who regularly experience as much exposure to traumatic stress in periods as short as a month than the majority of the population might experience in their whole life. This process has been refined and developed with experience and is now available to benefit the general population as well. The de-briefing process offers a two-fold approach. Initially as short-term intervention in the early stages post incident it often aids in preventing some of the long term or cumulative affects associated with traumatic incidents. Over the longer term the de-briefing process allows people to gain insight and view an incident from a different, more beneficial viewpoint. De-briefing is available for both individuals and groups who have been exposed to trauma.

The aim of CID is to minimise unnecessary psychological distress or responses in the aftermath of a traumatic event by:

Allowing the ventilation of:

• Impressions, Feelings, Reactions

Helping people to make sense of their experience by:

• Creating a better understanding of the nature of traumatic incidents

• Explaining the normalcy and predictability of reactions

• Allowing feelings to be shared and reversing a natural tendency to 'bottle thing up'

Harnessing group dynamics to:

• Reduce tension and stress

• Reinforce normalcy and reduce feelings of isolation and being "different"

• Share experiences with people who were there, who helped during or after, and who 'understand'

Discovering and raising awareness of resources by:

• Raising awareness of personal resources (coping skills)

• Raising awareness of group or organisational resources (Avenues of assistance available via employer for example)

• Raising awareness of other resources (Charity and support groups)

Preparing for the possibility of future reactions by:

• Education

• Making general information available

• Providing information on resources

Examining future needs for

Course fees for the spring workshop at the Belmont Centre are £140 depending, and inclusive of tuition and notes for both days. A certificate of course completion is issued subject to attendance and successful completion of both days.  Fees do not include accommodation and food. 

Schedule for both days:

Registration at 09.30 for a 10.00am start. There will be a 15 minute coffee break in the morning and a 1 hour break for lunch at 1pm. There will be another 15 minute coffee break in the afternoon. The day will finish at about 17:15hrs. The trainer will be available for questions afterwards on both days.

For in-house training rates please contact us

Michael O’Sullivan – Michael is a former Special Forces Soldier with two decades of experience of working with trauma. He is a former charity director, therapist, author and trainer.

Michael has assisted with survivors of torture, attempted murder, failed suicides, hostage taking, shootings, stabbings, rape, victims of violent robbery and assault, road traffic accidents, and has wide experience of working with military personnel suffering from PTSD.

He has a unique style and approach to training. Michael’s approach is dynamic and inspiring. You are not asked to take anything on faith. Everything is fully explained. We don’t just teach you techniques. Explanations on exactly how the techniques work is an integral part of the weekend. We are only interested in teaching what works, not in simply perpetuating clever sounding theories.

If the answer is yes to the above then this rare occasion to work with a very experienced hands on traumatologist is not to be missed.

To read an article by a graduate of this workshop click here

Download an application form click here