Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Critical Incident Stress Management is a comprehensive and systematic approach to assisting groups and individuals deal with critical incidents and trauma.  Developed by Drs. Mitchell and Everly in response to the reactions of fire and police personnel following critical incidents, CISM is the umbrella concept of critical incident response.

CISM encompasses a wide range of programs and intervention strategies designed to help manage stress.  The tactical tools under the CISM umbrella are interventions such as Critical Incident Stress Debriefings, Crisis Management Briefings, defusing, and individual crisis interventions.

The Group Crisis Intervention course is a 14-hour, 2-day training in general, cumulative, and critical incident stress, particularly among high-risk populations such as emergency responders, medical, and military personnel.  The course focuses on the group interventions of CISM.  Training includes instruction, interactive role plays, video examples, and discussions.  A Certificate of Completion, with University of Maryland Baltimore County Continuing Education Units, is provided at the conclusion of the training.

The Assisting Individuals in Crisis course (formerly called Peer Support) is a 13-hour, 2-day training in general, cumulative, and critical incident stress, particularly among high-risk populations such as emergency responders, medical, and military personnel.  The course focuses on the individual interventions of CISM and presents selected crisis communication techniques.  Training includes instruction, interactive role plays, video examples, and discussions.  A Certificate of Completion, with University of Maryland Baltimore County Continuing Education Units, is provided at the conclusion of the training.

I also offer a combined Group and Individual course in a 3-day training, combining elements of both the Group Crisis Intervention and Assisting Individuals in Crisis courses.  Training includes instruction, interactive role plays, video examples, and discussions.  Two Certificates of Completion, one for each course and with University of Maryland Baltimore County Continuing Education Units, are provided at the conclusion of the training.

The Strategic Response to Crisis course is a 14-hour, 2-day training which presents essential information for the assessment of both crisis situations and the effects of critical incidents on people involved in those situations. Knowing what sequence of crisis intervention processes to use for which individuals or groups, at what times, and under what circumstances is crucial to all effective early intervention programs. Learn to create an effective plan of action to assist those in crisis and complete a series of exercises designed to sharpen assessment and crisis planning skills. Strategic planning and tactical decision making are emphasized, as are rationales for choosing one set of crisis intervention processes over another.  A Certificate of Completion, with University of Maryland Baltimore County Continuing Education Units, is provided at the conclusion of the training.