Psychological First Aid

Event Details

This 2-day workshop offers a theoretical and practical introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA), which outlines simple and effective strategies for supporting workers in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events. The aim of the course is to equip participants to provide robust support to affected individuals and teams in order to promote resilient coping. Guidance is also given on when to refer to professional help.

Day 1 – February 17 – Theory and structure

The workshop provides an accessible and engaging introduction to acute stress and trauma followed by a detailed exploration of the phases of a Psychological First Aid response. By the end of the day, participants will be able to:

• Define the basic objectives of Psychological First Aid.
• Describe the impact of traumatic stress on both body and mind and identify the broad range of normal early reactions that people and teams can experience in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.
• Offer practical and emotional assistance that complements and bolsters the coping skills of colleagues or team members.
• Conduct a basic risk assessment using major risk factors for psychological distress.
• Recognize when to refer people for further support.

Day 2 – February 18 – Skills practice

The second day builds on the theoretical introduction, providing participants with a practical, hands-on experience. Through demonstrations and role-playing exercises, attendees will practice supporting individuals in the aftermath of traumatic events. The workshop aims to deepen participants’ understanding and boost their confidence in applying PFA techniques in real-world scenarios.

A review of PFA’s core principles and objectives is followed by practice-focused sessions where participants can hone essential skills for each stage of the PFA process. By the end of the course, participants will have:

• Reinforced their knowledge of PFA’s primary objectives.
• Practiced monitoring their own responses to stress.
• Learned and practiced grounding techniques for personal use and to teach others during PFA.
• Reviewed and applied active listening skills through role-playing exercises.
• Engaged in live demonstrations to practice information gathering and risk assessment.
• Explored and mapped personal networks for effective resourcing and onward referral.

Your trainer

Mark Snelling (MSc, MBACP) is a seasoned counsellor and psychotherapist with many years of clinical experience in a broad range of international settings. He has specialist expertise and training in psychological trauma and has supported many people in the aftermath of overwhelming events, both in the UK and overseas. He has also designed and delivered workshops and seminars on trauma and other psychosocial issues. Alongside his private practice, he and his wife Jennifer run High Meadow Retreat in southwest England, which offers counselling, coaching and debriefing to anyone in Christian work in the UK or around the world.

Fee: £90

Registration

To attend this workshop, click here.