Psychological Debriefing In Emergencies And Disasters: What It Is, Phases And Examples

Psychological debriefing is a psychological technique which is used to help people who have experienced traumatic situations. Generally, this modality is implemented against catastrophic events such as health emergencies, natural disasters, accidents, among others. In these cases, it is common to provide resources that allow us to elaborate the feelings and thoughts that arise from those moments of complexity.

This technique emerged in 1893 following the contributions of Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell about crisis intervention models. Due to his work in medical ambulances, he developed a precise and effective procedure against the condition he observed in his patients. The purpose of this intervention was to prevent the affected person from suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The main interest of psychological debriefing consists of establish a safe environment so that patients can express and reflect on what they have experienced. In this way, you can have a more relieving perspective of the events that occurred. To carry out this model, two psychotherapeutic sessions are carried out, separated by a period of two months. The objective of the second session is to check the disappearance of traumatic emotions and thoughts in the person.

This therapeutic format has some benefits that positively impact those who have experienced traumatic events. Next, we will talk about why it is important to apply psychological debriefing:

• Reducing emotional damage: Talking about life experiences makes it possible to adopt another point of view and reduce the anguish that the person feels. Here you will find more information about How to remove anxiety.
• Fluency in communication: This space has as a priority the promotion of honest and sincere dialogue.
• Validation of experiences: Often, attempts are made to make people aware of the significance of the moments they have experienced. To achieve this, psychological debriefing seeks to take those situations of uncertainty as valid.

This methodology has a certain sequence that must be used so that the expected results are achieved. In this section we will develop the phases of psychological debriefing:

1. Yointroduction: In the initial moments, we try to build a safe and comforting environment so that the person can talk about their life experiences.
2. Narration: the reporting of traumatic events is encouraged. Likewise, emphasis is also placed on the knowledge of the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that have been had.
3. Intervention: based on the material displayed, the mental health professional will choose a specific type of intervention. In other words, specific coping strategies will be implemented for each person with the aim of reducing anxiety, stress and the resulting general discomfort.
4. Closing: Finally, a summary is made about the situations worked on during the sessions. In this sense, creating a balance represents a consolidation of achievements obtained. In turn, this constitutes a symbolic act to leave those sensations that were experienced in the past.

To understand in greater detail the topic being addressed, it is interesting to provide some situations that are applicable. For this reason, we will provide some examples of psychological debriefing:

• Natural disasters: catastrophes such as tsunamis, earthquakes, among others. These are situations in which life is in danger and are difficult to assimilate. Faced with these facts, the application of psychological debriefing can be chosen.
• Wars: People in war must face loss of loved ones, amputations of body members, and serious injuries. Due to the high impact of stress that these situations entail, crisis intervention is necessary.
• Violence and sexual abuse: People who have been subjected to constant abuse usually have consequences that prevent them from continuing with daily life. Given this, psychological debriefing tries to provide the tools to calm the anguish.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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