Psychological debriefing in emergencies and disasters: what it is, phases and examples

Psychological debriefing in emergencies and disasters is one of the most used techniques when exposed to traumatic situations. On some occasions, human beings face moments that they consider dangerous and that can represent a risk to life. Because of this, it is normal to try to restore an inner balance through various methods that have considerable effectiveness and validity. Currently, this technique has proven to have the necessary resources for a person to go through their own pain in a healthy way. In this sense, the recognition of emotions, thoughts and emotions plays a transcendental role for the development of daily activities. For this reason, appealing to a methodology that has adequate preparation is essential.

In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the psychological debriefing in emergencies and disasters: what it is, phases and examples.

Index

1. What is psychological debriefing?
2. Why is it important to apply psychological debriefing?
3. Phases of psychological debriefing
4. Examples of Psychological Debriefing

Psychological debriefing is a psychological technique It 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 for resources to be provided that allow the feelings and thoughts that emerge from those moments of complexity to be elaborated.

This technique arose in 1893 as a result of 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 that he observed in his patients. The purpose of this intervention was to prevent the affected person from suffering from an eating disorder. posttraumatic stress.

The main interest of psychological debriefing consists in 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 happened. 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 verify the disappearance of traumatic emotions and thoughts in the person.

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

• Reduction of 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 the anguish.
• fluency in communication: This space has as a priority the promotion of honest and sincere dialogue.
• Validation of experiences: Often, an attempt is made to make people aware of the importance of the moments lived. To achieve this, psychological debriefing seeks to take as valid those situations of uncertainty.

This methodology has a specific sequence that must be used to achieve the expected results. In this section we will develop the phases of psychological debriefing:

1. Yontroduction: In the initial moments, an attempt is made to build a safe and comforting environment so that the person can talk about their life experiences.
2. Narration: the report 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 displayed material, the mental health professional will opt for a certain type of intervention. In other words, specific coping strategies will be implemented for each person with the aim of reducing the anxiety, stress and the general malaise derived.
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. In turn, this constitutes a symbolic act to leave in the past those sensations that were experienced.

In order to understand in greater detail the topic that is being addressed, it is interesting to provide some situations that are applicable. For this reason, we will place 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, you can opt for the application of psychological debriefing.
• wars: people who are at war must face the loss of loved ones, amputations of limbs 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 mistreatment They usually have sequelae 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 Psychology-Online 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Psychological debriefing in emergencies and disasters: what it is, phases and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

• Dominguez Martin, V. (2020). Psychological debriefing: systemic review of its effectiveness with the personnel involved in emergencies and catastrophes. University of La Laguna.
• Santacruz Escudero, J.M. (2008). A review about debriefing as a crisis intervention and for the prevention of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Colombian Journal of Psychiatry, 37 (1), 198-205.