Individual Psychological Support/Debriefing Interventions

Guidelines for Individual Psychological Support/Debriefing Interventions in Remote Areas

Target Group:

Those exposed to the traumatic event and deemed to be at risk by managers, team members or self-selected.

Aim:

To mitigate the impact of the event; to normalise reactions; to maximise potential for recovery; to promote positive coping strategies; to provide education about the likely impact of the trauma; and when and where to seek specialised assistance.

Facilitators:

Mental health professionals.

Any debriefing intervention which encourages those exposed to traumatic events to recount the roles, experiences and reactions (a 'blood and guts' account) associated with a traumatic event should not occur in a group setting in remote areas. Debriefing interventions should not be compulsory and should only occur on a one-to-one basis.

Individual interventions should not follow a rigid or prescriptive debriefing format. Mental health practitioners should seek to establish trust and allow a certain amount of lead up to the recounting of the traumatic experience, with emphasis placed on confronting the event at a rate and degree that can be managed by the individual. Support should focus on building on existing strengths, activation of social support networks, education about the likely effects of trauma, promotion of and education about positive coping strategies, and when and where to seek specialised assistance.

Supportive interventions for individuals may be implemented by telephone (e.g. help lines, Bush Crisis Line, employee assistance services) or face to face.

If Indigenous practitioners or community members are involved then they should have the choice of an Indigenous debriefer.