Elements of Critical Incident Debriefing

Abstract

The present paper lists a number of specific therapeutic steps involved in critical incident debriefing. These therapeutic suggestions, while by no means exhaustive, include (a) identification, (b) labeling, (c) articulation, (d) expression, (e) externalization, (f) ventilation, (g) validation, and (h) acceptance. More careful attention to these specific elements—regardless of debriefers' training and backgrounds—might improve therapeutic consistency for trauma victims afflicted with stress-related symptoms. Further applications of these therapeutic steps were also suggested for other types of behavioral problems.