The Texas CISM Network teaches four different training courses. The curriculum of each is recognized by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), Inc. and the lead instructor is ICISF trained. We teach these courses anywhere in Texas we are asked, provided there is a minimum of 10 students.
If there are fewer than 10 students one week prior to class start date, the course will be canceled. Once I send you a course confirmation via email and the course is cancelled for any reason, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $300 for the three-day course or $200 for the two-day courses. However, if the course is rescheduled and conducted within six months of the original course date, the cancellation fee will not be charged.
We will invoice the sponsoring agency for registration fees after the completion of the course. The registration fee includes a student workbook, other handout materials, and a certificate from the ICISF. The agency requesting the course is responsible for obtaining adequate classroom space set up with tables and chairs and the needed audio/visual equipment (LCD projector for Power Point presentation, VCR & TV, CD/DVD player, whiteboard or flip chart, and large lectern for the instructor).
Group Crisis Intervention
This training program is designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum. The two-day course prepares participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services including pre- and post-incident crisis education, significant other support services, on-scene support services, crisis intervention for individuals, demobilizations after large scale traumatic incidents, the large group Crisis Management Briefing (CMB), small group defusings and the group intervention known as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). This course specifically prepares participants to provide several of these crisis intervention and Emergency Mental Health skills—specifically demobilizations, CMBs, defusings and the CISD. The need for appropriate follow-up service and referrals when necessary is also described. This course is a prerequisite to taking the Advanced Group Crisis Intervention course.
Target audience: EMS, fire, rescue, law enforcement, emergency/critical care nurses and physicians, emergency services chaplains and mental health professionals who desire to work with emergency services personnel.
Course outline and learning objectives: Group Crisis Intervention
NOTE: The first two courses listed here (Individual . . . and Group . . .) are also offered in a three consecutive days combined format (instead of four days). Participants will still utilize both workbooks and will receive a certificate of completion for both courses. The learning objectives remain the same as for each course. The registration fee for this three-day combined program is $140.
Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
Crisis intervention is not psychotherapy, rather it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first-aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis invention is sometimes called "emotional first-aid". Most crisis interventions are typically done individually (one-on-one). This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of, and a specific protocol for, individual crisis intervention and increase Emergency Mental Health skills. It also teaches basic communication techniques such as restatement, summary and extrapolation paraphrasing, reflection of emotion, directive and non-directive questions, action directives, etc. The CISM: Group Crisis Intervention course in NOT a prerequisite for taking this course, although it may be helpful.
Target audience: emergency services personnel, military and business/industrial peer support personnel without formal training in mental health, as well as mental health professionals who desire to increase/review their knowledge of individual (one-on-one) crisis intervention techniques.
Course outline and learning objectives: Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support/ Group Crisis Intervention Combined Course
See “Note” above
Course outline and learning objectives: Combined Course
Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
This training program is designed to provide participants with the latest information in CISM techniques and post-trauma syndromes. The program emphasizes a broadening of the knowledge base concerning critical incident stress interventions as well as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Specifically, this program addresses advanced concepts which are the foundations of CISM and, more specifically, the group interventions of defusings and CISD. NOTE: This course does not provide basic CISD instruction, but rather addresses advanced concepts in CISD and CISM. Special emphasis is placed upon troubleshooting difficult and complex situations. Group Crisis Intervention must be completed before taking this course. At the conclusion of this educational program, the participants will have been exposed to specific, proven strategies to intervene with those suffering the ill effects of their exposure to trauma. The emphasis is on advanced defusings and debriefings in complex situations.
Target audience: The Advanced Group Crisis Intervention training has been developed for EAP, human resources and public safety personnel, mental health professionals, chaplains, paramedics, firefighters, physicians, police officers, nurses, dispatchers, airline personnel and disaster workers who are already trained in the critical incident stress debriefing format. It will also be useful for those who are working extensively with traumatized victims from various walks of life.
Course outline and learning objectives: Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
Pastoral Crisis Intervention
Pastoral Crisis Intervention may be thought of as the combination of faith-based resources with traditional techniques of crisis intervention. Pastoral crisis intervention represents a powerful addition to traditional community and organizational psychological support resources. The purpose of this two-day workshop is to assist the participants in learning how pastoral interventions and traditional psychological crisis interventions may be effectively integrated.
Target audience: Chaplains, pastoral counselors, mental health professionals, ministers, and anyone interested in the use of faith-based resources in healing should find this course of interest.
Course outline and learning objectives: Pastoral Crisis Intervention
If interested in hosting any of these courses, click on the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) drop-down menu in the left hand column at the top of this page, the click on How to Host a CISM Course.
To see available Continuing Education Units (CEU) for these courses, click on the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) drop-down menu in the left hand column at the top of this page, then click on CISM Course CEU Information.
For more information contact:
DSHS MHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Services
512-206-5555
DBHS@dshs.state.tx.us