Assisting individuals in crisis

What is Presented?

This course provides comprehensive, specialized training in Crisis Intervention, clearly distinguishing it from traditional psychotherapy. Often referred to as Emotional First Aid or Psychological First Aid (PFA), crisis intervention is a crucial, acute emergency mental health service designed to stabilize immediate distress and manage the immediate aftermath of a critical incident.

The curriculum is structured around a comprehensive, systematic, and multi-component model of crisis response. Participants will be prepared to deliver a wide range of crisis intervention services specifically addressing the needs of individuals in acute crisis. (Note: Training in group crisis intervention will be addressed in a separate course.)

A foundational component will be the introduction to Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) fundamentals. The course emphasizes that crisis intervention is not a cure but a bridge to recovery, ensuring participants understand the critical importance of appropriate follow-up services and referrals to professional mental health care when necessary.

Curriculum Overview: Assisting Individuals in Crisis

This intensive course is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for effective, ethical, and evidence-based individual crisis intervention. The curriculum progresses from theoretical understanding and core communication skills to the mastery of a systematic, acute intervention model.

I. Program Goals & Philosophy

• Goal: To equip participants with the ability to define, assess, and apply a structured intervention model (SAFER-R) to individuals in psychological crisis, while prioritizing safety and minimizing the risk of harm.
• Emphasis: The course emphasizes hands-on practice of core skills, systematic adherence to the SAFER-R model, and a commitment to evidence-based, ethical practice.

II. Scope and Sequence (Core Components)

The curriculum is divided into three progressive domains, covering both foundational knowledge and applied competence.

Domain	Core Content Focus (Scope)	Key Learning Outcomes (Behavioral Objectives)
1. Foundational Knowledge & Ethics	Defining key terms and concepts; reviewing relevant research and evidence-based practice; identifying the active ingredients (mechanisms of action) of intervention.	Define core concepts and principles of evidence-based practice in crisis intervention.
2. Crisis Assessment & Recognition	Recognizing the spectrum of mild to severe crisis reactions; understanding and listing the three risks of iatrogenic "harm" (harm caused by the intervention itself).	Recognize and differentiate between varying levels of acute crisis reaction while mitigating ethical and practical risks.
3. Applied Intervention: The SAFER-R Model	Practiced active listening; learning and listing the 5 steps of the SAFER-R model for individual crisis intervention/PFA; learning and listing the specific steps of the SAFER-R model for intervention with suicidal ideation.	Demonstrate the core elements of active listening and apply the systematic steps of the SAFER-R model effectively in simulated individual and suicide crisis scenarios.

 

Course Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1 Analyze the theoretical foundations of psychological crisis and the principles of effective psychological crisis intervention, including the application of the Resistance, Resiliency, Recovery continuum.

2 Evaluate the role of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and the application of Evidence-based practice (EBP) in responding to and mitigating acute psychological stress following a crisis.

3 Demonstrate proficiency in implementing basic crisis communication techniques and identifying common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions to facilitate immediate support and/or referral.

Course facilitated by: 

Dave Sawh

PDH approval: 14 PDHs Contact Hours: 14

Who Presents?

About the Presenter: Dave Sawh

Dave Sawh is a former Psychologist and certified CISM Instructor specializing in the lasting effects of trauma and high-stakes crisis response. Drawing on over a decade of frontline experience with the Correctional Service of Canada, he provided crisis intervention and risk assessment in maximum-security penitentiaries and community facilities. Dave’s deep expertise spans forensic psychology and clinical counseling for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Having worked with first responders, complex offenders, and Indigenous peoples, his unique background blends high-pressure practical experience with clinical rigor, making him exceptionally qualified to teach the critical skills of Critical Incident Stress Management.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify acute and long-term grief and trauma responses in the workplace.
2. Provide integrated support that addresses both immediate and ongoing needs.
3. Partner with leaders to balance business continuity with compassionate care.
4. Support reintegration and resilience through flexible accommodations and long-term planning.
5. Apply ethical and culturally responsive practices with practical tools and resources.

 

COST

$499 Members

$600 Non Members

What are the dates for this course?

March 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026 12:00-3:30PM ET

                              

How Do I Register?

Registration is EASY!  Just register by clicking below.  Space is limited to register today!

PDHs will be awarded for attendance at this event.

To register Click Here    

 

For more additional questions contact j.rochester@eapassn.org