Critical incident support for organisations

Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) for organisations in West Wales and online

Professional, on-call support to help your team make sense of a traumatic event, together, and begin to recover well.

When something distressing happens at work — an accident, a sudden death, a violent incident, a serious near miss — people are often left carrying it alone. A timely, well-facilitated debrief gives your team a safe space to talk, to understand their reactions, and to look out for one another.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a structured group conversation, usually held within a few days of an event, led by someone from outside the immediate team. It is not therapy and it is not an investigation. It is a supportive process that helps people recognise that their responses are normal reactions to an abnormal event, and that lets you show your staff, clearly, that their wellbeing matters.

In-person CISD can be arranged from New Quay across Ceredigion and West Wales, including Aberaeron, Cardigan and Lampeter. Online debriefs are available UK-wide via Microsoft Teams.

Service: Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Provider: Gareth Vaughan, BACP Accredited Counsellor
Where: West Wales in person; online across the UK
Fee: £500 per full day
Contact: 07544 518276 · gareth@gareth-vaughan.co.uk

When a debrief can help

Signs it may be time to bring someone in

You do not need to wait for people to be visibly struggling. A debrief is most useful in the days after an event, before difficult experiences have a chance to settle in unhelpful ways.

A sudden death, serious injury or medical emergency involving staff, clients or the public.
An accident, fire, or serious near miss on site.
Violence, aggression or a threatening incident affecting your team.
Attending or witnessing a distressing scene as part of the job.
A death by suicide affecting colleagues.
Any event that has clearly shaken the group and left people unsettled.

The service

An on-call debriefing service you can reach quickly

When you get in touch, we agree the right timing and format, in person across West Wales or online by Microsoft Teams. Sessions are held with small groups so that everyone has room to be heard. The debrief follows a recognised, phased structure, so the conversation moves gently from the facts of what happened towards how people are coping and what support is available next.

Get in touch

You call or email to describe what has happened. We talk through who has been affected and agree timing, usually within a few days of the event.

The debrief

A structured, confidential group session that moves from the facts, to thoughts and reactions, to normalising common responses and practical coping.

Onward support

Clear guidance on what to look out for in the weeks ahead, and signposting to further help or one-to-one support for anyone who needs it.

Who it is for

Support for teams who face difficult events

Emergency & frontline

Ambulance, fire, police and healthcare teams who meet trauma as part of the role, and need dependable support when an incident hits harder than usual.

Workplaces & HR

Employers, managers and HR teams who want a considered, professional response ready when something distressing affects their staff.

Care & community

Hospices, care homes, charities, schools and community organisations supporting people through loss, crisis and sudden change.

Why it matters

Looking after your people, and your organisation

Handled well, the time after a critical incident can bring a team closer and help people return to work feeling supported rather than isolated. A calm, structured debrief gives colleagues permission to talk, reduces the sense that they are struggling alone, and helps you spot anyone who may need more support.

Offering this care also demonstrates, plainly, that you take your duty toward staff wellbeing seriously. That builds trust, supports retention, and helps your organisation meet its responsibilities around psychological health at work.

Who you will be working with

Gareth Vaughan

I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist based in New Quay, Ceredigion, with over fifteen years of clinical experience. My background spans NHS talking therapies, a hospital-based cancer team, and specialist bereavement work, so supporting people through trauma, loss and crisis is at the heart of what I do.

I have completed dedicated training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and I bring a calm, non-judgemental and human approach to every session. Debriefs can be arranged in person across West Wales or online by Microsoft Teams.

BACP Accredited (MBACP Accred)
15+ years clinical experience
Trauma & bereavement specialist
CISD trained
In person & online

Fees

Clear, straightforward pricing

£500

per full day

A full day covers preparation, the debrief itself, and follow-up guidance for your team. For shorter sessions, multiple teams, or an ongoing arrangement, please get in touch and we can agree something that suits your organisation. Travel across West Wales is included; further afield can be discussed.

Discuss your needs

Frequently asked questions, critical incident debriefing

Is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing the same as therapy?

No. CISD is a structured group conversation, not therapy and not an investigation. It helps people recognise that their responses are normal reactions to an abnormal event, and it is not a substitute for individual therapy or medical care.

When should we arrange a debrief?

A debrief is most useful in the days after an event, usually within a few days, before difficult experiences have a chance to settle in unhelpful ways. You do not need to wait for people to be visibly struggling.

Do you offer debriefing in person or online?

Both. Debriefs can be arranged in person across West Wales, including New Quay, Aberaeron, Cardigan and Lampeter, or online by Microsoft Teams anywhere in the UK. Sessions are held with small groups so that everyone has room to be heard.

How much does a critical incident debrief cost?

A full day is £500 and covers preparation, the debrief itself, and follow-up guidance for your team. Travel across West Wales is included. Shorter sessions, multiple teams, or an ongoing arrangement can be discussed.

Who delivers the CISD sessions?

Sessions are delivered by Gareth Vaughan, a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist based in New Quay, Ceredigion, with dedicated training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and over fifteen years of clinical experience.

Which organisations is CISD for?

CISD is for workplaces, HR teams, emergency and frontline services, healthcare, hospices, care homes, schools, charities and community organisations supporting people after a traumatic or critical incident.

Get in touch

Arrange a debrief or ask a question

If something has happened, or you would like to have support ready before it does, I am glad to talk it through with no obligation.

Call 07544 518276 or email gareth@gareth-vaughan.co.uk.

Send an enquiry

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a supportive group intervention and is not a substitute for individual therapy or medical care. Anyone with ongoing difficulties will be gently signposted to appropriate further support.