# Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

Source: https://www.gareth-vaughan.co.uk/cisd-debriefing.html

On-call Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for organisations in West Wales and online across the UK. Delivered by Gareth Vaughan, a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist based in New Quay, Ceredigion.

## At a glance

- Service: Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), also called critical incident debriefing or post critical incident stress debriefing
- Who it is for: workplaces, HR teams, emergency and frontline services, healthcare, hospices, care homes, schools, charities and community organisations
- Where: in person across West Wales (New Quay, Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter and wider Ceredigion); online UK-wide via Microsoft Teams
- Fee: £500 per full day, covering preparation, the debrief, and follow-up guidance. Travel across West Wales is included
- Provider: Gareth Vaughan, BACP Accredited Counsellor (MBACP Accred), CISD trained, 15+ years clinical experience
- Contact: 07544 518276, gareth@gareth-vaughan.co.uk, https://www.gareth-vaughan.co.uk/contact.html

## What CISD is

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a structured group conversation, usually held within a few days of a traumatic or distressing event at work. It is led by someone from outside the immediate team. It is not therapy and it is not an investigation. It helps people recognise that their responses are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

## When a debrief can help

- 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 a team
- Attending or witnessing a distressing scene as part of the job
- A death by suicide affecting colleagues
- Any event that has clearly shaken a group and left people unsettled

A debrief is most useful in the days after an event. Organisations do not need to wait until people are visibly struggling.

## How it works

1. Get in touch — call or email to describe what has happened. Timing is agreed, usually within a few days of the event.
2. The debrief — a structured, confidential group session moving from the facts, to thoughts and reactions, to normalising common responses and practical coping.
3. Onward support — guidance on what to look out for in the weeks ahead, with signposting to further help or one-to-one counselling where needed.

## Important limitation

CISD is a supportive group intervention and is not a substitute for individual therapy or medical care. Anyone with ongoing difficulties is signposted to appropriate further support.