Live webinar air date: March 21, 2025
Date
CE credits
3
Exam items
18
Series
Description
Psychological first aid (PFA) is the recommended first line of emotional support for those impacted by disasters/mass violence. This webinar provides an overview of the PFA model developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD. PFA is an evidence-informed, culturally sensitive modular approach to help individuals across the age span, as well as families, reduce distress and decrease risk for mental health challenges. The importance of self-care in PFA will be reviewed. Finally, considerations for those wanting to volunteer to aid in disaster response are discussed.
Learning objectives
- List at least four common reactions of adults/children after disasters/terrorism/mass violence.
- Discuss the purpose of PFA after disasters/terrorism/mass violence.
- Identify at least three core action steps of PFA after disasters/terrorism/mass violence.
- Discuss the importance of self-care in disaster response and identify at least four personal considerations to address before volunteering for disaster response work.
Presenter
Robin H. Gurwitch, PhD
Gurwitch, a clinical psychologist and professor at Duke University Medical Center, devotes much of her time to understanding the impact of trauma/disaster/mass violence, ways to increase resilience, cope with grief/loss, and address significant stressors. With the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) since 2001, she is co-principal investigator of NCTSN’s NEW DAY program, which focuses on disasters and mass violence. Additionally, Gurwitch is one of only 21 PCIT international global trainers, co-developer of PCIT’s Trauma Directed Module, and co-developer of Child Adult Relationship Enhancement, a trauma-informed set of skills.
