CISD- Reaction Phase

The reaction phase is the most emotionally powerful phase of all. If the introduction, fact and thought phases have gone well, the group will flow into the reaction stage with ease. Once the initial question is asked, the group will basically run itself.  There does not need to be any order as in the other phases, and since a level of trust and security has been reached participants generally share and comment/support others in the process. The CISM team need only let it happen.  Opening questions can be:

What was the worse thing about this situation for you personally? What part of this event bothers you the most? If you could erase one part of the situation, what part would you choose to erase? What aspects of the situation causes you the most pain?

Participants will show more discomfort in this phase. They may shift in their chairs, wring hands or avoid eye contact.  Some might get a glazed over look, become tearful or tremble when they speak.  Sometimes the choice of words one uses are powerful in the absence of visible emotion.  Whatever the signs and cues, once the group has had enough the discussion will drop off. After attempt to further engage in discussion without response, it is time to move into the next phase- Impact.