CISD- Impact Phase

The Impact phase is another transitional phase. The objective in this phase is to begin movement of the group back from the emotionally laden content of the reaction phase toward more cognitively oriented material.  This phase begins when the participants are asked to describe how they were impacted on a cognitive, behavioral, physical or emotional level. Common reactions can be provided. The group then spends some time talking about the various ways they have been impacted. The question is again repeated only asking them if impact was present 2-3 days after the incident (depending on when the intervention is taking place), and lastly if they are experiencing any reaction presently.   When the discussion stops or no new reactions are brought up, it is time to move to the teaching stage.  This phase is generally 5-10 minutes long.

Keep in mind that the previous stage, reaction, has opened up participants and they are raw and vulnerable.  Transitioning them out of this emotional domain to the cognitive domain is essential.  That is what the impact phase begins to do.  Members who might leave during the reactive phase should be retrieved or noted to be approached afterwards so that the healing and re-development of healthy cognitive defenses can return.