**   This training was cited by the Employee Assistance Professional Association in the awarding of the 2003 Special Achievement Award to its author, Robert D. Intveld.

"The hand that extends to me and is taking responsibility for my psychological adjustment better know what it is doing. Good will and intent is not enough."

Welcome to the EAP/CISM On-line Training

Training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) should be required training for all professions likely to be involved with "critical incidents". If you have ever been involved with critical incidents than you will agree. You are also likely to agree that historically, "training" usually started experientially first, didactic second. In understanding the potential impact of critical incidents and secondary trauma this has been a dangerous and neglectful utilization of our most precious resources - the men and women who courageously put their own heath and safety on the line for the wellness of others.

Thankfully, receiving CISM training is on the rise.   The events of 9/11 proved the necessity for it.   Prior to 9/11, few resources for appropriate training existed.   The primary resources for CISM training were designed for the emergency rescue personnel or first responders.  Models by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Red Cross, Nova and others dominated the field.

While the training has been effective for first responders and increasingly well attended, training for personnel who respond to critical incidents in the workplace, remained few.  Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and mental health practitioners mostly translated principles from the various CISM models, crisis intervention theory, and adapted components from the treatment of trauma and bereavement into the onsite interventions.

At present time, the demand for training in CISM and the acceptance of the impact from critical incident stress to employees and bottom line, have never been higher.  Demand for specialized training and recently, certification, are being requested more and more.

Lastly, and most importantly, our counseling personnel are not adequately prepared for the risks they are taking. Reaching workers in their professional development stages is crucial.  Any "classroom" training in CISM likely to have been received during this time, was marginal at best.

This training selects the most popular CISM model and integrates it into the workplace setting.  The 'Mitchell Model", which was developed by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and its founders, Jeffrey T. Mitchell Ph.D. and George S. Everly JR. Ph.D. The intervention is reviewed and translated for successful application in workplace settings. It is our opinion that in understanding more critically, the nature of stress and the stress response, solid crisis intervention principles, and appreciation for the unique challenges presented to EAP counselors when intervening with employees and workplaces vs. first responders, require a streamline approach and consistent practice. This training begins to offer such an approach.

Please review our outline.

"The course was excellent and provided a number of helpful insights for first responders like me." Darrill Deaton DMin, Victim Relief Ministries, TX

I received certificate from you. Thank you so much for your help! And by the way, the training material was excellent!!
Akiko Yagi, EAP Japan

"The course was great!" John Buck MA, CEAP, DOR EAP, MN

"The training was excellent and I would recommend it to other EAP's." Beth Aaron, LifeEra, PA

"The material was outstanding!" John L. Laughlin, Ph.D., MD

"I learned a lot from this course. It was very timely because we had 2 employees die and had to respond to the co-workers." Connie Moody, University of Cincinnati, REACH, OH

"Excellent, very informational!" Mark W. Baldwin LCSW, Family Therapist, Brower County Schools, FL

"Great Information!" Gene Personett, Tyson Foods, IN

"Very Good training Course, Well designed." George Florence, G&G Fire Protection Consultants, TX

"There was a lot of valuable info and the way the training was organized it was very easy to follow." Anastasia Matkowski, United HealthCare, PA

"There is an unbelievable amount of information that you are given..." Larry Robinson, EAP Resources, AL