PFA is an evidence-informed, supportive intervention, for assisting individuals and families in the aftermath of disaster and other crises to reduce initial distress and to foster adaptive functioning. Principles and techniques of Psychological First Aid are consistent with research evidence on risk and resilience following trauma, applicable and practical in ?eld settings, appropriate for developmental levels across the lifespan, and culturally informed and delivered in a ?exible manner.
PFA does not assume that all survivors will develop mental health problems or long-term dif?culties. Instead, it is based on an understanding that survivors will experience a broad range of early reactions. Some of these reactions will cause enough distress to interfere with adaptive coping, and recovery may be helped by support from compassionate and caring responders. While designed as a response to disasters, PFA skills can be used in a variety of situations requiring emergency interventions (e.g., accidents, ?res, death of loved one, removal from home, etc.).
Dr. Angel Knoverek is an endorsed trainer in PFA through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. See more information about Dr. Knoverek here.
• The ABC’s of EBP’s: Using Evidence Based Practices in Clinical Mental Health
• Treating Trauma: An Overview of Clinical Interventions for Decision-Making
• Implementing Therapy Interventions in a Variety of Service Settings
• Mindfulness: Teaching Clients to Manage Chronic Stress
• When Church Hurts: Addressing Religious Trauma in Counseling
• Taking Treatment to the Next Level: Administering Projective Assessments
We also offer various trainings on the following topics:
• Clinical Supervision
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Using Assessments in Treatment
• Spirituality & Religion in Counseling
• Using Values and Meaning Making with Clients
• Trauma-Responsive Strategies, Techniques and Interventions
• Developmental Trauma & Attachment
