This internationally accredited Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Group Crisis Interventions course is designed for health professionals, emergency responders, and others involved in supporting groups following traumatic or critical incidents.
Delivered remotely through Zoom, this intensive five-module programme provides participants with the knowledge, practical skills, structure, and theoretical understanding required to deliver a range of evidence-based group crisis interventions in workplace and community settings.
Participants will learn how to facilitate interventions including Crisis Management Briefings (CMB), Defusings, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD), while developing confidence through practical exercises, simulations, and guided role-play in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Successful completion of all modules will lead to an ICISF Certificate of Attendance for accredited training.
(all modules must be completed for certification)
The schedule for this course is as follows:
Module 1: Thursday 24th September 2026 (09.30 – 12.30)
Module 2: Friday 25th September 2026 (09.30am – 12.30)
Module 3: Monday 28th September 2026 (09.30 – 12.30)
Module 4: Tuesday 29th September 2026 (09.30 – 12.30)
Module 5: Wednesday 30th September 2026 (09.30 – 12.30)
Attendance at all five live training modules
ICISF accredited training certificate
Comprehensive ICISF electronic course manual
Additional learning materials and resources
Complimentary enrolment onto the CPD-certified e-learning programme:
"Trauma in the Workplace: Resilience and Recovery"
(Usual value £125)
Access to the exclusive KRTS International CISM Faculty LinkedIn community for ongoing professional networking, information sharing, and best practice discussions.
FAQ section
You've got questions. We've got answers.
Critical incidents can have a significant impact on individuals, teams, and organisations. When managed effectively, early crisis intervention can help reduce distress, support recovery, and promote resilience following traumatic events.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) provides a structured, evidence-informed framework for supporting people affected by critical incidents. This course equips participants with practical skills and internationally recognised methodologies that can be applied across healthcare, emergency services, corporate, educational, and community settings.
By developing competence in group crisis interventions, participants will be better prepared to support colleagues, teams, and communities during times of crisis and recovery.
Internationally recognised accredited training - accredited by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and the University of Maryland
Delivered by experienced CISM practitioners: ICISF certified trainer Dr Liz Royle and facilitator Cath Kerr (CPsychol)
Practical, skills-based learning approach
Interactive role-play and simulation exercises
Comprehensive course materials included
Additional CPD-certified trauma training at no extra cost
Ongoing access to a professional peer-support network
This course is suitable for:
Mental health professionals
Psychologists and counsellors
Occupational health practitioners
Emergency services personnel
First responders
Healthcare professionals
Employee wellbeing and support teams
Crisis response and trauma support practitioners
Participants should have an interest in supporting individuals and groups following critical incidents and traumatic events.
Certainly. We know that many organisations have an in-house process for buying training spaces and we can support that. Just contact us at training@krtsinternational.com
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
Define the core terms related to the practice of psychological crisis intervention (CISM).
Understand Resistance, Resiliency, and Recovery terms as they relate to the practice of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
Understand and practice the elements of the Strategic planning formula.
Understand and practice informational group crisis interventions.
• Rest, Information and Transition Services (RITS)
• Crisis Management Briefing (CMB)
Understand and practice interactional group crisis interventions.
• Defusing
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Explain the risks of adverse outcomes when CISM standards are not followed, or when untrained individuals lead group crisis interventions.
Module 1 – Foundations of Crisis Intervention
Duration: 3 Hours
Topics include:
Course introduction and orientation
History, concepts, and principles of crisis intervention
The resistance, resilience, and recovery model
Benefits of group-based interventions
Working with homogeneous and heterogeneous groups
Delivering crisis psychoeducation to groups
Module 2 – Defusing Interventions
Duration: 3 Hours
Topics include:
Understanding the Defusing process
Structure and application of Defusing interventions
Facilitated Defusing simulation and practice exercises
Module 3 – Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Duration: 3 Hours
Topics include:
Defining Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Appropriate indications and applications of CISD
Participation in a structured CISD simulation
Module 4 – CISD Practice and working safely
Duration: 3 Hours
Topics include:
Practical CISD facilitation sessions
Developing confidence in group interventions
Understanding and mitigating risks in crisis intervention practice
Module 5 – Strategic Planning and Crisis Management
Duration: 3 Hours
Topics include:
Developing an effective strategic response plan
Crisis and disaster intervention tactics
Rest, Information and Transition Services (RITS)
Crisis Management Briefings (CMB)
Practical strategic planning exercises
Developing and delivering a Crisis Management Briefing
Self-care and wellbeing for crisis responders
"In depth, treated as adults, plenty of opportunity to explore further. Downright interesting and informative"
"Cath and Liz were very good at guiding you through the process needed. Made it a relaxing atmosphere for what is an intense subject"
"The presenters were very experienced and were able to use real life examples to complement the content. There was also a good mix of presentation and group discussion"
"I really enjoyed the training and can see value across different aspects of my work. I also enjoyed mixing with other professionals that we would not normally have such discussions with"
"The models were described clearly and broken down to make them easy to understand"
"Many thanks to our trainers! Excellent training and delivery. Extremely knowledgeable using examples to bring it to life and apply context"
Places are limited to ensure a high-quality interactive learning experience.
To request information on paying through invoice or instalments or to obtain further information on in-house CISM courses, please contact us:
Email: training@krtsinternational.com
We look forward to welcoming you to this internationally accredited programme and supporting your development in crisis and trauma intervention practice.