Crisis Response

Field experiences have shown that employing a variety of crisis intervention techniques tailored to individual needs can significantly enhance the effectiveness of crisis response. It has become evident that a single approach does not fit all situations.

Different individuals have varying preferences for communication during a crisis. While some may benefit from one-on-one conversations, others might find small group discussions more helpful. Facing overwhelming events, people often need to express their emotions or could benefit from learning basic stress management techniques, or sometimes both.

Acknowledging the necessity for a diverse set of intervention methods, Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell and Dr. George Everly developed a systematic, multi-modal, comprehensive, and tactically oriented system of crisis intervention known as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM - pronounced “sizm” for short). This approach, initially adopted by firefighting services in the early to mid-1980s, has evolved into a comprehensive system encompassing eleven distinct interventions, typically employed in combination and for short durations. CISM is recognized for meeting the established and evolving standards of care and best practices in crisis intervention.

CISM is now employed across the United States and in over 60 countries by thousands of organizations, including hospitals, medical centers, fire services at various levels, law enforcement agencies, businesses, governmental agencies, NGOs, and other private sector entities such as non-profits and national relief organizations.

Dr. Brown has undergone extensive training in this model, is an Approved Instructor by the International Critical Incident Stress Management Foundation established by Drs. Mitchell and Everly, and has personally applied this method in hundreds of critical incidents, aiding thousands of people.