Introduction

In the wake of crises, disasters, and traumatic events, immediate psychological support is just as critical as physical aid. The Psychological First Aid and Trauma Management Training Course is a comprehensive and highly practical program designed to build the capacity of professionals, first responders, and community leaders in delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive, and effective mental health support during and after emergencies. This course equips learners with the knowledge and tools to reduce distress, foster recovery, and build resilience among individuals and communities affected by traumatic incidents.

This training emphasizes evidence-based techniques in psychological first aid (PFA), trauma-informed care, and post-crisis mental health intervention. Participants will gain critical skills in assessing emotional needs, offering stabilizing support, and knowing when and how to refer individuals for specialized mental health care. Designed for deployment in diverse humanitarian, healthcare, education, and security settings, this course empowers responders to protect psychological well-being, minimize long-term trauma, and support healing in high-stress environments.

Target Audience

• Emergency responders and disaster relief personnel
• Mental health and psychosocial support practitioners
• Healthcare workers and community health volunteers
• Humanitarian aid workers and NGO staff
• School counselors, teachers, and youth mentors
• Security and law enforcement personnel
• Social workers and trauma recovery specialists
• Community and religious leaders providing crisis support

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles and purpose of psychological first aid
• Recognize common psychological responses to trauma and crisis
• Apply PFA techniques to support individuals in distress
• Conduct basic psychological assessments in emergency settings
• Identify signs of acute stress, PTSD, and psychological shock
• Build skills in active listening, empathy, and communication
• Adapt support for children, adolescents, and vulnerable groups
• Promote safety, stabilization, and emotional comfort
• Manage your own stress and avoid burnout as a responder
• Develop referral pathways for long-term psychological care
• Integrate trauma-informed practices into emergency response systems

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Psychological First Aid and Trauma

• Definitions and scope of psychological first aid
• Understanding trauma and stress reactions
• The impact of disasters, violence, and displacement on mental health
• International guidelines and frameworks for PFA
• The role of non-specialists in immediate psychological support

Module 2: Core Principles and Actions of Psychological First Aid

• Look, listen, and link: the three pillars of PFA
• Establishing rapport and emotional safety
• Active listening and non-verbal communication techniques
• Managing intense emotions and psychological distress
• Addressing basic needs and fostering a sense of control

Module 3: Recognizing Trauma and Supporting Recovery

• Types of trauma and their psychological impact
• Signs of acute stress, anxiety, and grief
• Psychological responses in different age groups
• Resilience factors and coping mechanisms
• Supporting survivors through early interventions

Module 4: Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations

• Trauma-informed approaches for children and youth
• Supporting survivors of gender-based violence
• Psychological support for elderly, disabled, and displaced persons
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive support strategies
• Ensuring protection, privacy, and consent

Module 5: Referral, Escalation, and Continuity of Care

• Screening for severe mental health conditions
• Referral mechanisms and partnerships with mental health services
• Collaborative care and case documentation
• Working with psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors
• Building local mental health support networks

Module 6: Responder Well-being and Peer Support

• Stress management and emotional resilience for frontline workers
• Preventing secondary trauma and compassion fatigue
• Peer support systems and stress debriefing
• Self-care strategies and psychological preparedness
• Maintaining professional boundaries under stress

Module 7: Integrating PFA into Emergency Systems and Community Resilience

• Embedding PFA into emergency preparedness and response plans
• Community awareness and psychoeducation strategies
• Training community-based volunteers in PFA
• Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous learning
• Building long-term mental health resilience in communities

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.