Practical Suggestions for Crisis Debriefing in Schools

The recent tragic attack on America has highlighted the need for group processing in schools after a tragedy. It is well documented in the literature that those persons who have experienced a crisis need to have an opportunity to talk about it (Poland & McCormick, 1999). Processing reduces the likelihood of survivors having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and feelings of isolation and helps to restore equilibrium. A review of the crisis processing models finds several that have been utilized in the schools with success but also with limitations. I have dealt with many school crises in my position with a school system in Houston, have led or served on national crisis teams in communities that have experienced schoo