CTRI ACHIEVE

Trauma and Crisis Response

Critical Incident Group Debriefing

Critical incident group debriefing (CIGD) is a short‑term intervention for supporting people after distressing events. This workshop teaches you how to facilitate a group debriefing, create safe spaces for sharing, normalize reactions, and know when CIGD is appropriate.

4.9 (12,500+ enrolled)

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Facilitate Effective Group Debriefings

Critical incident group debriefing (CIGD) is a short-term intervention designed to support people after a distressing or unusual event – something that falls outside of everyday experience and challenges our ability to cope.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate a group debriefing and create a safe space where your participants can share their experiences, feel heard, and access helpful resources. The process helps normalize and validate people’s reactions, which promotes healing and connection.

You’ll also gain the skills to assess when CIGD is the right approach – and when it might not be the best option. With a strong focus on practice and skill-building, this training prepares you to respond effectively and compassionately in the aftermath of critical incidents.

Learning Objectives

Explain how people respond differently to the same event

Describe a framework for facilitating a group debriefing

Know the benefits and potential problems with group debriefing

Identify when critical incident group debriefing is appropriate

Practice participating in a critical incident debriefing

12,500+

Professionals Trained

4.7 Stars

Trustpilot Rating

500+

Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Most Popular

On-Demand Workshop

Recorded workshop for flexible, self‑paced learning.

$149

/ per person

Start right away – no scheduling required

Learn at your own pace, in manageable sections

Follow along with a full downloadable manual

Earn a certificate and continuing education credits

Access anytime, on any device

Share access across your team for consistent learning

Live Virtual Workshop

Interactive sessions with experienced facilitators.

From $549

/ per person

Learn from an experienced facilitator

Ask questions and get real-time guidance

Connect and learn alongside peers

Engage in discussions and practical exercises

Earn 6 CECs per day of training

Receive a certificate upon completion

View Upcoming Dates

Personalized training solutions for your team.

Starting at

$3300 per day

per session

Additional Options

On-Demand Webinar

Condensed training in a video format.

Standalone written learning resource.

What You'll Learn

Walk away with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. The objectives below outline what you'll be equipped to do after completing this training.

Understand CIGD Through a Trauma‑Informed Lens

Learn what CIGD is and apply a trauma-informed lens to the intervention.

Manage Responses and Facilitate

Explore potential responses after a critical incident and the facilitator’s role.

Navigate Co‑Facilitation and Considerations

Understand co-facilitation issues and considerations during a critical incident response.

Assess Benefits and Challenges

Examine the benefits and challenges of group debriefing for participants.

Prepare for CIGD

Learn how to prepare for a group debriefing and structure the CIGD phases.

Guide the Debriefing Process

Review considerations for guiding the CIGD process to support healing.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

It's not always easy to facilitate a six-hour session, but it flew by. Perfectly timed, packed with useful, relevant information, curated to address the unique needs of our group."

K. Decle

University of British Columbia, Office of Student Academic Services

"

This was one of the best trainings our organization has had. Staff were so engaged and came away energized and excited rather than tired and drained."

T. Etienne

Portal Youth Outreach Association

"

CTRI is a great source for learning. They were easy to work with and our facilitator presented in an engaging and interactive way that kept people interested and attentive."

J. Grimes

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the training.

This training is for:

Mental health professionals

Social services and community‑based professionals

First responders and emergency services

Health care workers and support staff

School and post‑secondary personnel

Leaders, managers, and supervisors

Human resources and people operations teams

Employees in corporate or business settings

Anyone working in people‑centred or support roles

What is critical incident group debriefing?

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CIGD is a structured, short-term group intervention designed to support people after a distressing event – helping them feel heard, normalizing their reactions, and connecting them with appropriate resources.

Who is this training for?

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This training is for team leads, HR professionals, counsellors, educators, health care workers, and anyone who may need to facilitate a group response after a critical incident.

When is CIGD appropriate - and when isn't it?

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The workshop addresses this directly. CIGD works well in specific circumstances and is not always the right tool. Participants learn to assess when it is and isn't appropriate.

Is this training trauma-informed?

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Yes. A trauma-informed lens is central to the workshop. Participants learn how to create psychological safety during debriefings and avoid re-traumatizing participants.

Is this training available online or privately?

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Yes. CTRI offers this workshop in live, on-demand, and private formats. Contact us to arrange a session for your team or organization.

How does this differ from Crisis Response Planning training?

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Crisis Response Planning covers the full organizational response to a critical incident. CIGD focuses specifically on facilitating a group debriefing session. Many teams benefit from completing both.

Lead Compassionate Group Debriefings

Gain the tools to facilitate group debriefings that help people process trauma and build resilience after critical incidents. Explore training options or bring this workshop to your team.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included