Course Description:
Acts of terrorism are unparalleled in their potential to undermine psychological stability. This course will explore preparedness and response to terrorism with an emphasis on at-risk populations, coping mechanisms, resiliency, self-care for disaster responders, and lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and the attacks of 9/11/01. Psychological and psychosomatic symptoms will be presented, with discussion of how reactions may vary depending on the type of weapon utilized (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and cyberterrorism). Other topics will include recent innovations in response to catastrophic disasters and terrorism, including Family Assistance Centers and Respite Centers.
Program Highlights:
- Disaster and their psychological implications
- Trauma, “at-risk” groups, and phases of disaster
- “Disaster invariables” that occur in every disaster
- Terrorism and the intended effects of terrorism
- Impacts of terrorism from personal experience
- “Toxicity factors” of terrorist events
- Factors and situations that influence psychological response
- “Four-step therapeutic conversation”
- Psychological impact of disasters
- “Benign” vs “malignant” psychological reactions
Course Length: 2 Days (14 Contact Hours)
Intended Audience:
This course is designed for anyone who wants to be prepared for effective response to terrorism, including first responders, emergency managers, the military, health and mental health professionals, chaplains and spiritual care personnel, disaster workers, childcare workers and school personnel, and responders in the corporate sector.