What is Psychological First Aid? A Guide for Those Who Want to Help Others

Do you know someone who is struggling with everyday stress? Maybe a friend, family member, co-worker, student, or mentee?

Often, people want to help others in distress but don’t know what to say or do. This is where psychological first aid comes in. Psychological first aid is an intervention that helps people cope with and recover from stress. It is not a substitute for professional help, but it is a way for everyday people to help others in their time of need.

In this article, we’ll cover the following topics:

• What psychological first aid is

• Training in psychological first aid – the LifeRAFT Training Model

• Applications and benefits of training in psychological first aid

What psychological first aid is

Psychological first aid is a type of mental health intervention that can be used for everyday stressors such as relationship problems, work stress, financial difficulties, and other common challenges. It is a way to offer emotional support and practical assistance to those who are struggling. Psychological first aid is based on the idea that people in distress need help from someone who is non-judgmental, supportive, and empathetic. By providing this type of assistance, we can help people cope with their emotions and feel more resilient.

Psychological first aid can help with a variety of situations and concerns. Here are some examples:

Loss of a loved one:

Psychological first aid can be helpful for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one, by helping the individual process their grief and supporting them in coping with the loss.

Relationship issues:

Psychological first aid can be helpful for individuals experiencing relationship issues, such as a break-up or divorce. It can help the individual manage their emotions and provide support during a difficult time.

Work stress:

Psychological first aid can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing work-related stress, such as burnout or conflicts with colleagues. It can help the individual manage their stress and develop coping strategies.

Academic stress:

Psychological first aid can also be helpful for students experiencing academic stress, such as difficulty adjusting to college or facing academic challenges. It can provide support and coping strategies to help the student manage their stress and succeed academically.

Spiritual issues:

Psychological first aid can also be helpful for individuals experiencing stress related to their faith or church, such as conflicts with other members or doubts about their faith. It can provide support and coping strategies to help the individual manage their stress and find resolution.

The principles of psychological first aid are simple but powerful. They involve creating a safe and supportive environment, listening to the person's concerns, and helping them to meet their basic needs. PFA also emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural and individual differences, and empowering the person to make their own choices and decisions.

Training in psychological first aid – LifeRAFT Helping Skills Training Model

The LifeRAFT Training Model is an evidence-based model that teaches helpers how to use psychological first aid to assist those in distress. It uses the metaphor of water with the experience of distress as drowning and the helping process as water rescue. The acronym LifeRAFT stands for Life Relief through Actions, Feelings, and Thoughts. 

The model involves four SWIM stages: 

Supporting:

The first stage involves building rapport with the person in distress by providing a non-judgmental and supportive environment. This stage helps to establish trust and lays the foundation for further interventions.

Watching:

The second stage involves watching for warning signs of emergency. This can include suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, or other signs that indicate the person is in crisis.

Investigating:

The third stage involves investigating the person's concerns by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses. This stage helps to identify the root cause of the person's distress.

Modifying:

The final stage involves identifying a strategy for relief through actions, feelings, or thoughts. This stage is designed to help the person feel supported and capable, equipping them to navigate their stressors.

Applications and benefits of training in psychological first aid

LifeRAFT trainings are available for individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and organizations. Ideally suited for those invested in helping others in their work and personal lives, including:

• Everyday people who want to learn how to support friends and family

• Mental health workers and human service/non-profit organizations in need of helping skills training for staff and volunteers

• Professionals in service/people-oriented professions, such as business, education, religion, medicine, law and public safety, government, human services, and more

Training in psychological first aid can have many benefits for those who want to help others cope with everyday stress. By learning these skills, you can:

• Offer emotional support to friends, family members, colleagues, and students who are struggling.

• Improve your communication and listening skills.

• Develop a greater understanding of how to respond to people in distress.

• Learn practical interventions that can help people cope with stress.

• Improve your own resilience and ability to cope with stress.

The benefits of psychological first aid extend beyond just the person in distress. By helping someone cope with stress, you are also improving their relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. In addition, when people feel supported and heard, they are more likely to seek professional help if they need it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, psychological first aid is a way to offer support and practical assistance to those who are struggling with everyday stress. The LifeRAFT Training Model provides a clear and evidence-based framework for helping others in distress. By learning these skills, you can improve your own ability to cope with stress and offer support to those in need. Remember, everyone can benefit from a little help and compassion, especially during difficult times.

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For everyday helpers—family, friends, coworkers, teachers, coaches, mentors, advisors—learn what to say and do to help others through difficult times.

Disclaimers:

The content provided is not intended to be therapy, medical, accounting, or legal advice. The information shared is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a qualified provider with any questions you may have.  

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