Facilitating Recovery from Disaster-Work Experiences

Over the past ten years, increasing attention has been given by both employers and researchers to the psychological problems which can be experienced by first-line disaster workers. These developments are briefly charted. Following a discussion of the nature of psychological trauma, the role of the professional counsellor is explored in connection with (a) preparing rescue and emergency staff for working in a disaster situation, (b) supporting them at the scene of a disaster, and (c) providing psychological assistance in the days and weeks after a disaster. Attention is then turned to the kind of preparation and self-management that might be called for in the counsellors who offer such support.