Debriefing: its evolution and current status

Debriefing, like trauma counseling, and even grief counseling, has been taken up as an instant solution. Some suggest it is a part of the trauma industry. It may be seen as something to hold onto in the face of disaster or other chaos, because it offers the security of a structure, some sense of control over what to do to help when one wishes to undo what has happened, help others and the self, to make meaning of a horrific or shocking experience. The need to pursue a way of responding suggests that those who would offer help fear being overwhelmed, or do not trust their normal compassionate, protecting, and comforting responses. It would be sad if these spontaneous, caring, and altruistic reactions that so bind human society in times of tragedy were devalued or put aside, for they, ultimately are the beginning of the healing process.