International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

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International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. To learn more, visit our website at www.icisf.org.
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ICISF provides support and information about disaster behavioral health to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities throughout the world. (ICISF) is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization and our mission is to be the leader in providing education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to emergency responders, and other professions, organizations and communities worldwide. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved in critical incidents that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after a crises. This process also helps individuals prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle. ICISF provides CISM education, training and resources for individuals interested in becoming part of a crisis management team, or for an organization/profession that is dedicated to helping individuals or groups recover from a crises.

11/22/2025

📢 ATTENTION Future ICISF Instructors! 📢

Mark your calendars! We know you're eager to join the ICISF Approved Instructors! The Save the Dates for the 2026 Approved Instructor Candidate Programs are here!

Whether you're looking to teach Crisis Intervention, CISM Teams, or other specialized/profession specific training, 2026 is your year to step up.

📌 What you need to know now:
- Keep a close watch on the official ICISF website for registration to open
- Start reviewing the prerequisites for each candidate program on our website
- Begin gathering all necessary materials to make the application process smoother

We're announcing the save the date schedule in order for you to plan out your 2026 schedule for the first half of the year! Don't miss your chance to train the next generation of crisis responders.

🔗 Learn More & Keep Checking Back: https://icisf.org/teach-a-course/approved-instructor-candidate-training/

11/21/2025

Childhood shouldn’t feel overwhelming. 📣 ��

Yet so many kids today are battling stress, anxiety, bullying, and pressure without the tools to handle it.

The “Resilient Child” offers a practical, research-backed guide for teaching children and teens the life skill that matters most: resilience.

From everyday challenges to moments of real adversity, this book gives parents a clear formula for helping kids thrive, grow, and recover with confidence.

📘 Get your copy now at www.cismbookstore.com

11/20/2025

🌱 How do YOU stay steady when life throws chaos your way?

Emotional resilience isn’t about “staying tough.” It’s about bouncing forward — adapting, recovering, and growing through challenge. 💪

According to the APA, resilience is “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, or stress.”
And here’s the good news ➡️ You can build it.

✨ Ways to strengthen your emotional resilience:
1️⃣ Recognize your emotions — awareness creates choice.
2️⃣ Stay connected — resilience grows in community.
3️⃣ See challenges as growth — not defeat.

If you support others in crisis (first responders, peer supporters, counselors, educators, veterans’ advocates) — this matters more than ever.

🛠️ Build your resilience with upcoming ICISF courses:

📅 Dec 10–11, 2025
Crisis Informed Peer Paracounseling: Intervention Enhancement to the CISM Continuum

📅 Dec 15–17, 2025
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

📅 Jan 14, 2026
De-Escalation Skills for the Frontline: A Practical Approach

📅 Jan 19–21, 2026
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

Explore all remote-learning options at 👉 icisf.org/remote-learning

💬 How do you personally build your emotional resilience? Share below ⤵️

11/19/2025

🧠 How prepared are you to provide Psychological First Aid when it’s needed most?

When crisis strikes—whether on the job, in your community, or at home—Psychological First Aid (PFA) helps stabilize, comfort, and empower individuals in the immediate aftermath. PFA emphasizes compassionate listening, assessing needs, and connecting people with ongoing support—skills that are vital for first responders, peer supporters, and helping professionals alike.

Ready to strengthen your crisis response toolkit? ICISF’s upcoming courses offer practical, evidence-informed approaches that enhance your ability to assist individuals and groups during times of crisis:

📅 December 10–11, 2025
Crisis Informed Peer Paracounseling: Intervention Enhancement to the CISM Continuum

📅 December 15–17, 2025
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

📅 January 19–21, 2026
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

Take the next step in supporting others—and yourself—through crisis with confidence and compassion. 🔗 https://icisf.org/remote-learning/

11/18/2025

❓Are you a first responder, mental-health professional, educator or veteran seeking to deepen your impact and broaden your community support?

Joining the ICISF as an individual member isn’t just about perks—it’s about connecting, empowering and advancing your ability to respond when it matters most.

✨ What you gain with individual membership:
- Access to a global network of peers who understand trauma, crisis response and high-stress professions.
- Significant discounts on ICISF training courses and conferences. (Facebook)
- The opportunity to elevate your professional profile while supporting the broader mission of resilience and wellness in critical incident response.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Visit https://icisf.org/sections/membership/ to learn more and join today.

11/15/2025

Level up your crisis intervention skills with Dr. Jeffrey M. Lating! 🎓

Dr. Lating, a distinguished Professor of Psychology and experienced trainer for organizations like FEMA, ATF, and the RCMP, teaches our core course: Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention.

This intensive 3-day training combines specialized individual crisis intervention and essential group crisis intervention techniques (like the SAFER-Revised model and CISD). With his extensive background in clinical psychology and training diverse mental health and emergency audiences, Dr. Lating provides the knowledge and tools you need to offer critical "emotional first aid."

Ready to learn from a world-class expert?

➡️ Meet Dr. Lating: https://icisf.org/lating-phd-jeffrey-m/
➡️ Explore the Course: https://icisf.org/speakers-bureau/

11/14/2025

🚨 Calling All COPS Conference Attendees! 🚨

Stop by and see the ICISF team at Booth 103 at the COPS Conference in New Orleans! 🎷✨

We're here and ready to connect with you about the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), our training programs, and how we support first responders, military personnel, and organizations globally.

📍 Where: Booth 103

🗓️ When: Today through the end of the conference!

Come say hello, grab some information, and learn how ICISF can help you build resilience and recovery programs! We can't wait to see you!

11/14/2025

Ready to elevate your crisis intervention expertise and gain international recognition? 🌍

The ICISF Certifications are the world's first university-based certifications in the field of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and psychological crisis intervention. Obtaining a certification like the International Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CCISM) or Peer Paracounseling (CPPC) adds significant value to your professional life.

The Benefits You Gain:
✔️Improved crisis management skills, grounded in research and best practices.
✔️Enhanced career opportunities across fields like emergency response, mental health, and public health.
✔️Recognized expertise within the International CISM Community.

Take the next step in becoming an internationally recognized leader in trauma response.

➡️ Learn more and find your certification path here: https://icisfcertifications.org/

11/13/2025

Ready to make 2026 your most impactful year yet? 🚀

Don't wait until it's too late! Get ahead of the curve and maximize your professional growth by being the first to know about our entire 2026 schedule. Our lineup of essential conferences, cutting-edge training, and exclusive events is designed to give you the knowledge and connections you need to excel.

Sign up for our email list today and get:
✅ First-hand access to all new training dates.
✅ Notifications for early-bird registration discounts.
✅ Specialized conference and event announcements.

Stop playing catch-up—start planning your success now!

Sign Up Here: https://mailchi.mp/icisf.org/email-sign-up

11/12/2025

UPDATE: Due to high interest, we are no longer accepting applications for this position.

🌍 Join Our Team! – Certified Instructor Support Coordinator (Full-Time, Remote)

ICISF is looking for a mission-driven professional to join our Education & Training Department! As a Certified Instructor Support Coordinator, you’ll play a vital role in empowering our global network of Certified Instructors who deliver life-changing crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health training.

✨ Why ICISF?

✅ Make a meaningful impact supporting those who support others
✅ Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team
✅ Enjoy fully remote work with flexible scheduling
✅ Competitive pay ($20–$25/hour), health insurance, and a generous leave package

🧭 About the Role:

You’ll provide advanced administrative support, coordinate trainings and events, manage communications, and help foster instructor success and program excellence—all while contributing to the continuous improvement of our programs.

📩 Learn More & Apply: https://icisf.org/jobs/

Review the complete job description and send your resume and cover letter to HR@icisf.org.

11/12/2025

Are you looking to elevate your organization's ability to respond effectively to critical incidents and ensure the well-being of your staff? 💡

The ICISF Speakers Bureau Program provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for group training in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services. We bring our dynamic, renowned faculty directly to you—virtually or in-person—to present any core ICISF course or create a fully customized program, from keynotes to week-long training, tailored to your agency's unique needs.

Invest in your team's resilience and skill set today.

Learn more and start customizing your training program here: https://icisf.org/speakers-bureau/

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Honoring Service and Mental Fortitude 🇺🇸

On Tuesday, November 11, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) pauses to offer our profound gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Your dedication ensures the freedoms we cherish.

Beyond the uniform, every veteran has faced unique challenges and critical incidents. At ICISF, we understand that service-related stress and trauma are real, and addressing the mental and emotional impact of duty is just as vital as physical well-being.

To our Veteran CISM Peers and Mental Health Professionals: Thank you for leveraging the power of peer support and evidence-based crisis intervention to help your fellow service members and first responders heal and build resilience.

To all Veterans: Please remember you don't have to carry the weight alone. Seeking support is a sign of immense strength. Reach out to the resources available to you.

Today and every day, we honor your service and commit to supporting your enduring strength and resilience. www.icisf.org

Address

3290 Pine Orchard Lane, Ste 106
Ellicott City, MD
21042

Website

http://www.icisf.org/, https://mailchi.mp/icisf.org/email-sign-up

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Our Story

The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF) is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization and our mission is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved in critical incidents that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after an event. This process also helps people prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle.

ICISF provides training for individuals interested in becoming a part of a crisis management team, or for an organization that is dedicated to helping individuals or groups recover from incidents. To learn more, visit our website at www.icisf.org.