Why we don’t recommend psychological debriefs after distressing events

Group debriefs have long been a part of EAP providers’ offerings to organisations. However, up-to-date research and best practice shows that psychological debriefs at best, do not benefit people’s wellbeing and at worst, have the potential to cause psychological harm. 

People are naturally resilient, and most cope okay through the natural stress response or grieving process without formal intervention. We recommend supporting your people to use their natural support systems such as family, friends, and colleagues/peers. There are also free helplines that provide 24/7 counselling support, so they can access it at a time that best suits them: 13 11 14 (Australia) or 1737 (New Zealand). 

Everyone copes differently so in the unlikely event that a few weeks’ have passed, and you have concerns about how a team member is coping, an appointment with a Clearhead therapist can be arranged. We recommend empowering your team member to book with a Clearhead therapist themselves via the platform, as this is most likely to lead to a helpful outcome. If someone gets stuck trying to make an appointment, we can also assist. 

If you want extra support following a distressing incident, Clearhead can arrange for one of our senior clinicians to provide supportive advice so that you and other people leaders feel confident navigating the situation. To access Clearhead’s workplace support, contact our 24/7 Employer Support Phoneline on 0800 257 433 in NZ, or 03 9917 8572 in Australia. Press 2 for General Client Support and then press 2 again for our Employer Support Phoneline.