Before making a referral for a survivor, what should a PFA provider do?

The understanding that summarizing the discussion about the survivor's needs and concerns is essential before making a referral highlights the importance of actively listening and validating the survivor’s experiences. This process allows the provider to ensure that they comprehend the specific issues and challenges the survivor is facing. By summarizing, the PFA provider can clarify key points, which can lead to more effective referrals tailored to the survivor's unique situation.

This practice also helps to establish trust and rapport with the survivor, making them feel heard and understood, which is critical in the context of Psychological First Aid. It ensures that any recommendation for further support or resources is relevant and directly meets the survivor’s expressed needs, rather than being based solely on assumptions or generalizations.

Gathering resources beforehand is a necessary part of supporting someone, but it is most effective when done in conjunction with a clear understanding of the specific needs of the individual. Discussing personal experiences in detail may not be beneficial in this context, as the focus should remain on the survivor. Lastly, ensuring that a survivor feels distressed is not an appropriate or supportive action; the goal of PFA is to alleviate distress, not to amplify it.