How can you best assist someone who has experienced trauma during PFA?

Listening actively and validating the feelings of someone who has experienced trauma is essential in providing effective Psychological First Aid (PFA). This approach fosters a sense of safety and trust, allowing the individual to express themselves without fear of judgment or dismissal. When a person shares their thoughts and feelings after a traumatic event, acknowledging those feelings helps them feel heard and understood, which is a crucial step in their healing process.

Active listening involves giving full attention to the person, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal affirmations that you are engaged and supportive. This encourages them to talk about their experiences at their own pace, which can help in processing the trauma. Validation of their feelings lets them know that their emotional reactions are normal responses to an abnormal situation, thus supporting their emotional resilience.

In contrast, telling someone to move on quickly, suggesting they should forget, or avoiding discussions about their feelings can invalidate their experiences and emotions, potentially leading to further distress or isolation. Engaging empathetically through active listening and validation can significantly aid in the recovery journey for someone who has suffered trauma.